- 🐋 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.
At Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, our passion for wildlife extends far beyond observation. We are deeply committed to conservation, ensuring our adventures help protect the delicate ecosystems and communities we visit. Every journey is designed with purpose—where travel becomes a force for good.
From funding research to empowering local communities, here’s how traveling with Cheesemans helps safeguard the natural world.
1. Conservation-Driven Itineraries
Every safari supports real conservation work through partnerships with trusted organizations. From protecting endemic species in the Galápagos to funding anti-poaching in Africa, your travel directly contributes to preserving wildlife and habitats around the world.
Our Impact Includes:
- Galápagos Islands: A portion of your trip supports the Charles Darwin Foundation, aiding in protection of endemic species and invasive species control.
- Africa: Your safari helps fund anti-poaching efforts and supports wildlife reserves protecting endangered animals like rhinos and elephants.
- Antarctica: We follow strict environmental protocols and collaborate with scientists conducting climate change research in fragile polar regions.
2. Small-Group, Low-Impact Travel
Smaller groups mean reduced environmental impact and better wildlife encounters. This model allows us to tread lightly while offering you more personal and immersive experiences in nature.
What this means for you:
- Minimal habitat disturbance and reduced stress on wildlife.
- Eco-conscious accommodations with sustainability at their core are what we strive for on each and every trip and we book at ecolodges whenever possible.
- Personal engagement with local guides, conservationists, and communities.
Travel responsibly, experience more.
Our small-group model ensures your journey is both ethical and immersive.
3. Partnering with Conservation Organizations
We actively collaborate with leading conservation organizations, giving travelers exclusive access to learn from those on the front lines of wildlife protection. We offset all trip emissions, including travel-related carbon, through trusted climate partners. This ensures each journey remains environmentally responsible while supporting renewable energy, forest protection, and sustainability efforts worldwide.
Key Partners Include:
- Save the Rhino Trust (Namibia): Work to protect and conserve the desert-adapted black rhino through anti-poaching efforts, monitoring, and community engagement.
- South Georgia Heritage Trust (Antarctica): Committed to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of South Georgia. Established in 2005, SGHT has spearheaded significant projects to restore and protect the island’s unique ecosystems and historical sites.
- Serengeti Watch (Tanzania): They seek to promote the mindset that conservation, rather than an “animal versus people” mentality, is the key to development. They use an integrated approach including education, women’s empowerment, radio programming, and community engagement to protect the Serengeti.
Each partnership offers behind-the-scenes insights into real-world conservation work.
You don’t just visit—you learn, support, and contribute.
Check out our Conservsation page where you can read
about each of our in-country and global partners!
4. Supporting Local Communities
We partner with local communities and conservation groups to protect ecosystems and empower sustainable development. Your trip supports efforts like wildlife corridors, education programs, and habitat restoration globally.
How We Make an Impact:
- Hiring expert local guides, providing fair wages and meaningful career opportunities.
- Supporting conservation education programs that empower local residents.
- Encouraging fair-trade shopping, supporting artisans who use eco-friendly materials.
Your travel dollars create positive ripple effects—
helping preserve culture, reduce poaching, and promote stewardship of the land.
5. Conservation Through Photography
Your photos can support wildlife conservation by raising awareness and contributing to research. Sharing images with platforms like iNaturalist or researchers helps document species, track behaviors, and inspire others to protect nature. We encourage ethical photography that respects animal space and promotes conservation storytelling.
You can contribute by:
- Capturing and sharing images that raise awareness for threatened species.
- Participating in citizen science, submitting images to help researchers track animal behavior and movements.
📷 Let your lens make a difference!
6. Contributing to Conservation Beyond Your Trip
Our mission doesn’t end when your safari does. We encourage guests to continue supporting conservation by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the causes they connected with. By staying engaged, you become a long-term advocate for the wildlife and communities you’ve encountered.
Here’s how you can keep supporting conservation at home:
- Donate to conservation groups you encountered on your safari.
- Live sustainably—adopt eco-conscious habits in your daily routine.
- Advocate and educate—share your experiences to inspire others.
- Stay informed on conservation issues and policies worldwide.
Traveling with Cheesemans is just the beginning of your conservation journey.
Join Us and Make a Difference
At Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, conservation isn’t an afterthought—it’s at the heart of everything we do. By joining one of our expeditions, you’re not just experiencing the world’s most spectacular wildlife—you’re becoming part of a global movement to protect it.
👉 Ready to travel with purpose?
Visit our trips page to start making a difference through adventure.
🚀 Explore trips & book now:
Explore Our Expeditions | Contact Us for Assistance
Plan Your Next Adventure:
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? 🐋🌊