- 🐋 Four days of opportunity for in-water encounters with sperm whales in their natural habitat.
- 🌊 Small group size (just 4 participants) for maximum time in the water.
- 🐬 Wildlife diversity, including pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
- 📸 Professional guidance from biologist and photographer Scott Davis to help capture each incredible moment.
- 🌴 Immersive island experiences, from coastal village walks to vibrant sunsets and island hospitality.
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
Snorkeling with Giants: Dive into an Unforgettable Sperm Whale Encounter in Dominica
Swim alongside the largest toothed predator on Earth—Dominica’s resident sperm whales—in a once-in-a-lifetime Caribbean adventure. In the crystal-clear waters of this pristine island nation, guests on Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris came face-to-face with these awe-inspiring marine giants, gaining a rare and intimate glimpse into their underwater world.
Why the Caribbean is a Whale-Watching Paradise
The Caribbean Sea is a global hotspot for marine megafauna, offering year-round whale watching in some of the most biologically rich waters on the planet. Dominica, located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales reside year-round, while nearby Silver Bank—a shallow underwater plateau north of the Dominican Republic—hosts migrating humpback whales each winter.
While Dominica provides encounters with sperm whales in their natural family pods, Silver Bank offers the chance to float quietly as massive humpbacks swim past, often singing their haunting songs. Both destinations highlight the Caribbean’s extraordinary marine biodiversity and make the region a must-visit for eco-travelers and ocean lovers alike.
Trip Highlights:
Dominica: The Nature Island Adventure
Dominica’s volcanic peaks, lush jungles, and unspoiled beaches create a dramatic and captivating landscape. Upon arrival, guests traveled along winding coastal roads lined with waterfalls and tropical vegetation to reach Portsmouth, the jumping-off point for their marine expedition.
Between whale outings, guests snorkeled over colorful coral reefs, trekked through the rainforest to discover hidden waterfalls, and relaxed in natural hot springs. A festive New Year’s Eve celebration with locals brought music, laughter, and a warm sense of Caribbean hospitality to the adventure.
Sperm Whale Encounters: A Rare and Powerful Experience
Each day, the group boarded a specially outfitted 30-ft vessel designed to approach whales responsibly. With hydrophones in the water, they listened for the clicks of echolocation—the signature sound of nearby sperm whales.
Then came the moment: the echolocation clicks were heard and whales were spotted. Guests slipped into the sea, floating quietly in the blue. A large sperm whale appeared, gliding gracefully past. The guests watched the whale effortlessly swim by and then dive, disappearing slowly into the deep blue.
Besides in-water swimming, other guests watched as whales lifted their massive tails high before diving deep into the depths. Each encounter was a humbling and unforgettable experience.
Beyond the Whales: Discover Dominica’s Natural Wonders
While close encounters with sperm whales were the centerpiece of the trip, the relaxed pace of life on Dominica added a special richness to the experience. Known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, Dominica offered the perfect setting to unwind, connect, and enjoy island hospitality.
When not out at sea, guests:
- 🏝️ Visited the coastal village and quiet beaches, where colorful markets and Creole-style homes showcased the island’s culture. It was a chance to experience the warmth and friendliness that Dominica is known for.
- 🌅 Gathered each evening to watch spectacular sunsets over the Caribbean Sea, a simple but unforgettable highlight as the sky lit up with incredible colors.
- 🎉 Celebrated New Year’s Eve with a festive dinner gathering, sharing local food, good company, and plenty of laughter as they welcomed the new year together in true island style.From soaring mountain peaks to turquoise bays, Dominica is a land of dramatic contrasts and untamed beauty—making it the perfect backdrop for a truly transformative travel experience.
Dominica’s welcoming spirit, stunning landscapes, and relaxed pace made it the perfect complement to the excitement of time spent with the whales—creating memories both on the water and on land.
Looking Ahead: Swim with Humpbacks in Silver Bank
While Cheesemans’ Dominica sperm whale trips are not currently scheduled, you can still experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with another gentle giant: the humpback whale. Join us at Silver Bank, one of the world’s top destinations for soft in-water whale interactions.
Why Choose Cheesemans’ Silver Bank Safari?
- 🐳 Five days of snorkeling with humpback whales in calm Caribbean waters
- 📷 Expert guidance from professional naturalists and photographer Scott Davis
- 🌍 Small group size (maximum of 19 participants) for intimate encounters
- 🎓 Evening presentations on whale behavior, marine ecology, and conservation
- 🐋 Witness breaching whales, singing males, and mother-calf pairs in their natural environment
Your Next Adventure Awaits!
If swimming with sperm whales in Dominica stirred your passion for marine life, don’t miss your chance to snorkel with humpback whales at Silver Bank in 2026. This extraordinary journey offers powerful, close encounters guided by experts who prioritize conservation and respectful wildlife interaction.
👉 Start planning your next unforgettable adventure: Snorkel with Humpbacks at Silver Bank
The ocean’s giants are waiting—when will you dive in? 🐋🌊