Freediving Family Reunion:

Sperm Whale Mating Season in Dominica (ALL FULL!)

What Are Freediving Family Reunions?

Freediving Family Retreats are our way of bringing the friends and family we meet at Deep Weeks together once again to use what we learned to have fun and dive together!

Each family retreat is a close knit and unique experience for those that join. Space is very limited at these events which opens us up to one of a kind opportunities to explore the world with friends.

Arguably The Most Stunning Dive Location in the World

Dominica is literally a freedivers paradise. Crystal clear water, some of the most pristine and best protected reefs in the world, geothermal activity that produces hot springs, massive mountains that offer some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world are just the backdrop for our 7 day adventure diving with the stars of the show; 12-18m sperm whales. Its hard to put into words how actually INSANE of a trip this is going to be but lets just say that when we started planning this event, we were blown away by how absolutely incredible this opportunity is!

Book Your Spot Now

Diving With Freaking Sperm Whales!

During mating season, the waters off Dominica come alive as sperm whales engage in captivating displays of courtship and social interaction. Witness thrilling behaviors unique to this time of year, as male sperm whales, distinguished by their immense size and iconic heads, showcase their strength and agility in their competition for females. From powerful clicking sounds echoing through the depths to graceful movements and spectacular breaches, you’ll experience the incredible performances unfolding beneath the surface.

Our experienced guides provide insights into the complex social dynamics of sperm whale communities, revealing the matriarchal structure where females and calves form tight-knit family units, while mature males lead solitary or bachelor lives. With excellent underwater visibility, you'll have unparalleled opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Our guides ensure your safety and respect for the marine environment, allowing you to confidently explore the depths alongside these gentle giants. Prepare for an unforgettable journey into Dominica's marine wonderland, where every dive reveals new wonders and leaves a lasting impression of awe and appreciation for these beautiful creatures.

Exploring Adventure Island and Champagne Reef

Dominica, often referred to as the "Adventure Island" of the Caribbean, boasts an unparalleled combination of lush tropical rainforests, dramatic mountains, and pristine beaches. The island's geography is a testament to its volcanic origins, featuring rugged cliffs, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls that offer breathtaking views and endless exploration opportunities. Dominica's underwater landscape is equally captivating, with vibrant coral reefs, submerged volcanic formations, and crystal-clear waters that draw freedivers and water lovers from around the world.

One of the island's most renowned diving spots is Champagne Reef, located at the northern tip of the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve and about 10 minutes walk from where our accommodation is located during the week! Here, volcanic activity creates a unique underwater spectacle as thermal springs release streams of bubbles, giving the reef its sparkling name. The reef's dramatic cliffs and towering volcanic formations are adorned with a kaleidoscope of sponges, crinoids, and a diverse array of marine life, including octopus, rays, trumpet fish, and sea turtles. Don’t worry, when we aren’t diving with whales we will be diving here and other beautiful spots on the island!

Getting to Dominica!

Part of the reason why the Island of Dominica is quite protected is because of the travel required to get there. To be honest, it is probably easiest to get to Dominca if you first arrive in the USA and flying to Charles Douglas (Melville Hall, DOM) International Airport but there are many connecting flight options from the many islands around the Carribbean. Here are some travel path suggestions for you but feel free to do your own research:

Direct flights from:
Miami, USA > DOM (American Airlines)
Barbados > DOM
St. Lucia > DOM

There are daily connecting flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico (Silver Airways, InterCaribbean) Antigua, and Trinidad.

Taking a Ferry is also an option! There are weekly ferry boats from:
Martinique
St. Lucia
Guadalupe (neighboring islands)

Port of Entry: Roseau, Dominica

Taxi Transfers to/from airport or ferry port can be arranged in advanced and included in your ticket cost for this event.

The Schedule

Water and Land Activities

Our 8 day itinerary features 5 days of on-water whale activities and 1 land excursion day with shore diving options available every day! It also includes arrival and departure days so you don’t have to worry about missing any of the action!

Daily activities run from 8 AM to 4 PM. with the group deciding where to go each night for dinner, either selecting one of the many amazing restaurants in town, eating at the guesthouse or simply just cooking as a group at home.

Arrival Day

First day is spent getting to Soufriere Village, settling into our accommodation The Soufriere Guesthouse, and going over what to expect during the week. Lets be honest, we will probably dive on Champagne Reef too!

Water Days

Mornings start with loading the boat for diving and using hydrophones to locate sperm whales out and about. While we can’t guarantee encounters, we are almost certain to have whale dives every day. This includes diving with pilot whales, dolphins and more! We will return to shore by 3-4 PM daily.

Land Excursion Day

Dominica offers incredible options for out of water activities. Hiking, hot springs (yes I know, not technically a dry activity but still,) mountain adventures, jungle exploration, delicious food and beautiful beach views are all options for us after our dive sessions.

We will take a day out of the water (on the 5th day) to go out and explore, hitting up Trafalgar Waterfall and Tituo Gorge (entry fees included) to give our water logged little selves a chance to rest a bit!

Departing Day

We will have a chill day our final day packing up, and departing by noon after saying goodbye. That said, we do recommend that you spend a bit more time on the island exploring. We will BARELY scratch the surface of the incredible things that are available to us on the island and we really do recommend you spend longer there if you have the time and availability.

Meet Your Host

Join the Freediving Families static fanatic, Deep Daddy and International Event Manager Brandon Reed as he takes you on an adventure to do one of his favorite things in the world: dive with large marine animals in stunning water!

Frequently Asked Q’s

  • Included in the price of booking is the following:

    • Professional whale and event photographer

    • Captain and crew

    • 5 days on the water chasing whales

    • Breakfast and lunch on the boat

    • Ministry of Fisheries Permit to swim with sperm whales

    • 7 nights of accommodation at Soufriere Guesthouse including solar heated water, wifi, self catering kitchen and common areas

    • Airport pick up and drop off on the start day and end day of the trip

    • 1 full land excursion day to Trafalgar Waterfall and Tituo Gorge

    What is not included

    • Gear (limited rentals available, all participants should bring their own gear)

    • Airfare

    • Dinner food costs

    • Travel and medical insurance

    • Gratuities for local staff (optional)

    • Anything not explicitly mentioned as included

  • Unfortunately you have to have joined us for a Deep Week or one of our multi day events in Australia in the past to be able to join us at a Freediving Family Reunion.

    We do this because, not to brag, but theres something special about our events that you just need to see to fully experience! But don’t worry, we will be running more and more reunions as we move ahead so you will have plenty of opportunities to join us in amazing places around the world.

    In the mean time, check out our upcoming Deep Week dates by going to the Deep Week tab in our menu and join us for our next Deep Week!

  • During our Family Reunions, we don’t offer certifications. You must be at least Wave 1 certified to be able to attend these events!

  • Due to the unique nature of the events and how each one is individually planned, we are only able to transfer your deposit to a future Freediving Family Reunion and only if you have requested the deposit to be moved no closer than 6 weeks before the event begins.

    In the event that you need to cancel your spot within 6 weeks of the event starting, we do charge a fee equal to the event deposit. Any balance remaining can be applied to a future Family Reunion.

    We cannot issue refunds.

    For more info, check our terms of service.

  • Unfortunately it’s not included. You can either bring your own gear from home or you will be able to rent gear from our local partner! Use the contact form below for assistance with gear rental.

  • The water will be coooold so we recommend a custom fit 5mm wetsuit along with 5mm boots and gloves (lobster claw gloves work great!) This is to ensure that you dont have water leaking into your wetsuit! Bonus if your 5mm bottoms are farmer johns and include a chest piece. Open cell is fantastic because it is much warmer than closed cell.

  • You can pay an initial deposit to secure your spot and later on pay the remainder balance.

    With no deposit, there is no booking confirmed.

    As soon as you book in, you will receive an email with a button that says “Pay Remainder Balance”. You can click that button anytime you like.

    We ask the full payment to be covered six weeks before the start of the event.

    You can also choose to pay in full.

  • PayPal or credit card. For further questions, please contact Brandon at DeepWeek@freedivingfamily.com

  • Nothing during the retreat is compulsory.

    If you feel like you need some time to chill and relax by skipping a dive session or want to go out for dinner close by with a group of friends you made separate from the group, then by all means do so!

    If you decide that you do not want to join for a dive session, that is totally okay but we are unable to provide you a refund in the event you do not join.

Pricing

Our spots for reunions fill very fast so book now!

$800 USD

Deposit
(1,200aud)

$4,990 USD

Pay In Full
(7,800aud)

Payment Schedule:

an $800 USD deposit is required to book your spot

a following $2000 USD is due by September 1st

The remaining $2190 USD is due 60 days before the trip begins 

Please double check and acquaint yourself with what is and isn't included in the above cost. To ensure your booking is confirmed, please provide a  non-refundable deposit at the above AUD rate. As we are an Australian company, prices are charged in AUD. The remaining balance must be paid 6 weeks prior to the Family Reunion at latest. Your transaction is secure through Stripe. Terms of Service.

Contact us.