Dominica is the “whale watching capital of the Caribbean”, and with its crystal blue waters, the island draws more tourists each and every year. Although Dominica has a reputation of being one of the top five places to dive in the Caribbean, it is also known for providing visitors with the opportunity to watch various whale species as well as other fascinating sea life. Dominica has consistently received numerous awards year after year from Scuba Diving Magazine, for being one of the “Top Ten Places to Dive in the Caribbean”, for the healthiest marine environment, best marine life, and for its excellent opportunities for underwater photography. However, for those that are not quite ready to take the plunge or those looking to try something different, watching the whales in the waters of Dominica will take your breath away.
What Will I See On A Whale Watching Excursion In Dominica?
Whale watching originally became a hit in 1988 when it was started by Fitzroy Armour of the Anchorage Dive Center. Even though there are a wide variety of whales to watch in Dominica including Dwarf Sperm, Short Fin Pilot, Pygmy Sperm, Orca, Sudo Orca, Humpback, Melon-Head and False Killer whales; sperm whales remain the most popular. Tourists to Dominica can also see various species of dolphins while on their journey to see the larger cetaceans. Spinner, Risso, Fraser, Spotted and Bottlenose dolphins certainly make their presence known as they jump the waves created by the tour boats.
Dominican tour operators boast a 90% success rate of encountering these magnificent creatures on any given excursion. Author of “The Whale Watcher’s Handbook”, Eric Hoyt, stated that “Dominica and this region of the Caribbean is one of the closest and reliable locations for Americans to encounter Sperm Whales.” Tourists can also watch the Sperm Whales in Norway, New Zealand, and the Azores, but the level of social interaction with the whales in these areas will be reduced. Sperm whales can be seen in Dominica year round, but chances increase in the winter months, November to March.
What Are The Characteristics Of Sperm Whales?
Sperm whales are known to be the planets’ largest toothed animal and their lengths often measure in at approximately 69ft. Their heads are unusually large and comprise about 25 percent of their total length. These amazing creatures can shoot water out at about a 45 degree angle. Sperm whales have a dorsal hump which sits two-thirds of the way from their heads. They also have triangular shaped flukes that have deep notches in them, that help them cut through the water. Sperm whales are very social creatures and can be seen congregating in groups, mating, and even calving.
The West Coast of Dominica is completely sheltered and its deep waters provide an ideal calving and breeding ground for sperm whales. Dominica’s underwater terrain provides the valuable nutrients that the whales need in order to survive. The highest concentration of sperm whales can be found in the waters surrounding Scotts Head, Layou, Roseau, and Point Round but research has indicated that whales can be heard all along the west coast during season.
Even though the Sperm Whales are the most social and are most likely to be seen, tourists have encountered many others in Dominica. Whale watching provides an unforgettable adventure and seeing one of these sea creatures up close and personal is a once in a lifetime experience. When you’re ready to try something a little different, plan a whale watching excursion is the Nature Island of Dominica.