Permit· Dominica· Leeward Islands
Dominica Sperm Whale Reserve
15° 24.0′ N · 61° 28.8′ W · approximate
The world's first reserve built around sperm whales: Parliament passed the Sperm Whale Reserve Bill on 14 October 2025, protecting about 1,231 sq km of the west-coast territorial sea and EEZ with shipping corridors, regulated whale watching and strict penalties for harassment and strikes.
Practical
Position approximate - a point off the central west coast within the reserve; exact boundaries were not verified. Press Office (Oct 2025): bans unregulated swim-with-whale tours, vessel strikes and pollution; designated maritime corridor for safe passage; recreational fishing, whale watching, diving and research regulated. Implementing regulations (corridor routes, vessel rules) were not verified here - ask Customs or the Fisheries Division when clearing in whether yachts must follow a designated route. DAN (2025) reports planned rules: permits (recreational, commercial media, research), a marine ranger aboard for in-water activities, encounters limited to 10 minutes, no swimmers dropped near nursing calves. Traditional fishing incl. FADs continues - watch for FAD lines and fish-trap floats.
Best for
Knowing the rules before transiting the west coast