What to Expect
Dominica is one of the most ethical and exclusive places in the world to swim with sperm whales. Operating under special government permits, with a strictly limited number of boats, we work in small groups where only three guests at a time enter the water with a local guide — always on the whale’s terms.
Sailing along Dominica’s lush volcanic coastline, you slip into deep blue Caribbean waters and hear the rhythmic clicks of the whales’ sonar. It’s a powerful, intimate experience — perfect for ocean lovers and underwater photographers — creating memories that last a lifetime.
Experience Details
Group Size
2027 Fabruary 16 - 23
Next Dates
7 Days, 6 nights
Trip Duration
$6,400 USD (Double Occupancy)
Pricing
5 Ocean Lovers
What’s Included
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Comfturbale and safety boat, in water guide and experinced captain.
days are usually 6-8 hourse weather depend. -
Dominica Special permit from the Government Fisheries Department (6000 USD)
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7 Night breakfest included in water front Fort Young Hotel.
Double Occupany based. -
Well arange transport to take you from and back to the airport.
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All our trip leader are UW proffosinal photographers and editors.
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Please providre us in advance any special diet prefences.
What’s Excluded
International Flights
Alcohol/soft Drinks
Snorkeling equipment
Meals on travel days
Anything that is not under inlcuded
Itinerary
Arrival at DOM Airport and transfer to our hotel in Roseau (approximately 1.5 hours drive).
Group dinner at the hotel, introductions, and expedition briefing.
Day 1
After breakfast — and with a packed lunch for the day — we head out daily for swimming with sperm whales, spending 7–8 hours in the open ocean.
There is also a chance to encounter false killer whales, pilot whales, and any other marine life we may come across!
DAY 2-6
Breakfast and farewell, transfer to the airport.
DAY 3
What to bring :
Reef-friendly sunscreen
Sunglasses, hat, long-sleeve shirt
Rash guard (for those who don’t want a full suit)
Windbreaker
Reusable water bottle
GoPro/camera (optional, we provide photos too)
Personal medications (if needed)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absoloutly not. You do need to be a good swimmer with experince in snorkeling in the minimum.
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Direct flight from Miami ( MIA) with American airlines or Newark (EWR) with United airlines. To Douglas-Charles Airport, Dominica (DOM).
There is also an option from Barbados with Caribbean airlines. -
Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.
To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.
We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room (1000 USD) .
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Ethics in whale watching are subject to debate, but at its core, there is a respectful way to do it—and a harmful way. We operate with a licensed vessel limited to a maximum of 5 guests, divided into two small groups. This allows no more than 3 people in the water at a time, always accompanied by a guide.
Our approach is calm, quiet, and entirely guided by the whales’ behavior. Every interaction happens on their terms. If a whale chooses not to engage, it will simply swim away or clearly indicate that we should give space—and we do.
The whales’ well-being is always our top priority. We are attentive to signs of stress and make every effort to ensure our presence remains non-intrusive. Some whales may ignore us, others may show curiosity or playful behavior. We stay adaptable and respond respectfully to each unique encounter.
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Most people are physically able to join this trip, but you must be comfortable swimming and snorkeling. You should be capable of swimming approximately 200 meters (similar to a few lengths of a pool) to reach the whales from the boat, and then swimming back afterward. You’ll also need to climb back onto the boat using a ladder or by pulling yourself up independently.
Being confident with snorkeling gear and fins is essential. Ocean conditions can vary — from calm, flat water to rolling swells and choppier seas — so comfort in open water is important.
We strongly encourage you to spend time swimming and snorkeling before the trip to build your confidence.
Please note : we use watsuit as floattion device but not Life jacket.
Payment Policy
An $800 USD non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot with Shy Whale Expeditions.
The remaining balance is due as follows:
50% of the total expedition cost must be paid 180 days before departure.
The full remaining balance (100%) must be paid no later than 90 days before departure.
Payments made by credit card will incur a 4% processing fee.
Payments made via PayPal will incur a 3% processing fee.Bank wire transfers are also accepted. Please contact us for the transfer details. Kindly add $40 to cover bank transfer fees.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations submitted more than 150 days before departure are eligible for a refund, minus a $800 USD per person administrative fee. This fee is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another booking.
Cancellations made fewer than 150 calendar days prior to departure are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
We are not liable for cancellations resulting from medical conditions or any other personal circumstances.
No refunds will be issued once the expedition has commenced.
We are not responsible for any costs related to non-refundable airline tickets.
Please purchase travel insurance.
Contact Us
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