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
29/04 to 05/05/2024
04/05 to 10/05/2024
03/01/25 to 09/01/25
08/01/25 to 14/01/25
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.
THE TRIP
Your Insider on this trip is videographer and whale expert Alex Pham 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 Alex will host talks about whales and sperm whales to help educate yourself about the whale behaviours you see during the day.
Our Hotel
Relax after your dives in our boutique hotel above the town of Portsmouth
Features
- Breakfast included
- Private room with terrace
- Free Wifi
- scenic pool with a view
YOUR INSIDER on this trip
alex pham
This trip run by Alex, a whale guide, photographer and filmmaker with experience searching for whales in Norway, Timor Leste, Baja, Sri Lanka, Dominica, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Tonga.
Alex is a whale nerd who focuses on creating positive social and environmental change in an uncertain world. Alex is excited to share his love of the world’s cetaceans with others and to tell ocean conservation stories that are nuanced and impactful. Alex will coach those looking to capture images or video of the amazing whales and help those who need guidance on freediving. He will also host several talks about whales and sperm whales in specific
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