Whether you are embarking on some of the best diving in the world, observing some of the largest mammals living on this planet, or just want to learn how to be an ardent diver, our team will ensure that yours is a remarkable, unforgettable experience. 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. Dominicas whale and dolphin species can be found year round in the islands crystal blue waters. The deep waters off the west coast of this caribbean island attract the bluntheaded sperm whales yearround. The dominican republic is home to two humpback breeding grounds, out of only a handful in the whole world. Over 20 species have been spotted in the waters around the island, but the big draw is the pod of sperm whales. Tony, cor, julie, emiko and i are currently out in dominica where loftus and some other wetpixel folk were just after dema. Sperm whales, pilot whales, false killer whales and even humpback whales can be spotted.
A research program on sperm whales off the island of dominica in the caribbean. The order cetacea includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. Dominica, known as the whale watching capital of the caribbean, is lucky to have resident sperm whales off its coast almost yearround. However, these islands are located north of the dominican republic, which is one of the top whale watching spots in the caribbean. Dominica s diving can be broken down into three distinct regions. Whether you are embarking on some of the best diving in the world, observing some of the largest mammals living on this planet, or just want to learn how to be an ardent diver, our team will ensure that yours is a remarkable. The dominican government enforces strict whale protection laws and guidelines to ensure the safety and conservation of these wonderful animals.
The caribbeans best islands for whale watching tropixtraveler. Scar, the resident 10yr old male, showed up near the end. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. Getting to dominica best way to travel to dominica, the. This creates an ideal habitat for one of the largest mammals in the worldthe sperm whale. I was particularly delighted to be going offshore that day to search for gentle giants in the sea. Various species you may encounter include, spotted. Dont get stuck battling crowds on the deck of a large whalewatching tour. You can see the mother hanging close and watching the siblings carefully. Swimming with whales was something ive wanted to do since i was about 7 years old. 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.
Whale samana with kim beddall whale watching tours in. Notice how gentle and curious the whale was to the people and the boat. Whale watching tours in dominica for cruise ship visitors. Along with our over 20 years experience of taking our clients whale watching, our research and reputation has caused dominica to be named the whale watching capital of the caribbean and has become a preferred destination for the sighting of the deep diving sperm. While sailing in the leeward islands outside dominica they came upon 4 sperm. In dominica we did a whale watching tour with captain jerry jerry daway on his beautiful 37 ft searay fishing boat proud mary. Dominica is the whale watching capital of the caribbean if youre visiting the island, you have to book a whale watching tour. Jan 27, 2014 swimming with whales was something ive wanted to do since i was about 7 years old. We had originally booked a whale watching tour with the ship but decided it would be better to do it on a smaller boat with less people which was a great decision.
Anchorage hotel whale watch and dive center dominica. I wasnt allowed the time off to pursue this bucket list item, and in turn i decided to quit. The local population off the cost of dominica is now mostly comprised of females and their offspring. When the opportunity came for me to actually do this, i made the decision to say goodbye to the security of my bank job. Reaching up to 65 feet in length, the sperm whale is the largest carnivore on earth the only whale that has teeth.
Dominica adventure vacations, diving in dominica,hiking. Of the mammal species listed for dominica, two are considered vulnerable and one species is classified as extinct the following tags are used to highlight each species conservation status as assessed by the international union for conservation of nature. Dominica also offers hiking and sea turtle watching as. The turks caicos islands will give you the opportunity to view mainly the humpback whale. Sperm whales in dominica trip reports and travel wetpixel. Dominica s whale and dolphin species can be found year round in the islands crystal blue waters. This water safari gives passengers the opportunity to assist our crew in finding these amazing. The silver bank is located 100 km north of the dominican republic and approximately the same distance from the turks and caicos islands and is one of numerous breeding and calving zones of humpback whales.
These special animals need all our efforts to protect them and their habitats. Whale samana with kim beddall at samana port in dominican republic. It is known as the nature island of the caribbean due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which is protected by an extensive natural. Humpback whales watching, sanctuary samana, dominican. This is a list of the mammal species recorded in dominica. Feb 28, 2014 this happened after the end of todays session. We have just finished our first day out on the water and had an epic day with multiple sperm whale social groups. There are a couple of operators on the island, and we chose dive dominica because they had a better web site and we could book by email.
Travel to samana bay aboard a comfortable, airconditioned coach, then transfer to a boat. You have a high chance of success yearround and it does not cost a fortune. Dominica is the hot spot in the caribbean to watch whales. If you are interested i will organize another group next year. Every year from midjanuary until midmarch these huge mammals leave the arctic to mate and give birth in the protected bay along the dominican republics east coast. By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to our use of cookies. All of them have something to offer, each of them something unique to discover. Interaction time with one unit could last 30 seconds or 15 minutes, the whales decide. The humpback whales are regular visitors in the bay of samana. A young couple sold their house and quit their jobs to go sailing for a year from west michigan to the caribbean.
Whale watching with dive dominica on sundays at two oclock the whale watching trip begins. As if you needed another reason to visit, whale watching in the dominican republic is in prime season. To get the best view of the island as you fly in to dominica. Humpback whales watching, sanctuary samana, dominican republic. No vacation stay on dominica is complete until you have spent at least one afternoon whale watching. Dominica also offers hiking and sea turtle watching as well. Hiking, rain forest expeditions, exotic waterfalls, ti tou gorge one of the most amazing places in the caribbean, agricultural tours, bird watching. Safe, sensitive whale watching with kim beddall in samana, dominican republic. 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. Sperm whale, dominica big animals expeditions with amos.
Along with our over 20 years experience of taking our clients whale watching, our research and reputation has caused dominica to be named the whale watching capital of the caribbean and has become a preferred destination for the sighting of the deep diving sperm whales. 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. Why i quit my job dominica swimming with sperm whales. Dominica sperm whales with indigo safaris each morning we will go out and use underwater listening devices to locate whale families.
They love to show off their acrobatic talents as divers watch with astonishment. Whale watching we are proud of our status as the pioneers of the whale watching industry in the caribbean. Dominicas diving can be broken down into three distinct regions. Dominica is also well known as the whale watching capital of the caribbean. This water safari gives passengers the opportunity to assist our crew in finding these amazing marine mammals, by use of a directional hydrophone. The crystal blue waters feature op to 22 species of whales. They are the mammals most fully adapted to aquatic life with a spindleshaped nearly hairless body, protected by a thick layer of blubber, and forelimbs and tail modified to provide propulsion underwater. Mar 31, 2011 dominica, known as the whale watching capital of the caribbean, is lucky to have resident sperm whales off its coast almost yearround.
Its worth downloading an app like xe currency to convert currency on the go, but as a guide. Once we have successfully approached a unit, three people will slip into the water with izzy, and move slowly towards the whales. Over 20 different whale families have been identified in the waters off dominica, and there are about 10 that are seen regularly. Sperm whales are the easiest to approach of the cetacean family. Whale watching operators follow strict codes of conduct on their excursions. Various species you may encounter include, spotted and spinner dolphins as well as pilot and orca. 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. One of the largest mammals on the planet, humpback whales are a beautiful sight to behold. Dominica sperm whale snorkeling dominica lonely planet.
The dramatic, volcanic topography in the northwest gave rise to its remarkable dive sites. We enjoyed the day spent with him and he even made some extras stops so we could see all. Flying north into douglascharles melville hall, from for example barbados, sit on the left side of the aircraft. Teaser video of sperm whales interactions with snorkelers off of dominica. Sep 06, 2009 video shots from whale watching in dominica.
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. Also offering services catering to the needs and satisfaction of visitors to dominica. Swimming with sperm whales in dominica natural world safaris. I organize that for small group, i just come back from this year trip and was fabulous. Dominica is an island in the caribbean sea, located about halfway between the french islands of guadeloupe to the north and martinique to the south. The boat used for whale watching of dive dominica is spacious with plenty of benches and even a top deck to sunbath if you like. Whale classification breeding patterns of whales whale migration join us dominican republic. Swimming with humpback whales in the dominican republic.
Whale las terrenas, whale watching in samana bay from las terrenas hotels half day trip. Best whale watching charter in dominica tripadvisor. Why dominica doesnt support commercial whaling greenpeace usa. With a maximum of eight participants on board, you can enjoy a smallgroup experience and rest assured you wont have anyone blocking your view of the sperm whales, dolphins, and other sea life that frequent the area. Mother with 2 calves playing around while we record and take pics. It is known as the nature island of the caribbean due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which is protected by an extensive natural park system. Instead, join this smallgroup whalewatching excursion. This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising.
Best whale watching islands and resorts in the caribbean. Jan 15, 2016 whale watching dominican republic janmarch. Dive dominica whalewatching boatwe went on a whale watching trip with dive dominica. Kens hinterland adventure tours is a destination management company, specializing in adventure activities. 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. Dominica was one of the stops on our cruise on the celebrity silhouette. This destination is better known for its lovely beaches and is amazing resorts. Dive dominica offers whale watching trips every sunday. For the next few days your skipper and guide will analyse the weather and movements of the sperm whales to get you in the right place at the right time to see these magnificent creatures and if the conditions allow it, swim with them too.
Cruise out into the open waters to look for the pods of humpback whales who visit to breed and have their calves in the area. Whale watching has become an increasingly popular worldwide activity, and the dominican republic is fortunate to have one of the largest and best humpback breeding sanctuaries in the world. Except for the humpback whales of the dominican republics silver bank. Dominica whale watching in usatoday experience dominica.
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