Wildlife· Dominica· Leeward Islands
Sperm Whale Watching (Dominica)
15° 18.0′ N · 61° 25.8′ W · approximate
Dominica is the one island where sperm whales can be seen year-round: a resident population of females and calves feeds in the deep water just off the west coast, and trips also find spinner, spotted, Fraser's and bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales - hydrophones pick up the whales' clicks.
Practical
Position approximate - deep water off Roseau where tours run, about 2.5 nm offshore. Book with a licensed operator from Roseau/Castle Comfort or Portsmouth (Discover Dominica). Dive Dominica: scheduled 3-3.5 hour trips depart 2 pm (check in 1:30 pm), US$69 per person; private safari for up to 6 US$687.70 - check current schedule. Sightings most common Nov-March (Dive Dominica); peak Nov-June per avirtualdominica; about 200 sperm whales use Dominica's waters, mostly the Eastern Caribbean Clan of fewer than 300 (Mongabay). Swim-with-whales needs a permit and an approved operator under the Sperm Whale Reserve rules. If you meet whales under sail: slow down, keep well off, never approach head-on or cut between mothers and calves.
Best for
Seeing sperm whales from a tour boat
Season
Year-round; best Nov-Mar
Nearby
- Pottersville Fish Harbour Anchorage2.2 NM away
- Dominica Online ED Card & SailClear2.3 NM away
- Island Wash Laundromat (Roseau)2.3 NM away
- Roseau Customs & Immigration2.3 NM away
- Roseau Market2.3 NM away
- Hi Rise Beach Bar (Roseau Bayfront)2.4 NM away
- Independence & Creole Heritage Season2.4 NM away
- Rainy Season & Flash Flooding (Dominica)2.4 NM away