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Sperm Whale

Big Animals Expedition, Dominica

Sperm Whale - Big Animals Expedition
experience	18 years
where	Dominica, Lesser Antilles
max no. of guests	4 guests
departure	Feb 8 - 15, 2014; Feb 15 - 22, 2014
duration	8 days
pricing	$7,400 per person
vessel	Domnik, 30'x14'
activities	Snorkeling
temperature	In Water: 78 - 82°F

The Largest Carnivore in the World

It is time to celebrate! As one of the most hunted animals, sperm whales were driven almost to extinction. However, there is hope. They have made the best comeback in the history of wildlife, and today, there are 250,000 sperm whales in the wild - almost as many as one hundred years ago.

The local population off the cost of Dominica is now mostly comprised of females and their offspring. In fall and winter, the males arrive, too.

Sperm whales are the easiest to approach of the cetacean family. Reaching up to 65 feet in length, the sperm whale is the largest carnivore on earth - the only whale that has teeth. They openly socialize in pods of five to thirty, and everyone participates - male, female and young. The younger whales are the most curious of all, and are the first to get close to humans.

Only four guests are permitted on each trip. For this unique encounter, Big Animals Expeditions has teamed up with Andrew Armour, known to the diving community as the 'whale whisperer.' We will be on his boat the Domnik, the most suitable platform for this whale encounter.

Historically, the months of January and February in Dominica see the most sperm whales. At this time, the western side of Dominica is protected from the Atlantic Ocean storms. In addition to sperm whales, for eight hours each day, we will be finding pseudo killer whales, pilot whales, orcas and an assortment of dolphin pods to photograph.

General Itinerary

Day 1: DEPART your hometown via Puerto Rico (if you arrive from the USA). ARRIVE Dominica, Melville Hall airport with your detailed arrival information. Big Animals Expeditions will have a transfer waiting for you and bring you to the Anchorage hotel in town for an overnight stay.

Days 2-7: Six full days of search after the Sperm whales and all other cetaceans in Dominica's waters. We will have plenty of water and lunch on board for you. You will need to bring maximum sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc. We also recommend warm clothing such as long sleeve shirts, warm hat, and waterproof windbreakers, for the 8+ hours per day on board and long distance cruising.

Sea conditions are mostly calm to moderate, with rising wind in the afternoon.

Day 8: DEPART Dominica for home. We will provide you the return transfer to the airport according to your needs.

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Diving gear and equipment

Water temperatures range between 78 - 82F or 23C - 25C.

T-shirts and skin suits are sufficient (3mm shorty wetsuit at the most). Please also bring a mask, snorkeling fins, and a snorkel or two. There is no need for a regulator and BC. We may rent these locally if necessary.

Included in tour price:

• Transfers in and out of Airport and hotels
• Six days of search and snorkeling with Sperm whales + other cetaceans
• Lunch box and soft drinks

Not included in tour price:

• International airfare
• Hotel accommodations in Dominica
• Meals - breakfasts and dinners
• Private transfers
• VISA fee
• Gratuities to crew (US and UK pound widely accepted)
• Items of personal nature such as phone calls, laundry and drinks

For more information
Contact:
Dive Discovery
@
1 800 886-7321
(415) 444-5100
or
Request Info