Scott DavisTravel day
Dec 26
Begin your travel from home.
Dominica
Snorkel with Sperm Whales
December 26, 2024 to January 3, 2025
Private Trip Available Cost: $8,200
Leader: Scott Davis
Group Size: 4
Days: 9
Safari Overview
Ring in the New Year in Dominica, the enchanting “Nature Island,” where 65% of its lush landscape is forested and vibrant wildlife thrives above and below water. Picture yourself snorkeling in crystal-clear Caribbean waters with majestic sperm whales, the largest toothed whales, during peak season. Around this island, these usually elusive giants have become comfortable with human presence, offering a rare chance to snorkel with them and capture stunning images of these cetaceans in their watery world. Female sperm whales and their calves often stay in the warm waters near the island year-round, while the males journey to the poles in search of deep-water squid. Spend four days, weather permitting, aboard the boat seeking opportunities to slide into the water and experience intimate encounters with these magnificent whales. Dive into this once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with unforgettable encounters and stunning memories.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Plunge into the realm of sperm whales with four days of in-water encounters.
- Maximize your time in the water with an exclusive small group.
- Revel in the serene blue waters and vibrant marine life.
- Enjoy the island’s authentic charm and tranquility, tucked away from the usual tourist crowds.
- Celebrate the New Year with your travel companions and island locals.
Note: This map shows general locations from the itinerary. Changes may based on weather.
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
 |  |  |
Itinerary Updated: September 2024
Print Trip
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 26 | Travel day | ||
| Dec 27 | Arrive in Dominica and travel across the island to Portsmouth. | The Champs Hotel, Portsmouth | D |
| Dec 28–31 | Enjoy four full days with the sperm whales. | The Champs Hotel, Portsmouth | B, L, D |
| Jan 1 | Celebrate the New Year with your choice of group activity. | The Champs Hotel, Portsmouth | B, L, D |
| Jan 2 | Depart for home. | B | |
| Jan 3 | Arrive home. |
Our Trip Leaders
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Scott Davis
Scott, co-owner and co-CEO of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, is an expert wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. Trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, he's explored all seven continents for research and photography. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and other prestigious publications have featured his inspiring work. Scott's passion for teaching and talent for capturing the essence of his subjects make him a highly sought-after tour leader.
Detailed Itinerary
A glimpse into our journey
Arrive in Marigot, Dominica
Dec 27
Fly into Marigot, Dominica. Upon arrival, our local agent will transfer you across the island from the airport to your hotel in Portsmouth. If you would like to arrive earlier, we can arrange divergent airport transfers and extra nights.
Whale watching and possible in-water encounters
Dec 28–31
The waters surrounding Dominica are a haven for a diverse array of whale species including False Killer Whales, Short-finned Pilot Whales, dolphins, baleen whales, beaked whales, and the iconic sperm whale. While many consider themselves fortunate to catch a glimpse of a sperm whale from afar even once in their lives, our goal is to observe these majestic creatures up close, with hopes to gently enter the water to witness their world firsthand. Although sperm whales are the main focus, we may also encounter other cetaceans like humpbacks, pilot whales, false killer whales, and playful dolphins, along with seabirds such as Brown Boobies and Royal Terns.
There may be moments of waiting as you track the daily movements of the sperm whale pods, but during these times, you can search for other marine life or snorkel nearby reefs.
New Year’s Day group activity
Jan 1
After a fun night of New Year’s celebrations, spend the first day of the new year enjoying an activity of the group’s choosing.
Depart for home
Jan 2
Return to Marigot after breakfast to begin your journey home.
Arrive home
Jan 3
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $8,200 |
| Single Supplement | Contact us |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $1,500 |
| Final Payment | October 15, 2024 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm the reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the canceled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, cruising and port fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Accommodations for the nights of December 27 through January 1.
- Transfers on December 27 and January 2 between The Champs Hotel and Marigot Airport.
- Four daytime excursions on board the boat
- Meals from dinner on December 27 through breakfast on January 2.
- Gratuities for dinner services.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees. Round-trip airfare is approximately $1,500 to $1,900 between the US and Marigot depending on origin.
- Passport and visa fees.
- COVID tests.
- Divergent airport transfers (arranged by us) and extra hotel nights.
- Gratuities – tipping is always discretionary. However, we suggest budgeting about $200 per participant for the hotel staff, drivers, and local boat guide and driver.
- Emergency evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
December and January are a great time to visit Dominica, with daytime temperatures ranging from the low to mid-80s°F (27 to 30°C), while mornings and evenings may be cool. Humidity can also be high, but ocean breezes often provide some cooling. The water temperatures can average between 80 and 83°F (26 to 29°C) during these months. You can expect clear skies and strong sunshine but be ready for some wind and the occasional rain shower.
Fitness Level
The greatest fitness demand of this trip will be swimming. You will be snorkeling in deep open ocean with large animals and will always be accompanied in the water by a professional guide. You do not need to be an excellent swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water, snorkeling, and getting in and out of the water via a boat ladder. The level of your swimming ability can determine the depth and enjoyment of your experience. Every in-water interaction is different, and in some encounters, you will float quietly while the whales come to you. More often, however, you must swim to position yourselves and, at times, swim in parallel with a slow-moving relaxed whale. For these reasons, improving your swimming fitness before the voyage will benefit your experience. Getting in the water is not required if you prefer to observe from the boat. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging or if you don’t have experience snorkeling but would like to join this trip.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Marigot, Dominica (DOM) by 2:00pm on December 27.
- Depart from Marigot, Dominica (DOM) after 8:00am on January 2.
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to seasickness or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding seasickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.