The 2024 Sperm Whale Snorkel was in early March during a period of settled, warm weather, with clear or partly cloud skies and only a few days of winds. Overall it was an exceptional year with 9 out of 10 days on the weather providing us with at least one in water encounter with a sperm whale. The crew was professional and diligent about using their tools such as the hydrophone and their knowledge of the currents, wind, whale behavior to find whales and multiple individuals for us to photograph. The rules of encounters are easy to follow but strictly adhered to and when a whale became stressed by us, we were able to move on to another area.
Our encounters are not all with Sperm whales: we had encounters with pilot whales on multiple days. One incredible day we had encounters with humpbacked whales and the very rare false killer whale. Dolphins are also common to the area and like to run with our boat providing us great video action of leaping while we travel.
Sperm Whale come to the waters around the Island of Dominica in the Caribbean because the island is surrounded by a deep sea trench. Rain washes mineral rich water down from the volcanic peaks of the island which spawn squids and marine creatures creating the perfect source of food for the whales.
The resident sperm whales are mostly females in extended families of grandmothers, mothers and daughters all working together to protect and raise their young.
We encounter Sperm Whales at the surface where they are resting and often napping between their deep dives to get squid meals. It is not unusual to get long encounters in the water with the whales since they are comfortable with us in the water if we are following best practices for in water encounters. Even slow swimming whales pass very close to us and allow for close up images. This very passive method yields great images.
Our captain will drop 2 guests and a guide into the water ahead of the traveling whales. As we stay still at the surface their faces immerge ahead of us in the water and grow ever larger. Photographing away, I suddenly wonder if I should move to avoid getting hit by the whale. Just then, the whale goes into a shallow dive to pass under me. The curious intelligent creature then rolls over swimming upside down watching me as it passes, surfaces, and carries on. They see and sense us as an obstacle and pass under or diver around to avoid us somehow never disturbing our photography.
Our boat is comfortable and large. While this year was beautiful warm but not too hot weather, we have a salon area of the boat to seek warmth or shade if the weather is more extreme. Plenty of area outside is shaded and allows us to spot for whales and admire the beautiful rain forested triple peaks of Dominica.
The Island of Dominica is a nature island and is a destination for hikers and visitors who want to see the lush forest, waterfalls, volcanic peak views, and natural hot springs flowing into the many rivers. We recommend our visitors book extra days to enjoy this rare example of an undeveloped Caribbean island with much of its land undeveloped. Scuba and shore snorkeling are also available. Beaches are not numerous but there are a few to enjoy.
The good news is that this area and its unique and valuable marine life has the attention of the world and will be further protected and extended as a Marine Reserve.
As a result the whale watching and especially the in water encounters must go through rewriting of the permit process. The committee workshops are ongoing between fisheries, tourism, and other organizations all driving by LOCAL experts and stakeholders.
I am confident their decisions will have the best interest of the whales in mind while leaving some opportunity to continue to offer this experience unique to Dominica for the sole benefit of the people of Dominica.
I have requested permits for early March 2025 and I am collecting a waiting list of those serious about joining .
See details about my current Sperm Whale Snorkel in Dominica Here
Read more underwater trip reports on this blog
https://gregorysweeney.com/blog/?cat=379
An Africa Safari is like going on a reef dive but on dry land – travel with me to my lodge in South Africa and visit epic wildlife reserves including a water – level photo hide