Dominica is one of the few places in the world where a resident population of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) can be reliably encountered in the water — on snorkel only, under a strict permit. The whales live in a deep submarine canyon just off the western coast, come to the surface to breathe between long dives, and appear remarkably tolerant of quiet swimmers. Season is technically year-round but the calmest seas and best encounter rates are November through March. Regular scuba diving on the island is separately excellent, with pinnacles and bubble-venting volcanic vents.
The year at a glance
- Water
- 26–28 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- calm
- Rain
- moderate
- Water
- 26–28 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- calm
- Rain
- low
- Water
- 26–28 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- calm
- Rain
- low
- Water
- 26–28 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- calm
- Rain
- low
- Water
- 27–29 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- calm
- Rain
- moderate
- Water
- 27–29 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- moderate
- Rain
- high
- Water
- 28–30 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- moderate
- Rain
- high
- Water
- 28–30 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- rough
- Rain
- high
- Water
- 28–30 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- rough
- Rain
- high
- Water
- 28–30 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- rough
- Rain
- high
- Water
- 27–29 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- moderate
- Rain
- high
- Water
- 26–28 °C
- Viz
- 20–30 m
- Sea
- calm
- Rain
- moderate
Signature dive sites
The sites you'll hear about in every briefing.
- 01
Champagne Reef
Shallow reef with volcanic bubble vents. Easy shore dive.
- 02
Scotts Head Pinnacle
Pinnacle at the southern tip of the island with currents and pelagics.
- 03
Offshore sperm whale snorkel
Boat-based open-water search and permitted in-water encounter.
What you'll see
Top species with their April status.
Getting there
Gateway
Fly into Douglas-Charles (DOM). Visa: Visa-free for many nationalities.
Best months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
Avoid
Sep