January 11, 2026
Discover Dominica
The diving pearl of the eastern Caribbean for sure, with gin clear waters and the best diving in the windward islands, hands down. It is also the only place in the world where you can get in the water with Sperm whales, the largest predator on the planet, but only on specially-organised trips, with a permit and dedicated guide.
Our Tours In Dominica
Discover our tailored tours showcasing breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and exciting adventures.
Why Visit Dominica?
Where the giants roam, and adventure never ends
Dominica is one of the few places on Earth where you can legally and responsibly swim with sperm whales. Indigo Safaris has been leading these extraordinary encounters since 2013, operating under strict permits and ethical guidelines.
Each trip includes six days on the water and one day exploring the island, guided by a marine biologist with over 25 years of experience. Our Managing Director and founder personally escorts every trip, supported by a seasoned captain and crew — ensuring safe, respectful, and unforgettable interactions.
Only three guests at a time enter the water with the whales, allowing for intimate and low-impact encounters. Families of females and calves often linger, curious and unhurried, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with the world’s largest predator.
Encounters can last from 20 seconds with one whale swimming past, to two hours of a dozen or more whales socialising or even sleeping. We can also encounter Pilot whales and swim with them, and very occasionally friendly rough-toothed dolphins, false killer whales, Cuvier’s beaked whale. From the boat, we often see pods of Pantropical spotted, Bottlenose, and Fraser’s dolphins, who avoid us as soon as we get close in the water, alas.
The boat is a Bertram 37 Sport fishing boat with a shaded flybridge, salon, toilet, back deck with partial shaded covering and a water level entry /exit platform at the back, with a retractable ladder. We go out at 07.30, and return around 1.30 PM to 2 PM.
Our locations at Soufriere village are close to local eateries and bars, and the atmosphere at the southern tip of the island is the best place to relax in the afternoons, or snorkel in the marine reserve, visit the coral conservation centre, walk or take a taxi to hot springs, visit Scotts Head peninusula and the ruined fort, hike a few sections of the Waitukubuli trail, or catch a bus to bustling Roseau, 20 minutes away.
We include a full day island tour on the penultimate day, so you can experience some of the island’s natural beauty; she really is a gem. We hike the forest, swim in waterfalls, and bathe in hot springs.
2026 Sperm Whale Swimming Trips
All trips: 6 days on the water + 1 day land tour
6 – 14 Jul 2026 – 1 spot left
13 – 21 Jul 2026 – 3 spots left
28 Nov – 04 Dec 2026 – Full
05 – 13 Dec 2026 – Full
12 – 20 Dec 2026 – Full
Accommodation Options:
Jungle Bay Resort 2026
Double/twin with breakfast – US $ 6,320 pp
Single with breakfast – US $ 7330 pp
Soufrière Guest House / Rosehill Heights 2026
Double/twin self-catering – US $ 5595 pp
Single self-catering – US $ 5880
2027 Sperm Whale Swimming Trips
3 – 11 July – 6 spots left
10 – 18 July – 2 spots left
27 November – 03 December – 6 spots left
04 – 12 December – 6 spots left
11 – 19 December – 4 spots left
Jungle Bay Resort 2027
Double/twin with breakfast – US $ 6,520 pp
Single with breakfast – US $ 7530 pp
Soufrière Guest House / Rosehill Heights 2027
Double/twin self-catering – US $ 5795 pp
Single self-catering – US $ 6080
We require a 25% deposit for 2027 trips, 2nd deposit of 25% in December 2026, balance 90 days before the trip starts. For July 2026, we require payment in full, your name(s) as per your passport(s) for the permits, nationality, and date(s) of birth.
50% of profits fund the Indigo Earth Foundation, my commitment to giving back to the places and people in the countries we send clients to, you can find out more here: www.indigoearthfoundation.com.
Top Dive Sites:
Soufrière Pinnacles – Colourful sponges, schools of snapper, and bright corals.
Champagne Reef – Geothermal vents bubble up from the seabed, creating a natural underwater spa.
Scott’s Head Drop Off – Where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic; expect barracuda, rainbow runners, and pelagics.
Crater’s Edge – Spectacular volcanic formations with abundant marine life.
Pole to Pole – A pier dive famous for rare macro species and vibrant coral-covered pillars.
Nature and Culture
Above the surface, Dominica overflows with natural beauty — steaming hot springs, lush rainforest, and waterfalls cascading into emerald pools. Visit Trafalgar Falls, Middleham Falls, or the famous Titou Gorge, then unwind in a volcanic hot spring or explore the Calinago Territory for a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage.
Comfort, charm, and connection to the sea
Indigo Safaris partners with three trusted properties in southern Dominica — each personally inspected and chosen for its proximity to the whale base and dive sites.
- ⚫ Jungle Bay Resort
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A boutique eco-retreat overlooking Soufrière Bay, offering elegant stone villas, gourmet dining, and easy access to the dive jetty.
- ⚫ Soufrière Guest House
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Comfortable, self-catering accommodation just 1 km from the seafront. Perfect for budget-conscious travellers joining whale trips or dive packages.
- ⚫ Rosehill Heights
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Affordable apartments in a peaceful setting near hot springs, within walking distance of the beach and local eateries.
Best Times to Visit Dominica
When the whales call and the reefs come alive
Known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica is a haven for adventure seekers, divers, and nature lovers. With its volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, the island offers a year-round tropical escape where each season brings its own charm.
- ➡ May – July
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Calm seas and warm conditions. Family groups of sperm whales stay close to shore, creating the most consistent encounters. Excellent underwater visibility for divers.
- ➡ November – December
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Warm weather (29 °C air / 28 °C sea) and lower rainfall. Adult male whales return, and social behaviour peaks. Ideal for photographers seeking dramatic interactions.
- ➡ December – April
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Dry season, perfect for diving and land adventures. The cooler water draws migratory males to Dominica’s deep channels.
- ➡ Year-round
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Rainforest treks, river swims, and bubbling hot springs ensure there’s always something to enjoy beyond the sea.This dry season is perfect for exploring Dominica’s hiking trails, diving in crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on the island’s quiet beaches. Expect warm, sunny days and calm seas — ideal for outdoor adventures and boat excursions.
Where Rainforests, Rivers, and Reefs Collide
Getting to Dominica
To get to Dominica, there are direct daily flights from Miami at 10 AM on American Airlines (One World alliance) and weekly flights morning from Newark on United (Star Alliance). If transiting through Miami, there are lots of airport hotels for around $150 per room, or you can take a 15-minute Uber to Coral Gables, pay around $220 for a hotel, and go to one of many good restaurants the area has to offer, or check out the nightlife at Little Havana, 20 minutes from the airport. Do not book a domestic flight landing at 9AM and expect to make the boarding gate cut off at 0935, the gate for the Dominca flight is often all the way at the end of E concourse.
There are daily evening flights from Barbados on Caribbean, that code share with British Airways so you can do London – Dominica in a day. You get to your accommodation around 9PM local time.
There are also daily ferries from Guadeloupe and Martinique, the crossing takes around two hours, and flights from St Lucia.
Join the rarest encounter on Earth
Spaces on our Dominica sperm whale trips are strictly limited, and permits are harder than ever to obtain. Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s largest predator in its natural habitat.
Start planning your Dominica adventure here.
To design your tailor-made itinerary, speak to a Safari Expert here.
Stories from the Ocean's Wild Heart
Explore Dominica and other marine experiences through our collection of stories, travel tips, and inspiration. Discover the best seasons, hidden treasures and vibrant marine life — from trekking through misty mountains to diving with sea turtles in crystal waters. This is the Ocean, untamed and unforgettable.
