Dominica and guadeloupe are the best places for sperm whale sightings these coastal waters hold a true treasure trove, raves andrea steffen. Dominica is known as the nature island with 65% forest cover, 171 species of birds, and a vibrant underwater community. The caribbeans best islands for whale watching tropixtraveler. Guided by one of our expert marine specialist team, patrick dykstra, joshua barton and rita messing. Dominica is among the top whale watching destination in the world. Silver banks was declared a whale sanctuary by the dominican republic in 1986 and this has created a haven for these majestic marine mammals. The deep water of the caribbean sea offshore of dominica is home to an abundance of cetaceans including the beststudied sperm whale population in the world. Dominica calls itself as the whale watching capital of the caribbean and boasts a high success rate on whale watching tours. Here you can observe humpback whales, minke whale, sperm whales, killer whales and. Another awesome caribbean vacation spot that you will find amazing beaches and have the opportunity to go whale watching in st. Swimming with humpback whales in the dominican republic. This unique sperm whale habitat has generated much attention for the island, resulting in whale watching becoming one of dominicas most wellknown.
We enjoyed the day spent with him and he even made some extras stops so we could see all of the island in the short time we were there. Dominicas sheer underwater dropoffs create deep sheltered bays along its western coastlinethe perfect haven for the sperm whale to breed and calve. Sperm whales the worlds best places for whale watching. It is the only living member of the genus physeter and one of three extant species in the sperm whale family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale of the genus kogia. Notice how gentle and curious the whale was to the people and the boat. As mentioned, whales are spotted all year round, but sperm whale sightings are most common between november and march. The high season for tourism in dominica lasts from february to april. Swimmingsnorkeling with the sperm whale is not a common thing in dominica i. Based on researchers images, it is known that they have been using these waters since at least 1984, but likely much longer based on their life history. Swimming with sperm whales in dominica natural world safaris.
These special animals need all our efforts to protect them and their habitats. When to go to dominica on safari natural world safaris. Aquatic adventures is the pioneer of the passive inwater whale encounter. Various operators in the south of dominica offer the iconic whale watching trips once or twice a week. Known as the whale watching capital of the caribbean, dominica boasts a 90% success rate in spotting whales and dolphins during a whale watching excursion. Aug 12, 2017 dominica is the only place i have actually seen whales after 5 attempts 2 in canada, 2 in carib. Dominica is the only country in the world where the sperm whale resides all year long, although sightings are most common between november and march. On a breezy, hazy sunday in midapril 2015, i, along with my companions jenny and jeremiah stepped from the wharf at dominicas anchorage hotel, whale watch and dive center onto the passion catamaran for a memorable whale watch excursion. Jan 02, 2019 digit, a young sperm whale near the caribbean sea nation of dominica, spent three years with a deadly fishing rope tangled at the base of her fluke before sperm whale scientist shane gero spotted. This could facilitate the creation of national and regional shipping lanes, and will be particularly. Theres also an abundance of dolphins to be spotted leaping from the cobalt waters.
Second, they only appear in a few places on the planet but are very reliable to be found there. Twothirds of all whale species visit dominicas waters at some point throughout the year, but the island is also a. We document the decline of the population in the eastern caribbean by tracing demographic changes of wellstudied social units. Dominica is known as the whale watching capital of the caribbean. Dominica is also the best island in the caribbean for whale watching throughout the year. We address hypotheses that, over a tenyear period of dedicated effort 20052015, unit size, numbers of calves andor calving rates have each declined. Over 20 different whale families have been identified in the waters off dominica, and there are about 10 that are seen regularly. There are a number of commonly sighted species can be found yearround in the waters off dominica. Five or ten full days snorkeling with the sperm whales of dominica, including lunches. There is so much to see in this submarine environment. Explore the whales, walls and waterfalls of dominica. Around this tiny caribbean island, the normally elusive sperm whale has. Services of your tour leader and services of expert dominican whaleguide. Sperm whales are the easiest to approach of the cetacean family.
Sperm whales are particularly common, especially from november to march. Various species you may encounter include, spotted and spinner dolphins as well as pilot and orca. Sperm whale skin shown at the end of the video sequence. Perhaps the most famous creature associated with dominica is the sperm whale. Dominica has earned a reputation as the whale watching capital of the caribbean.
The peak season is between november and june, but with the added bonus of resident pods of sperm whales and other species here in dominica, you stand a good chance of seeing whales and dolphins year round. Dominica dive holidays in caribbean dive worldwide. A unique opportunity to swim with some of the most relaxed marine mammals in the world as they traverse the. Over 300 whales still feed in dominica but there is annual decline of 4% in the east caribbean sperm whale population. Conscious breath adventures leads life changing cruises for our guests to see and swim with humpback whales on the silver bank, part of the sanctuary for the marine mammals of the dominican republic. So, we were so excited to do it again but with sperm whales. Whale watching season on dominica rosalie bay dominica. Dive discovery presents snorkeling and photography expedition with sperm whales in dominica by big animals expeditions with amos nachoum. Sperm whale, dominica big animals expeditions with amos. The new company kubuli watersports is owned and operated by andrew armour, the sperm whale whisperer. Visitors head here for diving, a wealth of ecoactivities and unspoiled nature, with underwater attractions including spectacular topography and a rich marine life. Youd certainly be missing out if you didnt go out on a whale watching trip during your time on dominica.
Dominicas whale and dolphin species can be found year round in the islands crystal blue waters. By using the dswps longterm sperm whale sightings database in conjunction with ais vessel position data, michael petroni will be evaluating the degree of interaction between whales, ship traffic, and fishaggregating devices off dominica. Since 1991, we have arranged trips to exotic locations utilizing the best dive and land adventure specialists. Based on researchers images, it is known that they have been using these waters since at least 1984, but likely much longer based on their. Critical decline of the eastern caribbean sperm whale. In actuality, you can see whales all year long in dominica because some of them permanently live in the caribbean sea. Whaletrips sperm whales best time and place to watch. Freediving with sperm whales off the coast of dominica youtube. Sperm whales of dominica island wildlife photo tours. Sperm whale, dominica 2015 big animals expeditions with. Whale watching in dominica 2020 sperm whales, dolphins. A research program on sperm whales off the island of dominica in the caribbean. Usually the months of january and february ensure to have the best weather and sea conditions. Dominica is the only country in the world the sperm whales can be sighted year round, although.
Ask our experts for specialist advice on the best time to go to dominica. This unique sperm whale habitat has generated much attention for the island, resulting in whale watching becoming one of dominicas most wellknown activities. Baby sperm whale digit was tangled in ocean trash for 3. When to go to dominica on safari to enjoy the best wildlife and weather. Sperm whales can sometimes be seen from shore at points along dominicas west and southwest coasts such as scotts head, roseau and layou. Perhaps the most famous creature associated with dominica is the sperm whale, with a group of these gigantic cetaceans living in the nearby waters yearround.
Juvenile and female sperm whales do not migrate, staying here 12 months a year. Sperm whales of dominica jonathan birds blue world. Jan 27, 2014 dominica is home to about 200 resident sperm whales, and the only legal way to have in water encounters with them, is to be on a government issued research permit. This cold and beautiful island offers the opportunity to participate in excellent whale watching. Sperm whales are the best whales to start whale watching, by far. Video taken under research permit from the government of dominica.
Sperm whales resting, echolocating and communicating off the island of dominica, january 2011. Sperm whale physeter macrocephalus populations were expected to rebuild following the end of commercial whaling. Dominica is the only country in the world where the sperm whale resides all year long, although sightings are. Why i quit my job dominica swimming with sperm whales. Jan, 2014 the most common species found off the coast of dominica is the sperm whale. We now do annual tours fully escorted to, tahiti and niue. Mar 04, 2011 sperm whales resting, echolocating and communicating off the island of dominica, january 2011. That is, whale watching from a boat, from a safe distance away, with a few dozen other oglers, for a short period of time.
Whale tongues fold into straws so they can nurse as babies nature has given baby whales creative ways to nurse underwater. This unique sperm whale habitat has generated much attention for the island, resulting in whale watching becoming one of dominica s most wellknown activities. The most common species found off the coast of dominica is the sperm whale. Dominica with fort young and dive dominica kids sea camp.
Diving in the dominican republic is an amazing experience and one not to be missed. Services of your tour leader and services of expert dominican whale guide. According to science, over 300 whales still feed on the nature isle. Dominica sperm whale snorkeling dominica lonely planet. The steep mountains of dominica continue downward into the caribbean sea, reaching depths of more than 3,000 feet quite close to the islands coast.
Our tour was on a larger boat with 2 decks and 50 people. Dominica with fort young hotel dominica spring break 2021 april 3rd to 10th or april 10th to 17th, 2021. The local population off the cost of dominica is now mostly comprised of females and their offspring. Third, they are easy to locate by hydrophone and even easier to identify by their blow, which is slightly tilted to the left, and their. This secret corner of the ocean is the largest breeding ground for the north atlantic humpback whale megaptera.
The rib boat is inflatable and bounces around quite a bit over the waves but fewer people. Dominica is the only country in the world the sperm whales can be sighted year round, although sightings are most common between november and march. The more common whales to spot are shortfin pilot whales, false killer whales and melon headed whales. The peak season is between november and june, but with the added bonus of resident pods of sperm whales and other species here in dominica, you stand a. During your time off, discover the local food and culture or just relax in the caribbean surroundings. The other tour ship whale watching boat was there with 50 or so people trying to find a spot to see the action whilst we drifted alongside and past for a great spot. With customizable dive packages, you can be sure to fit in all of the whale encounters, wall diving and waterfall chasing dominica has to offer.
Over 20 species of whale have been spotted in the waters around the island, but the big draw is the pod of sperm whales. Sperm whales the worlds best places for whale watching and. Sunny days and calm sea will allow us to navigate comfortable. But what makes dominica unique is the opportunity to observe the largest of all the toothed whales, and star of herman melvilles moby dick, the sperm whaleread more on. We swam with the humpback whales in tonga and it was a dream. Dominica is the only place i have actually seen whales after 5 attempts 2 in canada, 2 in carib. The sperm whale physeter macrocephalus or cachalot is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator. The worlds largest predator is the revolutionary sperm whale, and it lives in dominica. But what makes dominica unique is the opportunity to observe the largest of all the toothed whales, and star of herman melvilles moby dick, the sperm whaleread more on our whale and dolphin watching page. Other marine mammals often seen in the same area include pilot, pygmy, and false killer whales. Manta rays in the maldives the four seasons resort at landaa. In fact, dominica is the only country in the world where this type of whale resides year round. However, if youre visiting outside of these months, dont be put off. Sperm whales can be seen in the waters of dominica through the year, but prime viewing months are between november to march, when mothers arrive to nurse their calves.
Sperm whale calves, for instance, can roll their tongues into straws, and. I visited in july and was lucky enough to see three sperm whales and several pods of dolphins. The following are the worlds best places to watch sperm whales in their natural habitat. Swimming with whales swim with humpback whales with. The reefs teem with many different marine species, from eels to sharks to. Baby sperm whale digit was tangled in ocean trash for 3 years.
Digit, a young sperm whale near the caribbean sea nation of dominica, spent three years with a deadly fishing rope tangled at the base of her fluke. First of all, sperm whales are the most famous and most well known moby dick. She and her husband wilfried are the authors of a book about moby dicks brothers and sisters sperm whales. Dominica s whale and dolphin species can be found year round in the islands crystal blue waters.
The best time to see the whales, however, is between november and march, with our expertled safari departing in february. Spend seven days on and around dominica swimming with sperm whales. Teaser video of sperm whales interactions with snorkelers off of dominica. It is the deepestdiving whale on earth, the largest toothed whale on earth and has the largest brain on the planet too. Nearly 200 resident sperm whales live yearround in clear, temperate, azure water ideal for inwater viewing and phenomenal encounters. Dominica experiences a wet season and can be vulnerable to hurricanes during summertime in the northern hemisphere. I had a wonderful opportunity to be on a permit that i couldnt pass up so i took the leap and went on the trip. Although the sperm whales are here throughout the year, peak whale watching season on dominica is from november through march when the chances of whale sightings are at an. Physeter macrocephalus, or cachalot, is the largest of the toothed whales.
Sperm whales are around yearround but the best time to spot them is from october to march. The peak time of the year to visit dominica and swim with sperm whales is during the dry season from late fall until early spring. I knew that i was visiting the island outside of their whale watching season and that the chance of not seeing any whales was highest around this time. This creates an ideal habitat for one of the largest mammals in the worldthe sperm whale. Just a short boat ride brings you into contact with the worlds largest toothed animal in the calm turquoise caribbean sea. Samana bay is one of the best places in the world to see the gracious and aweinspiring humpback whale and it is also a place where there is so much to see and do. Best whale watching islands and resorts in the caribbean.
Use of 4wds for selfdrive land tours and any group activities organized by quest tours. Aquatic adventures swim with humpback whales, dominican. There are over a dozen sperm whale families that are dominica natives and many, many more families that pass through and spotting them is practically guaranteed. Reaching up to 65 feet in length, the sperm whale is the largest carnivore on earth the only whale that has teeth. Our whale watching tour was sponsored by anchorage whale watching center, pioneers in the west indian whale watching industry. Due to the covid19, we have transferred all reservations from 2020 to 2021 with full credit and added another week so families can enjoy the sperm whale season. I was particularly delighted to be going offshore that day to search for gentle giants in the sea. But our most impressive ocean giant is the sperm whale. We must earn their respect by passive approaches and nonaggressive movements on the boat or in the water. You will get the opportunity to view whales such as the popular humpback and sperm. In fact, it is the largest breeding ground in the world for humpback whales and an estimated 30005000 pass through the area each year from the months of december to april. Swim, snorkel, and free dive with the worlds largest predator, the magnificent sperm whale. The deep waters around dominica make the area an ideal place to see the rare sperm whale, as well as 21 other whale species. Every day we went out on a boat to look for the whales.
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