Diving trip Dominica – Swimming with sperm whales
On this diving trip to Dominica you will experience impressive dive sites and snorkel with sperm whales. You will travel through a pristine island full of nature, volcanic activity and unique underwater landscapes.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving in Dominica & snorkeling with the sperm whale
A diving trip to Dominica is anything but standard. Known as the “Nature Island,” this pristine island in the Caribbean offers a unique combination of lush rainforest, volcanic landscapes and an impressive underwater world. This trip is all about adventure, nature and special encounters, both above and below the water.
Diving in Dominica means variety: you will make both boat dives and shore dives in different places around the island. Underwater you will discover a spectacular volcanic landscape with steep walls, pinnacles and deep drop-offs. In some places you can even see gas bubbles bubbling up from the sea floor, tangible evidence of the island’s volcanic activity. In addition, you will spot many macro during the dives.
An absolute highlight of this trip is snorkeling with sperm whales. Although the sperm whale is the largest predator on Earth, these animals are surprisingly peaceful. They primarily hunt giant squid and spend much of their time in the depths. A steady group of females lives around Dominica, so you may encounter them throughout the year. In certain seasons, sightings are even more likely when males come by.
You’ll stay at the historic Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, beautifully located by the sea in the capital city of Roseau. Built in a 17th-century fort, this resort is the ideal base for both diving and exploring the island: with a dive center, comfortable rooms and the ocean literally on your doorstep.
This trip is perfect for divers looking for something special: rugged nature, unique dive sites and unforgettable encounters with impressive marine mammals.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Dominica
Sperm whales are present throughout the year, but the best season for whales is from November to March. This is the peak period for births. For diving, the dry season from January to May is best, during these months you have the best visibility underwater. Between late August and mid-October is hurricane season, so we do not recommend going.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Dominica
The water is always pleasantly warm, so for many individuals a 3mm wetsuit will suffice.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | The trip to Dominica
Today your trip to Dominica begins! You usually fly with one or two transfers, often via neighboring islands such as Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia or via Paris and Guadeloupe/Martinique. Travel time takes about 15 to 20 hours, but because of the time difference, you still arrive on the same day.
After arriving at the airport, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort. The hotel is located on the southwest coast of the island and is about an hour’s drive from the airport. During this drive you will drive across the island. The hotel is near Roseau, the capital of the island. After arriving at the hotel, you can dine, relax and rest. No dives are scheduled on Day 2.
Day 3 to 5 | Boat dives around Dominica
For the next three days, you’ll board each morning for two dives in the waters around Dominica. In total you will make 6 dives. Here you will dive in a lively underwater world where volcanic walls are covered with coral, soft fans and colorful sponges. In the clear water you will see schools of reef fish moving by and the occasional turtle swimming quietly by. Among the reef lurk moray eels and other smaller animals, while with luck you may also encounter something larger in the depths.
What makes diving here so special is the rugged volcanic landscape underwater, combined with a surprisingly rich biodiversity. Hot springs and bubbling vents create unique effects, with bubbles bubbling up in some places.
Some dive sites where you might dive are:
- Scott’s Head Pinnacle: an impressive volcanic rock formation with sheer walls that disappear deep into the ocean. Here you often see large schools of fish and, with luck, pelagic species patrolling the depths. It is a place where the transition between shallow and deep water provides plenty of activity and variety.
- Champagne Reef: this is one of the most unique spots on the island. Volcanic activity causes small bubbles to bubble up from the seabed here, as if you were diving into a glass of champagne. Between these bubble streams live colorful fish, sea urchins and sometimes even seahorses, making it a special and playful dive.
- Nose Reef: a reef known for its vibrant coral gardens and the chance of encounters with turtles. Here you swim past soft corals and fans, while the reef is bursting with life. A calm dive with lots of detail, where you will discover new small animals all the time.
- Pole to Pole: a dive site excellent for evening and night diving. When it gets dark, the reef changes completely and nocturnal animals appear. You can encounter lobsters, crabs and other nocturnal animals here that remain hidden during the day, giving each dive a different character.
Day 6 to 10 | Snorkeling with sperm whales
These days you’ll trade in your tank for a snorkel. For five days you will head out into the ocean to look for sperm whales. Dominica is one of the few places in the world where you can meet sperm whales in their natural habitat. With a little luck, you will have several encounters with these impressive animals, which live here in groups and move freely through the deep Caribbean waters. Each day you will leave by boat around 7:30 a.m. and go out to sea with the guides. You listen to the clicks of the hydrophone. That sound leads you to the sperm whales, which sometimes come curiously close and sometimes stay at a distance.
Once you find the animals, you enter the water and swim quietly in their direction. The encounter is special because you can see the sperm whales move, hear and observe them without affecting their behavior. The moments with these animals can be short, but sometimes you stay longer in their presence as they slowly glide through the water or just make contact for a while.
In addition to snorkeling with the sperm whales, you can also take unlimited shore dives from the resort’s hsuirif during these days.
During these five days, you will learn that every encounter is different. One day the sea is quiet and multiple animals are seen, another day the sperm whales keep more at a distance or are less active. This makes each day unique and gives you the chance to truly experience nature at its own pace.
Day 11 | Excursion to Trafalgar Falls & Titou Gorge
Day 12 & 13 | Return home
Today is the last day. In the morning you will check out and be driven to the airport.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from Dominica?
Eye to eye with the sperm whale
Nature Island of the Caribbean
Dominica is called the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” because of its pristine and pure nature. The island is covered in dense rainforest, where rivers flow through the landscape and culminate in impressive waterfalls. Volcanic activity creates hot springs and rugged, varied terrain. Thanks to its rich biodiversity and barely degraded character, the island feels like one of the last truly wild places in the Caribbean.
Diving in a volcanic area
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort
During this trip you will stay at the atmospheric Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, a unique hotel built in a historic fortress from the 18th century. The location is ideal: right by the sea in the capital Roseau, with the Caribbean Sea literally on your doorstep. This makes it the perfect base for both diving and exploring the island.
The rooms and suites are comfortable and modern while subtly preserving the character of the old fortress. Many rooms have private balconies with sea views, where you can relax after a day of diving with the sound of the waves in the background. For divers, this is extra practical because you can easily dry your equipment here.
The hotel has a special history. You are staying in a place where cannons once stood. Thanks to its central location, you can easily walk to local markets, restaurants and attractions, while inside the resort you will experience a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. A special place that perfectly matches the adventurous character of Dominica.
The hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable and active diving vacation. For example, the hotel has a pool overlooking the sea, a spa, jacuzzi and gym, ideal for relaxing after a day underwater.
On the culinary front, you can choose from several restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy local and international cuisine, often with a view of the water. There are also several lounge areas and a boardwalk where live music and entertaining evenings regularly take place.
In addition to diving, the hotel organizes activities such as snorkeling, whale-watching excursions and island tours. Whether you want to be active or relax, here you will find the perfect balance between adventure and comfort. An ideal base for a complete diving trip in Dominica.
The island of Dominica
Dominica is known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, and for good reason. The island is rugged, green and pristine, with a landscape dominated by dense rainforests, volcanic mountains and deep valleys. More than half of the island is protected nature reserve, giving flora and fauna plenty of space here.
Scattered around the island you will find countless waterfalls, hot springs and rivers, there are even 365 of them, one for each day of the year. Inland is the impressive Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with volcanic lakes and spectacular hiking trails.
You can also see the influence of volcanic nature underwater, with unique dive sites and rich marine life. Dominica still feels authentic and pure, far away from mass tourism. Here everything is about nature, tranquility and adventure, both above and below water.
The diving school
The diving school and facilities
The resort’s diving school, Fort Young Dive, is located directly on the sea and is fully equipped for a smooth and everything is within walking distance from the jetty.
The diving school is a professional PADI dive center and offers courses and guidance for every level. The team consists of experienced instructors, divemasters and local guides who know the dive sites inside out and ensure a safe and relaxed atmosphere.
In terms of facilities, there is everything you need: a well-equipped dive store, equipment rental, rinse tanks, outdoor showers, camera tables and a separate room for storing your equipment. There are also teaching rooms and modern equipment.
The dive boats are spacious and built specifically for divers. So there are several boats, including larger boats for groups, with plenty of seating space, shaded areas and storage for your equipment. On board you will find ladders, sinks, showers with hot water and all necessary safety equipment such as oxygen and first aid.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is CHF 6.556 per person based on two people in one Ocean View Room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from CHF 6.556 p.p.
- 12 nights in an Ocean View Room
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- 3 days with a total of 6 boat dives
- Unlimited diving on the house reef
- 5 days of snorkeling with sperm whales
- Lunch during snorkeling days
- Excursion to Trafalgar Falls & Titou Gorge
- National park fees, marine park fees & taxes
- 30-minute massage at the resort
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Dominica CHF 1.192
- Dive and travel insurance
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Nitrox (15 USD per tank)
- Rental diving equipment (45 USD per day)
- Accommodation on full board basis
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Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Diving general
The trip is a combination of snorkeling and diving, since you are not allowed to dive with the sperm whales. This makes the trip also suitable for partners who do not dive. The dives are suitable from an Open Water certification, there are enough dive sites with a maximum depth of less than 18 meters. There are also enough dive sites for more experienced divers. Something for everyone!
The first few days you will make dives from the boat. These dives alternate between reef dives, deeper dives and dives with drop-offs. There is often little to no current. You will also make shore dives on the reef that is at the resort’s jetty.
Dive sites are often just a 10- to 20-minute boat ride away, getting you to location quickly. In addition, you can do unlimited shore diving from the jetty.
2 Boat dives per day in the morning, supplemented by unlimited shore diving.
Yes, these dives are organized regularly. You can sign up for this.
Yes, the house reef is right in front of the resort jetty. You will make the shore dives here that are included during the days you snorkel with the sperm whales. The house reef is a combination of coral reef and artificial structures and is suitable for all levels.
Feel free to ask about the shore rehabilitation project, which studies marine life around Fort Young Hotel. This project aims to continuously protect the further development of the coral in this area and emphasizes its important role in preserving the ecosystem.
Yes, PADI courses are given.
Yes, the diving school is at the resort.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are present, including adapters.
Yes, the additional cost is $15 per tank or $143 per week.
Yes, the cost for a full set (without computer) is 45 USD per day or 225 USD per week. Renting a dive computer costs 13 USD per day or 65 USD per week.
Other activities & excursions
Absolutely! This is really an ideal place for snorkelers.
There are a lot of activities to do, such as hikes, canyoning, visiting villages et cetera.
Accommodation
Yes
Yes. You stay here on a full board basis.
You certainly can. Feel free to ask us about the additional cost for staying on a full board basis.
Half board includes a full tropical breakfast and a three-course dinner (including themed evening meals).
Full board includes a full tropical breakfast, a two-course lunch and a three-course dinner of your choice from the à la carte menu (including themed evening meals).
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