Dominica: Whales, Waterfalls & the Wild Caribbean

As soon as the plane touches down you realize that this island is not your typical Caribbean postcard beach destination. Cross the island on a winding road through the rainforest, catching the occasional glimpse of the ocean in the distance and hearing the rush of rivers and waterfalls through the open window. We welcome you to Dominica, and invite you to prepare for incredible natural beauty and marine life encounters that will live in your memory forever. Arrive at any time and transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, meet up with your CEO and fellow travellers at a welcome briefing to prepare for the adventure ahead, followed by a welcome dinner.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

The waters surrounding Dominica are a sanctuary for a resident population of sperm whales, making the island one of the few locations in the world to encounter them. Set off in the mornings by boat along with marine and naturalist experts in search of these gentle giants for the chance to swim and snorkel with them in their natural habitat. Afternoons are free to go on optional excursions, explore town or to relax by the pool. Head out by boat each morning with the local guide and crew for the chance to swim with the whales. Return to the hotel generally around midday, and the rest of the afternoon and evening is free.

Included Experiences

• Swimming with Whales: Get ready for a truly unique and humbling experience as you set off each day in search of the sperm whales and to have the chance to swim with them in their natural habitat. Meet up with the swimming guide at the dive shop in the morning then proceed to the boat for a briefing on safety and about the strict protocol around this special experience, in order to ensure sustainable practices and to minimize any potential impact on the whales and on their environment. Experienced captains, spotters and guides will be on the lookout for the whales and, once spotted, the boat will proceed very slowly to the area. Travellers will then gear up while the guide evaluates the conditions before entering the water at the guide's instruction. The boat will move away slightly and remain in neutral after the swimmers are in the water and will return to pick people up only after the whales have swum away naturally. This creates a very natural encounter where the whales ultimately determine the duration and quality of the interaction. There is a maximum of 4 people in the water at any given time (3 guests + the guide), so people will take turns. Swim-with-whale excursions are limited overall in terms of encounter duration and number of attempts. Tourist permits allow: ◦ Up to approximately 4 hours after whale detection ◦ Up to approximately 10 in-water attempts per encounter The guiding principle is that the whales control the interaction, not the operators or guests. If the whales show any signs of disturbance or avoidance, the interaction must stop immediately. The boat will return to the hotel around midday. Please note that these whales are in the wild and sightings, although somewhat likely, are never guaranteed.
• Free Time: Spend the afternoons exploring Roseau, relaxing by the pool or take one of the many optional excursions available to see waterfalls, go hiking, or soak in hot springs.

Optional Experiences

• Hike to Middleham Falls: This adventure leads you through dense primary rainforest to reach the island's tallest waterfall. The hike begins with a shallow river crossing followed by a humid, twenty-minute ascent up jungle steps, eventually leveling out before a final descent over rocks and roots to the viewing platform. Once there, you’ll have time to swim in the mist-filled basin (conditions permitting) and capture photos before retracing the forest path back to the trailhead.
• Cooking Class: Get hands-on with a cooking class to learn all about the delicious local cuisine, with fresh Caribbean flavours and local ingredients.
• River Tubing: Dominica has been called the land of 365 rivers with one for every day of the year and today you'll go tubing on one of them. Drive to the launch site for a safety briefing with the local guides then set off on modified inner tubes for a paddle before getting right into the river. With everyone in the water, your guides will set you loose to begin your journey, gently spinning and swirling in the current, taking in the lush scenery at the same time - if you can.

The whales still beckon but today could be the chance to do something different if the time is right. Choose to set off again by boat to spot and swim with the whales or head to the iconic Trafalgar Falls and go snorkelling amongst the volcanic bubbles at Champagne Beach. Whichever you choose, the afternoon is free to relax and catch the poolside views of the sunset. Choice of activity to swim with the whales or visit the Botanical Gardens, Trafalgar Falls and snorkel at Champagne Beach. Both options return by early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free.

Included Experiences

• Swim with Whales or Visit the Botanical Gardens, Trafalgar Falls & Champagne Beach: Option 1: Morning begins with a boat excursion led by expert local guides for a rare chance to swim with resident sperm whales in their natural habitat. You will return to the hotel by early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day open for relaxation or personal exploration. Option 2: Explore the lush botanical gardens on a guided walk through Roseau before heading into the mountains to witness the magnificent twin Trafalgar Falls. After visiting the falls, travel to the coast for a unique snorkeling experience at Champagne Beach, famous for its volcanic underwater bubbles and vibrant marine life. Both excursions will last 5 hours and begin and end at the hotel in Roseau.
• Free Time: Enjoy some more downtime to relax by the pool or explore the town.

Spend the next days heading out to sea in search of encounters with Dominica’s resident sperm whales. Under the gentle guidance of expert guides, you will slip into the sapphire blue to witness the quiet majesty and immense grace of these gentle giants in their silent underwater world. This profound experience offers a rare bridge between two worlds, leaving you with a lingering sense of wonder as your marine journey continues. Afternoons are spent relaxing by the pool or exploring some of Dominica's other inland attractions like rivers, waterfalls and hot springs. Share stories and experiences over a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers and CEO on the final evening. Head out by boat each morning with the local guide and crew for the chance to swim with the whales. Return to the hotel generally around midday, and the rest of the afternoon and evening is free, with an included farewell dinner on the final night.

Included Experiences

• Swimming with Whales: Set off again by boat each morning for the chance to encounter Dominica's resident sperm whales. Led by expert local guides, you will venture into the deep blue for the opportunity to swim alongside these majestic giants in their natural environment. After these incredible mornings on the sea, you will return to the hotel around midday to enjoy a relaxed and open schedule.
• Free Time: Spend your free time exploring the vibrant streets of Roseau to browse local markets, shop for unique crafts, and enjoy the island's authentic Caribbean architecture.

Optional Experiences

• Hike to Middleham Falls: This adventure leads you through dense primary rainforest to reach the island's tallest waterfall. The hike begins with a shallow river crossing followed by a humid, twenty-minute ascent up jungle steps, eventually leveling out before a final descent over rocks and roots to the viewing platform. Once there, you’ll have time to swim in the mist-filled basin (conditions permitting) and capture photos before retracing the forest path back to the trailhead.
• Cooking Class: Get hands-on with a cooking class to learn all about the delicious local cuisine, with fresh Caribbean flavours and local ingredients.
• River Tubing: Dominica has been called the land of 365 rivers with one for every day of the year and today you'll go tubing on one of them. Drive to the launch site for a safety briefing with the local guides then set off on modified inner tubes for a paddle before getting right into the river. With everyone in the water, your guides will set you loose to begin your journey, gently spinning and swirling in the current, taking in the lush scenery at the same time - if you can.

Included Experiences

• Swimming with Whales: Set off again by boat each morning for the chance to encounter Dominica's resident sperm whales. Led by expert local guides, you will venture into the deep blue for the opportunity to swim alongside these majestic giants in their natural environment. After these incredible mornings on the sea, you will return to the hotel around midday to enjoy a relaxed and open schedule.
• Free Time: Spend your free time exploring the vibrant streets of Roseau to browse local markets, shop for unique crafts, and enjoy the island's authentic Caribbean architecture.

Optional Experiences

• Hike to Middleham Falls: This adventure leads you through dense primary rainforest to reach the island's tallest waterfall. The hike begins with a shallow river crossing followed by a humid, twenty-minute ascent up jungle steps, eventually leveling out before a final descent over rocks and roots to the viewing platform. Once there, you’ll have time to swim in the mist-filled basin (conditions permitting) and capture photos before retracing the forest path back to the trailhead.
• Cooking Class: Get hands-on with a cooking class to learn all about the delicious local cuisine, with fresh Caribbean flavours and local ingredients.
• River Tubing: Dominica has been called the land of 365 rivers with one for every day of the year and today you'll go tubing on one of them. Drive to the launch site for a safety briefing with the local guides then set off on modified inner tubes for a paddle before getting right into the river. With everyone in the water, your guides will set you loose to begin your journey, gently spinning and swirling in the current, taking in the lush scenery at the same time - if you can.

Your journey concludes today, leaving you with lasting memories of your incredible time in Dominica. Depart at any time.