Swimming with Sperm Whales in Dominica

[fruehaufsteher2]

We are just on our way back from Dominika, after 10 days of sperm whales with Franco Banfi - and I wanted to share the experiences.

 

Foreword: We were already on Mo’orea with humpback whales, which was quite good - and had tried to go swimming in Mexico with all kinds of whales, which was a total failure. Accordingly, we were nervous and excited this time, especially whether our decision to make 10 full days would be right.

 

This time the journey first led us over the USA, from Miami it goes directly to Dominika. Spectacular approach over the island, those with weak nerves should choose a place in the aisle. In any case, I was able to count the teeth of the workers and clearly see if the cigarette in his mouth was burning or out.

 

The first two days were dedicated to birdwatching and nature, „Dr. Bird“ was funny and the animals were nice, but you have to adjust to „Birdwatching“ mentally (Yoga or weed might help)

 

To the whales: pickup at 7:30, then take the taxi to the boat and then off. Boat is currently a Bertram 35, so big enough for everything. Captain Jerry (maximum praise!) listens again and again with an underwater microphone where the whales are and has an extremely impressive hit rate, even in storms and waves. When the whale is spotted, the boat goes there and the guests are told „get ready“ - „go, go, go!!“ in the direction  where the whales are heading to. You have to swim a few meters to position yourself, but then stay or start swimming only to accompany the whale a little. All the whalewatchers coordinate to let only one group into the water at a time. With us it was a maximum of 3 guests + guide, with patient whales up to 6 people on the whale - still uncomplicated, and we did not have the feeling of disturbing the whales.

 

To convey a comprehensible idea: we were in the water between 4x and 10x per day. While on the boat without having direct communication to the captain you can tell from the engine noise what status is:

 

- Engine off: „Look out“ or captain holds the microphone in the water

- Idle: „Search for whale“

- Slow: „Re-Positioning“

- Half throttle: „I think there’s one in front“

- Full throttle: „There he (she) is!“

 

The weather was everything between calm and sunny and a lot of wind and rain showers. In bad weather, the encounters were better and the water was clearer. In good weather, at least for us, the visibility tended to be worse.

 

The encounters were fantastic. From single, playful fellows to families with small whale babies to medium-sized groups (with us max. 5 whales) up to two sleeping whales all included. Franco and Sabrina would have liked to have larger groups, but you can’t choose. And despite the rough conditions, we didn’t have a day without whales.

 

Nice is that you are in a group of enthusiasts who get involved in the long tour, the other guests had 2000+ dives and knew how to take pictures.

 

For us, the trip was worth every minute and every €. We’re going with Franco and Sabrina again.

 

Two final remarks: In the next group, Doug Allan was there, which ennobles Franco. And: if you want to buy a camera for such a trip: A6700 with 10-20 and 6“ acrylport is a clear recommendation - small, light, wonderful quality and amazingly well stabilized video. In combination with the 70-350 and the Tamron 17-70/2.8 a smart and complete travel combo.

Edited January 25 by fruehaufsteher2
Typo (there might be more…)

[fruehaufsteher2]

Here another two. Sadly we saw two injured whales: One with broken mandible (here, sleeping with the other) and one with heavy injuries on his tail - both from fishermen nets. 

[fruehaufsteher2]

And here a last one: you can see on the side of the whale, beginning at his mouth, a small structure like a line. That’s a tentacle from a deep-sea-squid. The rest of the squid is in his stomach. 

[Troporobo]

Amazing photos!  This is an experience I must have some day.  Thanks a lot for sharing.