Eyos Expeditions has announced a new adventure offering guests the chance to snorkel with sperm whales in Dominica, accompanied by a local 'Whale Whisperer'. Olivia Palamountain reports

Eyos Expeditions has launched a "Diving with Giants" experience that promises to let guests get up-close with sperm whales in the Caribbean waters of Dominica.

Launched in partnership with Camp Dominica, trips will operate from November to April each year, coinciding with the breeding season when migrating bull whales join the island's resident pods.

Ben Lyons, EYOS Expeditions CEO, says: "Partnering with Camp Dominica has been incredibly exciting, and a natural extension of our core EYOS experience. We're combining some of the leading experts in the world with an intimate and totally wild experience. Swimming alongside massive whales is an indescribable experience, and we aim to leave clients enriched, informed and inspired."  Each expedition will be led by accomplished free diver and photographer Adam Slama alongside Jackson Mawhinney, a Dominican native with deep connections to the island's conservation efforts.

Slama says: "Partnering with EYOS was a natural fit; we had similar values. From the very first encounter, connecting with their team felt effortless—our synergy was undeniable. With many mutual connections and a shared passion for adventure, exploration, and wildlife, a future collaboration felt inevitable. Fast forward to today, and we are proud and honoured to be official partners with EYOS."

He adds: "Our motto at Camp Dominica is: Development does not have to mean destruction. When guests depart, we hope they leave feeling refreshed, invigorated, and inspired—not only to embrace conservation but to carry a renewed sense of adventure with them."The expeditions will contribute to conservation efforts, with a donation from each trip going to a non-profit organisation of scientists conducting research into sperm whale communication. Guests will also have opportunities to meet with scientists, local politicians or marine biologists to learn more about whale conservation efforts.
Accommodation will be provided at Secret Bay, a 6-star Green Globe certified resort with villas designed by architect Fruto Vivas using sustainably sourced materials. The cliff-top villas feature large verandas with ocean views, private pools, and both indoor and outdoor showers.The "resort within a resort" concept includes a private chef, yoga and breathwork instructor, and dedicated guides. A typical day begins with morning yoga followed by whale-watching excursions aboard a Lagoon 55 sailing vessel, accompanied by local "Whale Whisperer" Wendell Ettienne.Dominica, often called the "Nature Island of the Caribbean", is one of the few places in the world with resident sperm whale populations. The island features nine active volcanoes, rainforests, and marine ecosystems that create ideal conditions for whale encounters.

Dominica established a marine sanctuary in 2024 to protect the whales while regulating the number of permits issued to operators. Each expedition operates under strict government permits prioritising the welfare of the whales.Beyond whale encounters, guests can explore Dominica's inland attractions including waterfalls, hot springs, and rainforests. Diving opportunities include Champagne Reef, where volcanic activity creates bubbling seawater, and Soufrière, noted for freediving.

"Camp Dominica of course is a luxurious experience. But time after time, our clients always speak with the most enthusiasm about the remarkable, unscripted encounters with wildlife as the highlight and defining feature of their expeditions. Just off the coast of Dominica, we will be providing guests with deeply personal moments that will stay with them forever," Lyons adds.The experience is available exclusively for private groups starting at US$180,000 for six guests, with customisation options available. Additionally, two scheduled departures in the 2025/2026 season will offer individual bookings at US$25,000 per person.