Travel day
Dec 26
Begin your travel from home.
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.
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: September 2024
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. |
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.
Begin your travel from home.
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.
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.
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.
Return to Marigot after breakfast to begin your journey home.
Ring in the New Year snorkeling with majestic sperm whales in Dominica’s crystal-clear Caribbean waters!
15.546272972923159, -61.30096434759159
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 | 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.
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.
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.
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.
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
Don’t let a fear of seasickness scare you away! The crossing to and from the Silver Bank is usually calm, but we can encounter rough sea conditions. At the mooring area, the waters are relatively calm. Because we are about 80mi offshore from the Dominican Republic on an ocean frontier, sea conditions are subject to Mother Nature’s many moods. Travelers rarely get seasick while in the tenders. Although you will eventually acquire your “sea legs,” bring seasickness medication. As with all medications, do your own research and consult with your doctor before taking any drugs (even if they are over-the-counter) and especially if you are taking other drugs. Read our suggestions for coping with seasickness and contact us if you have any concerns.
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:
Read our current Terms and Conditions.