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Swimming with Sperm Whales
Dominica
Recognised by Travel + Leisure as one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and responsible wildlife experiences, our Dominica sperm whale safari offers rare opportunities to swim alongside resident sperm whales in the only place on Earth where they live year-round. The experience is led by an expert team of marine guides and photographers, including Patrick Dykstra, the Emmy-nominated filmmaker behind Patrick and the Whale, whose work has helped redefine ethical whale encounters. Over seven days in Dominica’s warm Caribbean waters, guests benefit from an unrivalled understanding of sperm whale behaviour, ensuring respectful, in-water encounters at close range. Carefully designed by our destination specialists, each itinerary combines world-class whale experiences with Dominica’s rainforest landscapes, volcanic hot springs, and exceptional accommodation, creating a deeply immersive marine adventure.
WHY BOOK THIS TRIP
- Our top-level guides know how to read whale behavior, how to place you in the best possible water-side moments, and—and most importantly—how to do it all with empathy and care.
- Find out why Travel + Leisure featured our trip as the top way to swim with whales in Dominica ethically and responsibly and an “adventure of a lifetime.”
- Become one of the very few people in the world permitted each year to enter the water with Dominica’s resident sperm whale population—an extraordinary, humbling privilege.
- True Access. No Greenwashing. This is the real thing: a permitted, ethical experience with wild whales—no enclosures, no feeding, no mass tourism.
- From rainforest waterfalls and natural hot springs to vibrant local culture, Dominica is a nature lover’s paradise—home to more inland freshwater than any other Caribbean island.
Your Example Day by Day:
Day 1 - Arrive in Dominica
Today you arrive in to Dominica and you will need to hail a local taxi (payable direct) to take you to your accommodation where you can settle in and prepare yourself for the adventures of the coming days. Depending on what time you arrive you may have chance to relax on the beach after your journey.
Accommodation: Fort Young Hotel
Days 2 - 6 - Swimming with Sperm Whales
For the next few days your skipper and guide will analyse the weather and movements of the sperm whales to get you in the right place at the right time to see these magnificent creatures and if the conditions allow it, swim with them too. These gentle giants reach over 20 metres in length but despite their size, pose no threat to humans. Combine your time photographing these whales, swimming with them and observing them from the boat but don’t forget to take a moment just comprehending the incredible experience you are witnessing! In your spare time you can choose to relax around the hotel or visit hot springs.
Accommodation: Fort Young Hotel
Day 7 - Depart Dominica
Say goodbye to your guides, as you bid farewell to the island of Dominica and to the families of sperm whales you have come to know and love over the past week. Relax on your flight home as you’ll have hours of work trawling through your photographs when you get home!
"Working with NWS really changed my life. Knowing that you can fill basically any trip that I can dream up and run is incredibly liberating. I probably wouldn't have been able to work on Blue Planet 2 or other projects if it wasn't for this support. NWS are awesome. I look forward to more great trips going forward."
Ocean's Edge
Ocean’s Edge Hotel, a hidden gem in Dominica’s heart, caters to adventurers and business travelers. This cosy hotel offers an authentic Caribbean experience with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
The spacious rooms at Ocean's Edge Hotel are furnished with all the contemporary conveniences required for an enjoyable stay, and they are designed to maximise comfort and relaxation. The ocean-view rooms offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the lush tropical surrounds, and they are attractively designed in island-themed colours. The Ocean's Edge Hotel is proud of its superior service and meticulous attention to every last detail. Whether guests need assistance with arranging tours or want suggestions for the top spots to visit on the island, the helpful staff is always on hand to make sure their stays are relaxing and stress-free.
The hotel has a number of features designed to improve the overall stay for guests, including a restaurant and bar that look out over the water. Ocean's Edge Hotel is the ideal starting point for experiencing all that Dominica has to offer because it is close to the island's finest attractions, including famous diving locations and natural hot springs.
Families, groups of friends, whale watchers, hikers, divers, business travellers, and explorers all love to visit Ocean's Edge Hotel. It offers possibilities to discover the island's beauty and charm while also accommodating those who need to be close to the commercial district.
Dates & Prices Swimming with Sperm Whales
| Date | Guests | Trip Length | Trip Style | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31st Jan - 6th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 5th - 11th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 10th - 16th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 15th - 21st Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 20th - 26th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 25th Feb - 3rd Mar 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 31st Jan - 6th Feb 2027 | 6 | 7 Days | Small Group with Joshua Barton | 10000 | |
| 5th - 11th Feb 2027 | 6 | 7 Days | Small Group with Joshua Barton | 10000 | |
| 10th - 16th Feb 2027 | 6 | 7 Days | Small Group with Joshua Barton | 10000 | |
| 15th - 21st Feb 2027 | 6 | 7 Days | Small Group with Joshua Barton | 10000 |
Talk to a Dominica Destination Specialist today
Client Reviews
- —Virginia Tuscano, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales, March 2026
We recently participated in NWS Dominica Swimming with Sperm Whales. The experience was magical! We truly were on a water safari - tracking the whales off the coast of Dominica. The team of guides were expert at educating us about the whales, their biology and their environment. The team was very respectful of the whales while offering us the most amazing close-up experiences with momma, juvenile and baby sperm whales.
- —David Fritz, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales, March 2026
NWS provided a truly unique wildlife encounter experience with the sperm whales of Dominica. Our naturalist/guide, Patrick Dykstra, made this not only a thoroughly informative experience but also kept it light and entertaining. Thank you NWS for curating this remarkable opportunity for me to see these amazing beings in their world, not mine, under the water.
- —Deirdre S, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales
This trip was great and we saw some incredible wildlife sightings including the sperm whales and other marine species!
- —Tammy Donnelly, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales, June 2025
The staff of Natural World Safaris was wonderful to work with. We spent an amazing week on Dominica staying at the Fort Young Hotel and exploring some of the island. The highlight of course was the 5 day boat trip they had arranged for us to snorkel with the sperm whales. Our guide Patrick Dykstra was so knowledgeable. He and the boat crew Stinger, Nigel and Marcus were lots of fun and made it a great adventure. A trip me and my family will never ever forget. I highly recommend this company and will definitely use them again!!
- —Mark Woolley, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales, June 2024
NWS have given me some of the best memories of my life on a trip to Dominica. I booked a trip to swim with Sperm Whales. Most people (including myself) would consider this to be impossible. However in June 2024 myself and a friend were in the ocean with these wonderful gentle creatures on 22 separate occasions on a 5 day trip. Sometimes we were metres away and swimming along side them for up to 10 minutes. Memories to last a lifetime. Thank you NWS. I recommend you give them a call and speak to someone in their office who has been on one of these trips. Just Call them and Book a trip
- —Maarten D, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales
Patrick was awesome, a stunning expert, he knew everything with high respect for nature and animals. His good sense of humour was well-received as he paid equal attention to each of us.