EYOS Expeditions announces ‘Diving with Giants’, an extraordinary land and sea adventure offering guests the rare opportunity of snorkelling with majestic sperm whales in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. EYOS will be offering the expedition in an exclusive partnership with Camp Dominica from November to April each year.
Dominica, known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, is home to an abundance of biodiversity both on land and at sea, including one of the only locations with resident sperm whale pods in the world. This rugged and majestic island consists of nine active volcanoes, lush, verdant rainforest, and ocean teeming with life, just waiting to be explored.
There is no better place in the world to swim and free dive with sperm whales than Dominica. With its clear, warm Caribbean waters and deep shelves so close to shore, the visibility is unmatched, the interactions abundant and the experience unparalleled.
Ben Lyons, EYOS Expeditions, CEO, said “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.”
ach expedition will be led by both Adam Slama, an accomplished free diver and photographer, and Jackson Mawhinney. The two bring incredible expertise and connections to the experience.
As a proud Dominican, Jackson holds the country and its natural beauty close to his heart, passionately working to protect its future as an untouched natural paradise, while sharing its wonders with our guests. Paired with Adam’s deep love for the ocean and dedication to conservation, the two offer an intimate and immersive experience of Dominica.
Slana said, “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.”
As part of every expedition with Camp Dominica, a donation will be made to our charitable partners, a non-profit organization of scientists that are conducting groundbreaking research into the language of the resident sperm whales. In addition, meetings with scientists, local politicians or marine biologists can be arranged for each group to help broaden their appreciation for these remarkable creatures and the policies it takes to help preserve and better understand them.
Guests will stay at our 6-star Green Globe certified resort Secret Bay, in award-winning villas composed entirely of sustainably sourced materials, conceptualised by celebrated architect Fruto Vivas.
The villas are situated on a spectacular cliff-top promontory, where the rainforest meets the sea. Each villa is split across two levels, with large verandas on each level providing breathtaking views, a private pool as well as indoor and outdoor showers to name but a few amenities.
The Camp Dominica experience operates as a “resort within a resort” concept, with a private chef, yoga and breathwork instructor and guides dedicated exclusively to the group.
A typical day starts with morning yoga. A specialised and tailored series of breath work, movement and sound baths will help guests prepare for an exhilarating day of swimming with whales.
Guests will proceed to the docks, where the Captain will welcome them before setting off on a fully-equipped Lagoon 55 sailing vessel to look for the whales. While onboard, nutritious lunches will be prepared by the chef, with snacks and refreshment served throughout the day. On each daily excursion, the carefully-curated team of experts, including local “Whale Whisperer” Wendell Ettienne, will guide guests in the water to maximize their experience without disturbing the whales. Guests only require a basic level of snorkelling and need to be comfortable in open water.
Dominica is one of the only places in the world with resident sperm whales, and from November until April, migrating bulls join these pods to breed. These extraordinary mammals re-emerge from 1,500m dives to socialize and play, making it an ideal time for guests to swim and free dive alongside them. With a bit of good luck, guests may be able to glimpse these gentle giants in their most elegant of poses: their iconic vertical sleep states.
Every dive is conducted in accordance with one of a very limited number of government permits, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the whales during every expedition. Established in 2024 with help in the facilitation by Jackson’s mother, Baroness Scotland, the newly created marine sanctuary ensures the protection of whales while carefully regulating the numbers of permits permitted to operators.
Beyond swimming with whales, guests will have the opportunity to spend at least one day – or more if desired – exploring inland and accessing some of the island’s reported 365 rivers. Explore Dominica’s breathtaking natural wonders—from cascading waterfalls and steaming hot springs to lush, untouched rainforests, the island is teeming with life, beauty and countless opportunities to explore and enjoy. Avid divers will utilize a specially equipped tender to explore the Dominican coastline and the unexplored underwater topography of the island’s coast. Notable attractions include Champagne Reef, where volcanic activity creates a mesmerising spectacle of bubbling seawater, or the island’s signature large fan corals, a rare sight that sets Dominican diving apart. And for those drawn to freediving, Soufrière offers incredible depths just off the shore, making it one of the world’s best locations to push your limits and explore the ocean on a single breath.
Whether after a day with the whales or venturing inland, guests will be able to feast on nourishing Caribbean fusion dishes of seasonal and local ingredients all prepared by the team’s esteemed private chef, Glenda.
“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,” continued Lyons.