Have a whale of a time in Dominica

Discover Dominica is celebrating after the island's whale watching operators reported a three year high.

Dominica is the whale watching capital of the Caribbean due to surrounding underwater shelves and deep bays which make the waters the perfect breeding and feeding area for sperm, pilot and pygmy whales.

The island's whale season runs year round, though peak season is considered June to November, with visitors almost guaranteed a sighting of a tail and spout during this period.

Daniel Perryman owner of Dive Dominica said: “This year we have reported more sightings from October 2013 to April 2014 than in the past three years. We've also compared April to August like for like with last year and can report a similar success rate.

“The most commonly encountered species is the sperm whale and there are three groups living between Dominica and the neighbouring Islands. We are often treated to unbelievable gymnastic displays from dolphins too.”

Whale watchers can also see large playful pods of spinner, Atlantic spotted and bluenose dolphins.

For more information, visit dominica.com.

Dive Dominica runs weekly whale watching trips on Sundays, departing at 2pm. Prices are from £30 (US$50) per adult and from £15 (US$25) per child (aged 10 years and under). divedominica.com

Getting there: 

Flights in October to Dominica are available via Barbados and Antigua from London Gatwick with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from £600 with connections with LIAT from £176.