Swim with Sperm Whales, Dominica March 2023

Jt
Just the Wild
  • Email address verified
37 reviews
Mar 16 - Apr 7, 2023
Group size: 1 - 24
Swim with Sperm Whales, Dominica March 2023
Dominica

Just the Wild
  • Email address verified
37 reviews

Mar 16 - Apr 7, 2023
Group size: 1 - 24

About this trip

There are only two or three places in the world where you can swim with these amazing whales. Dominica in the Caribbean is one of the best, and to keep it that way the government has a strict permitting process.


We have been granted multiple 5 day permits to take guests to swim with the largest carnivore on the planet. 


No SCUBA certification needed.


We will be running multiple sessions to Dominica to spend our days swimming with these amazing animals. Under the permit these are very small groups up to 6 maximum. 


We’ve charted a boat just for us, and we'll get up to 8 hours a day to find and swim with these gentle giants. Given the population in Dominica is year round, we predict a high likelihood of frequent encounters. Those times when we're not seeing them, there are plenty of other mammals to keep us occupied, here's just a few that are commonly seen, Remember though, nothing is guaranteed, and they are wild animals, it’s up to them if they are around. 

        - False killer whales

        - Spinner, bottlenose,  and spotted Dolphins

        - Pilot whales


Basic Itinerary for these trips.

Day 1. Land in Dominica and be transferred to our accommodations on the North West side of the island

Day 2- 6. Breakfast then head out to swim with Sperm Whales and anything else we see!!!

Day 7. Transfer back to Airport for your flights home.

What’s included

  • Accommodation
    6 nights accommodation inc. breakfast
  • Permit
    Government permit fee
  • Airport Transfers
    Airport Transfers on expedition arrival and departure dates
  • Boat days
    5 days out on the water (~8am - 3:30pm)
  • Lunch onboard
    Lunch and refreshments onboard expedition vessel

What’s not included

  • Flights
    International and Domestic flights
  • Equipment
    No rental gear - best to bring your own as there is limited options on the island
  • Travel Insurance
    Strongly recommended
  • Private Transfers
    Any airport transfer outside the arrival and departure dates of each session
  • Gratuities
    Tips for crew
  • Additional expenses
    Personal expenses, dinners, alcoholic drinks

Available Packages

Session 1 - March 16 - March 22

These sessions are led by Aimee Jan (@oceanaimee), photographer and guide for Just the Wild. She is an acclaimed photographer, and has also been a guide on Ningaloo reef in Western Australia for the past 10 + years. Taking clients from all over the world to swim with whale sharks, mantas, humpback whales, and frequently up close with tiger sharks. 


We're excited to have Aimee guide these expeditions not only is she an accomplished photographer, but her calm nature, patience, and respect for the animals will aid in bringing you exceptional encounters. 

$5,190
Deposit:$1,500
Session 2 - March 22 - March 28

These sessions are led by Aimee Jan (@oceanaimee), photographer and guide for Just the Wild. She is an acclaimed photographer, and has also been a guide on Ningaloo reef in Western Australia for the past 10 + years. Taking clients from all over the world to swim with whale sharks, mantas, humpback whales, and frequently up close with tiger sharks. 


We're excited to have Aimee guide these expeditions not only is she an accomplished photographer, but her calm nature, patience, and respect for the animals will aid in bringing you exceptional encounters. 

$5,190
Deposit:$1,500
Session 3 - March 27 - April 2

These sessions are led by Aimee Jan (@oceanaimee), photographer and guide for Just the Wild. She is an acclaimed photographer, and has also been a guide on Ningaloo reef in Western Australia for the past 10 + years. Taking clients from all over the world to swim with whale sharks, mantas, humpback whales, and frequently up close with tiger sharks. 


We're excited to have Aimee guide these expeditions not only is she an accomplished photographer, but her calm nature, patience, and respect for the animals will aid in bringing you exceptional encounters. 


** No single supplement available this session.**

$5,190
Deposit:$1,500
Session 4 - April 1 - April 7

These sessions are led by Aimee Jan (@oceanaimee), photographer and guide for Just the Wild. She is an acclaimed photographer, and has also been a guide on Ningaloo reef in Western Australia for the past 10 + years. Taking clients from all over the world to swim with whale sharks, mantas, humpback whales, and frequently up close with tiger sharks. 


We're excited to have Aimee guide these expeditions not only is she an accomplished photographer, but her calm nature, patience, and respect for the animals will aid in bringing you exceptional encounters. 

$5,190
Deposit:$1,500

Available options

Single Supplement Session 1
$1,050
Sold Out

Book a single room for your session if you're a solo traveler and don't wish to share. These can be limited.

Single Supplement Session 2
$1,050
Sold Out

Book a single room for your session if you're a solo traveler and don't wish to share. These are limited.

Single Supplement Session 4
$1,050
Sold Out

Book a single room for your session if you're a solo traveler and don't wish to share. These are limited.



Your Organizer


Jt
Just the Wild
37 reviews
Joined in July 2022
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Reviews

Everything was exceptional during this adventure in Dominica. The experience of swimming with these gentle giants and observing them was nothing short of breath taking. The expedition leader Kellon, was a phenomenal guide, who answered our inquisitive questions and facilitated the most naturally surreal encounters with these beauties. This being my second tour with ‘Just the Wild’, I can hands down say that the experiences that they offer of ethically viewing these stunning animals will leave a lasting impression on you, I’ll definitely be back again.
By Corey D for Swim with Sperm Whales, Dominica November 2024 on Dec 09, 2024
MS
Fantastic week, the most ethical encounters - with Caine as a wonderful guide
By Madeline S for Swim with Blue Whales - Timor Leste, November 2024 on Nov 29, 2024
Everything was awesome! Aimee is an absolute joy - so professional and kind. Caine was so easy to work with and aquatica is a first rate operator! Swimming w the blue whales a life changing experience!!! Can’t wait to come back :)
By Lady F for Swim with Blue Whales - Timor Leste, November 2024 on Nov 29, 2024
Caine was swift in his responses and informative leading up the trip. The pre-trip packet addresses any questions I would have thought to ask in preparation. All the booking, arrival/departure, accommodation, and transport was seamless. The hotel staff could not have been more pleasant and accommodating, they immediately felt like family. I had no idea what to expect encountering sperm whales and was met with multiple days of incredible encounters and engagement. Expedition leader Kellon, with the expertise of Pernell and support of John, provided (along with the curiosity from the pod we encountered) an exceptional experience with the safety of the animals and our group foremost in mind. They are really focused on providing the best experience within the limits of weather and wildlife which are never guaranteed. Just the Wild has most experienced and respected crew in Dominica for this type of expedition. I felt safe and well instructed which enabled me to fully immerse and enjoy these encounters. I will book this trip again. Our group shared laughs, knowledge and travel stories; arriving strangers and leaving friends. As far as what a sperm whale encounter imprints on you, I suggest you book to find out.
By Meg R for Swim with Sperm Whales, Dominica November 2024 on Nov 22, 2024
An experience of a lifetime! We saw whales up close every single day. Sometimes we were so close to friendly whales that we had to back up from them! The best part about Just the Wild is that they respect all of the marine wildlife that we see. Other boats may harass and not leave the whales alone, but it feels good being with Just the Wild because you can count on being in a respectful group. I will never forget on Day One being so close to a humpback that we looked into each other's eyes. No words can describe the feeling--it must be experienced.
By Christine R for 2024 Humpback Whale Expedition, Mo'orea French Polynesia on Nov 20, 2024
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References

I traveled twice this past year with Just the Wild - last January to Dominica to see the sperm whales and this past November to see the big blues in Timor-leste - and it may sound like hyperbole but it was nothing short of life changing! As a child I was torn between my two loves: art and science, specifically marine biology. I chose art in the end and fast forward 30 years to a somewhat disenchanted life as a Creative Director in advertising looking for a change. I stumbled across Just the Wild and after a few years of following Caine's IG and emails, finally decided it was now or never. I'm so so so glad I did! It wasn't just the whales - which we're breathtaking, beautiful, mind-blowing and just so, so, so cool - it's the people you meet. The other guests, the boat captain and first mate, the hotel owners and staff, the dive shop instructors - everyone is just amazing. Travel gives you such an amazing perspective of the world and I can't recommend it enough. Caine has taken care to find the nicest and most knowledgable folks to work with and support. Up till last January I had been snorkeling exactly twice, both times in the shallows. But I'd always dreamed of seeing my favorites: the cetaceans. Between the other guests (special thanks to Wayne and Ellyn) and Caine, I quickly acclimated to open water snorkeling and now I can't wait to get back in the water! And speaking of the dude himself, as a wannabe marine biologist, to have a guide that's not only knowledgable but as excited about the animals we're interacting with is infectious. I have a new found desire to pursue a live that supports swimming in the ocean as much as possible - from getting my scuba certification to exploring the world of underwater photography. And, of course, booking a trip to see the humpbacks in French Polynesia with Just the Wild ASAP!
By Liesje K on 14 Dec, 2024