- 🐋 Four days of 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 rainforest hikes to vibrant coral reef snorkeling.
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: a misty blow broke the surface. Guests slipped into the sea, floating quietly in the blue. A mother and calf appeared, gliding gracefully past. The calf, curious and playful, approached the snorkelers, creating a surreal moment of inter-species connection.
Other guests observed pods engaging in social “logging”—resting at the surface together—or watched as whales lifted their massive tails high before diving deep into the depths. Each encounter was a humbling and unforgettable experience.
Sperm Whales© Scott Davis
Dolphins© Mark Langston
Sperm Whales© Scott Davis
Sperm Whale© Scott Davis
Sperm Whales© Scott Davis
Sperm Whale© Scott Davis
Sperm Whale© Scott Davis
Snorkeler with Sperm Whale© Mark Langston
Sperm Whale© Scott Davis
Dolphins and Sperm Whales© Mark Langston
Sperm Whale© Mark Langston
Sperm Whale© Mark Langston
Beyond the Whales: Discover Dominica’s Natural Wonders
While the close encounters with sperm whales were undeniably the heart of the journey, Dominica’s lush, untouched landscapes added an entirely new dimension to the adventure. Known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, Dominica is a sanctuary for both marine and terrestrial biodiversity—offering endless opportunities to connect with nature on land.
Guests immersed themselves in the island’s rich ecological tapestry between sea excursions, exploring an array of unforgettable natural and cultural experiences:
- 🦜 Rainforest treks led deep into Dominica’s verdant interior, where towering tree ferns and orchids surrounded guests on the path to secluded waterfalls cascading into cool jungle pools. Along the way, they discovered natural hot springs, steam vents, and mud baths—reminders of the island’s volcanic origins.
- 🐠 Snorkeling adventures revealed vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical reef fish, sea turtles, and colorful sponges. Each dip beneath the surface brought new discoveries in some of the Caribbean’s most pristine underwater ecosystems.
- 🏝️ Explorations of quiet beaches and coastal villages allowed guests to slow down and experience the warm, welcoming spirit of island life. They wandered through open-air markets, sampled local fruits, and admired the colorful Creole-style architecture that lines the shores of fishing towns like Soufrière and Scott’s Head.
- 🎶 New Year’s Eve was a celebration to remember—a joyful night shared with local islanders filled with music, dancing, Caribbean cuisine, and heartfelt camaraderie. Guests rang in the new year surrounded by the rhythms and flavors of Dominica, capping off their adventure with unforgettable island magic.
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.
Looking Ahead: Swim with Humpbacks in Silver Bank
Though Cheesemans’ Dominica sperm whale trips are currently unscheduled, 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 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? 🐋🌊