The Sperm Whales of Dominica
Dominica proudly holds the distinction of being the first country to establish the Sperm Whale Sanctuary. Along its west coast, approximately five sperm whale families are found, with each family typically consisting of 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.
The Encounters
Upon sighting the whales, expedition leader Amos Nachoum will begin with two guests in the water; once the leader has decided that it’s a good encounter — one where the whales remain calm and are slow moving — the other two guests follow into the water. Frequently, one sperm whale or sometimes a whole family of whales moves slowly by you, inspecting you and allowing you to find and meet their eye, establishing an unforgettable connection.
Encounter Options and Pricing
We offer two types of experiences: a five-night stay (3 days of swimming with the whales) or a seven-night stay (5 days of swimming with the whales). Depending on your schedule and availability, you can also opt to add to your stay and discover the other amazing aspects and sights of Dominica. We will be delighted to create a tailored experience for you.
Prices for a five-night stay (3 days of swimming with the whales) start at US $9,800 per person for 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.
Prices for a seven-night stay (5 days of swimming with the whales) start at US $13,500 per person for 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.
Depending on your schedule and the size of your party, group rates are available and we will be happy to discuss them with you and create a memorable stay with us.
Sperm Whale Encounter,
led by Amos Nachoum
Nov. 30 - Dec. 9, 2024
Combine an exceptional, sustainable stay in one of our suites with a memorable snorkeling experience, led by award-winning Amos Nachoum for this special Sperm Whale Encounter.
This snorkeling encounter is only made possible by a special permit from the fishery department. With only four guests on the boat, you will have plenty of respectful time in the water with the sperm whales of Dominica.
This encounter with the sperm whales of Dominica is for non-divers as well as divers. It is entirely led and experienced only with snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel and fins, and a camera, if you wish!
About Amos Nachoum
Amos Nachoum is a master of photographing big animal behavior while guiding small groups of adventurers who accompany him on his expeditions. He free dives with blue whales off the Eastern Pacific, scuba dives in the Okavango delta with crocodiles and goes face to face with the great white shark. Amos is one of only five people ever to swim and photograph polar bears underwater.
Amos’s photographic mission is to raise awareness of big animals in their habitats. His photographs strive to dispel the myth of “dangerous” wildlife and instead focus on the harmonious interactions between animals and human beings, reflecting his respect and compassion for the animals and wilderness. Amos’ photos and essays have appeared in publications such as National Geographic, Time, Life, The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Le Figaro, Terra Sauvage, Airone, Der Spiegel, Unterwasser, Fifty Fathoms as well as featuring on the cover of the Explorers Club Journal, February 2020.
Winner of multiple awards, among which the Nikon contest and the BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award in the Animal Behavioral category (twice), Amos has also shared his vision “There are no demons in the sea” at Ted Talk in 2014, and again in 2023 with “Awe and Enchantment”. The movie “Picture of his Life”, about Amos’ career and ultimate adventure diving with polar bears came out in 2020.