Sperm Whales in Dominica
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Sperm Whales in Dominica

Workshop Overview

Location

Dominica, Lesser Antilles

Duration

3 to 5-Day Workshops

Guests

4 – 6 Guests

Dates

Additional information

Dates (Sperm Whale)

November 30 — December 9, 2024

Coulibri Ridge Eco Lodge — Award-Winning Eco Lodge — Condé Nast 2023 Hot List

“This sleek eco-resort is proof positive that a sustainable stay doesn’t have to be a bare-bones experience; it can be luxurious and pampering, too.” – Condé Nast  (Read Full Review Here)

Dominica has the prestigious distinction of becoming the first and only Sperm Whale Sanctuary in the World

Dominica’s west coast hosts approximately five sperm whale families, each with five to nine cetaceans. Females and their calves comprise the majority of these groups. Occasionally you will encounter a male, 45 to 55 feet long, easily recognizable being thirty percent larger than the females. Frequently a family will socialize playing in the water, while other times they may remain stationary, totally vertical in the water. Sometimes the pod will swim slowly, allowing you to fin alongside with them, while other times their speed picks up as we follow them until they suddenly stop, apparently waiting for us. Each encounter offers a different opportunity, one more exhilarating and awe-inspiring than the next.

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Location

Dominica, Lesser Antilles

Schedule

3 – 5 Day Workshop

First Day: Arrival

Your adventure begins from Puerto Rico (ideal for travelers from the USA). You’ll land at Melville Hall Airport, Dominica, where a taxi will be waiting for you.

 3 – 5 Days of Sperm Whale Searching and Encounters

Get ready for five fulfilling days of exploring Dominica’s waters, searching to swim with sperm whales in Dominica . You may also encounter other cetacean species native to these azure waters. Throughout the journey, we’ll ensure you’re well-provisioned with plenty of tropical fruit, beverages, and a satisfying lunch on board. The sea conditions typically range from calm to moderate, with winds picking up in the afternoon.

Last Day: Departure

The time comes to bid farewell to Dominica. We’ll arrange for your return transfer to the airport, ensuring a smooth end to your memorable journey with these magnificent creatures.

 

Conditions

Temperature
Water 80 – 82°F (26 – 28°C)
Land 76 – 84°F (24 – 29°C)

Visibility
80 – 100 feet (25 – 30 meters)

Accommodations

Coulibri Ridge

Arranged through the beautiful Coulibri Resort, providing a Seaview Studio suite, all fees and permit, breakfast and lunch, transportation from/to airport, transportation from/to boat, daily end of day instructor-led yoga session, and a half-day kayaking/snorkeling in the Soufriere Marine Reserve.

  • five-night stay (3 days of swimming with the whales) start at US $9,800 per person
  • seven-night stay (5 days of swimming with the whales) start at US $13,500 per person.

Please visit their website for more details
Coulibri Ridge Dominica

 

Included

  • 3 – 5 days of searching and swimming with sperm whales in Dominica
  • 5 – 7 nights, shared hotel accommodations
  • Lunch on the boat
  • Coulibri Ridge provides breakfast and dinner
  • Whale swimming permit
  • Extensive photo coaching and expedition leadership from Amos Nachoum
  • All taxes

Excluded

  • All flights — International and domestic
  • Alcohol
  • Single hotel occupancy
  • Rental gear
  • Unused part of the itinerary
  • Personal charges such as laundry, fishing, or telecommunication charges
  • Gratuities

What more can we tell you?

Workshop Video

Whale Safety Policy

 

Our dedication to the conservation of these incredible marine creatures is uncompromising. We adhere stringently to the guidelines set by international law which dictate respectful interaction with marine wildlife. Key regulations include

  • Adherence to Distance Guidelines: strictly adhere to the internationally recognized 100-yard rule, which means we maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from the whales at all times, ensuring their personal space is respected and they are not startled or disturbed. When you see us near the whales, they’ve come to us first!
  • Avoiding Obstruction: We never position ourselves in the path of a whale, or attempt to redirect their course. This allows the whales to navigate freely and prevents potential stress or confusion.

 

  • No Sudden Movements: When in the water, our actions are calculated and gentle. Sudden, frantic movements can alarm whales, causing unnecessary distress. We’re there to observe and appreciate, not to interfere.
  • Absolutely No Touching or Feeding: Physical contact with the whales is strictly forbidden, as is feeding them. Both these actions disrupt natural behaviors and can be harmful to the whales. We’re visitors in their world, and we respect their natural ways of life.
  •  Limited Interaction Time: Our time spent with each individual or group of whales is limited. We monitor our interactions closely, ensuring we don’t overstay our welcome and potentially cause disturbance.
  • Rotating Swim Groups: Rotating Swim Groups: To minimize our impact, we rotate our swim groups. Our group in water is primarily only two, when cetacean are calm we send only two more swimmer. Sometime only one. This approach limits the number of people in the water at any given time, reducing potential stress for the whales.
  • Conduct Briefings: Prior to each interaction, we conduct briefings for all participants. This includes information on whale behavior, our interaction guidelines, and what to do in various situations. This ensures everyone is well-informed and prepared.
  • Active Monitoring: We continually assess the whales’ behavior during our interactions. If we see signs of distress , avoidance, or frequent change of course, we immediately cease the interaction and retreat.
  • Advocacy and Education: Part of our mission is to educate our participants about the importance of whale conservation. We promote respectful wildlife interactions, and we hope our participants will carry these lessons with them, spreading the message of conservation even further.

By maintaining these practices, we can enjoy this amazing experience while ensuring the well-being of these magnificent marine creatures, whose comfort and safety is are our top priority.

Reservations

Booking Options

You can reserve now by either paying a 33% deposit through our online reservation system or by mailing a check.

If you’d prefer to mail a check to our office or arrange for a wire transfer, please get in touch with us via the Contact BigAnimals form below

Reserve Now

$9,800.00

In stock

Arranged through Coulibri Resort. * Prices for a five-night stay (3 days of swimming with the whales) start at US $9,800 per person, and for a seven-night stay (5 days of swimming with the whales) start at US $13,50 per person. Included is a Seaview Studio suite and include all fees and permit, full board, daily transportation to and from boat, and on property presentation by Amos Nachoum.Please visit their website for more details Coulibri Resort

Pay a deposit of 33% per item

Payment policy and deposit

All trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed. In order to join an expedition, you are required to carry trip, health, and dive (if applicable) insurance. This information as well as your passport photo will be requested after you place your deposit. Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
All prices $USD
Dates and pricing are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, animal behavior, and currency fluctuation.

Reserve by Check*

Email your interest in the Please mail deposit check to:

Big Animals LLC
189 Evans Avenue, Suite A
Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA

Description

Swimming with Whales in Dominica

Additional information

Dates (Sperm Whale)

November 30 — December 9, 2024