DOMINICA
ITINERARY
Join Insider Divers to Dominica and get in the water with the largest toothed animal in the world - the Sperm Whale. There are is not placein the world where you can such good chances for for this animal.
DATES
14/04/25 to 20/04/25
19/04/25 to 25/04/25
THE WHALES
Sperm whales are impressive by size alone: males can reach up to around 18 meters and weigh up to 60 tons, while females are half as heavy and grow up to 12 meters. Interestingly, sperm whales have the largest brain as well as the longest intestine in the animal kingdom: not only huge, but pretty smart too.
In Dominica, the sperm whale groups are mainly comprised of females and their calves, together called “units” of about 7 animals who live matrilineal (a family in female line, from grandmothers, mothers and their calves), while males leave their families very early in their lives and go explore the open waters. They do so alone and in most cases might never see their families again. It still remains a mystery as to why these whales seem to mainly appear in the Caribbean and not in neighboring waters.
THE ACTIVITIES
This is a snorkel and freedive only trip. It isn't necessary to be able to freedive but you will need to be ready to fin and swim, preferably without splashing on the surface. If this is your first trip in such a form, please contact us so we can brief you about preparations. Water is a warm 28-30C but a rashguard and sun protection will be needed as the sun is quite intense and reflects off the surface as well. Long fins give you more speed to cover distances in a short burst. Regular fins however are much more maneuverable within the small boat. Your choice of fin should reflect what you are comfortable with. Some guests are very quick with regular fins. "Paddle style" fins such as Jetfins or Force fins should be avoided.
This can be a physically demanding trip. If the action is good, you will be doing numerous "jumps" per day, getting in and out of the boat. Boat rides can get very bumpy as we race across the water. If you suffer from serious back problems or have concerns, please do let me know.
Check out the expedition video from 2023. Note that the boat has changed for upcoming trips to a smaller, more maneuverable boat.
Our Hotel
Relax after your dives in the luxury of our 5-star resort in the Cabrits Marine Park. Facing the blue ocean the resort is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the facilities.
- Breakfast included
- Mountain or Seaview (upcost)
- Free WIFI
- Amazing pool facilities
THE TRIP
You will be going out every day for up to 6 hours. Since we practice responsible whale swimming we will enter the water in small groups of three people per drop and avoid other operator boats as much as we can. In the evenings your Insider Simon will host talks about whales and sperm whales to help educate yourself about the whale behaviors you see during the day.
YOUR INSIDER on the trip
Simon Lorenz
Simon is an underwater photographer and journalist who speaks 6 languages, and has dived on 6 continents. He aims to create group trip experiences with special extras, such as diving unusual sites, with unique animals or talks with local experts. A scuba instructor as well as photography teacher he offers additional training during trips.
On this trip Simon will hosts talks on Whales and Sperm Whales in details.
SL
Dominica was my second trip of the year with Insider Divers and can only highly recommend the sperm whale trip highly! We had some incredible days in the water with sperm whales, which has certainly only fed my ever growing appetite for more! As a solo female Traveller in the group this was a super trip/group to join. As per the ID standard I have learned to expect: the trip was meticulously well organised by Simon and his team, both in the run up to and during our stay in Dominica. See you on the next trip und ganz gaaaanz herzlichen Dank für eine super Woche!
SIMON BUNCE
Dominica was my first experience with Insider Divers but they came highly recommended. We had some incredible days in the water with sperm whales, I plan on another adventure with them this spring.
The trip was meticulously well organised both in the run up to and during the stay in Dominica.
Would highly recommend these guys if traveling solo or in company.
Thanks again