Frequently asked questions
While it is possible to see whales at any time of the year, there is a peak season when male sperm whales frequent our waters. During this peak season we boast a greater than 85% chance of spotting sperm whales in Dominica. Dominica's unspoilt marine environment is home to the largest, toothed whale in the world: the sperm whale. While female and juvenile sperm whales can be sighted throughout the year, the best time to watch for these majestic ocean giants is between November and March—when the male sperm whales migrate.
Waitukubuli Adventure Tour Co offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for all tours except Swimming with Sperm Whales Experience. Please read Swimming Sperm Whales Experience cancellation policy.
If for whatever reason you need to cancel your tour, please contact us directly. 😪
Dominica is an excellent place to observe sperm whales and dolphins, including False Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Short-Finned Pilot Whales, Spotted Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Fraser Dolphins, and more. However, since these are wild animals and can be elusive on some days, Waitukubuli Tours provides a Whale & Dolphin Watching Guarantee. If you happen to have a “no-whale & Dolphin” trip, you are welcome to join us for a complimentary tour in the future. This guarantee has no expiration date, and it’s our way of ensuring that we bring your whale watching dreams to life. Here are a few details the customer should know to redeem their free secondary tour:
Waitukubuli Tours office automatically ‘flags’ the tour as a “No Whale’ tour. Eliminating the need for guests to return to the office for further paperwork.
Waitukubuli Tours Whale & Dolphin Watching guarantee is not species specific.
Guests are booked on a stand-by basis and subject to vessel capacity and mandatory staffing requirements.
Non-transferable (photo ID may be required at check-in).
Waitukubuli Tours reserves the right to substitute vessels (preserving covered boat or zodiac style or any other).
Waitukubuli Tours reserves the right to alter or cancel departures of any trip based on weather conditions, mechanical problems or other unforeseen circumstances.
Waitukubuli Tours offer is valid for life and does not expire.
Routes vary depending on whale sightings and weather. A typical route takes us along the leeward or Caribbean Sea side of the island, where we pause to watch dolphins and sea birds. From there, we often head west and at times south or north of the island leeward side. When whale sighting reports come in, we typically alter our course towards whales within range of the boat. Round trip distance could be up to 22 miles or 35 km.
I am on a whale & dolphin watching tour, can I jump into the open ocean to swim with the Sperm Whales or Dolphin? No!
Here are four criteria for choosing the best whale watching tour for you:
Inside or outside: you can choose the speedy adventure of an open air boats, including our zodiac tour.
Best team in the business: Ensure that company you chose has qualified staff, the knowledge of our sperm whales naturalists is more than a requirement of the job – it’s a way of life.
Environmental impact: Understand the priorities of the company, at Waitukubuli Adventure Tour Co we believe in the preserving and promoting the health of our neighbouring natural habitats above all else and have the recognition to prove it.
Choose your season: There’s simply nothing better than a dolphin and whale watching tour in Dominica, some prefer viewing beneath the winter season, while others prefer the hotter summer sun. Many come at random times and do have a blast of a time as our whale watching is year-round.
Boat Tours
For your whale watching tour, we recommend that you dress lightly for the water, even more so during the cooler months (October-March), as it can get a bit cooler traveling quickly over the ocean. Layering is a good idea, including a fleece jacket for cooler moments. Don’t forget your sunglasses, a camera (ask your captain for guidance on storage), a snug-fitting hat, and sunscreen.
Land Tours
On land tours, bring a swim wear if your tour includes water activities. A rash guard, and wet shoes are a great idea, a towel, a camera and or a dry pouch for your phone, a change of clothes, and most importantly, bring your sense of adventure! .
If you are prone to getting sea-sick, but would still like to come out and experience the wild with Waitukubuli Tours, we would recommend you going out on one of our 3 hr. Zodiac or open air Vessel tours. Our Zodiacs or center console are open vessels allowing you to have a constant fresh air and are known to offer a stable but exciting ride. If you are planning on coming out on a tour with us and looking for some precautions to take before the tour, we recommend you taking Gravol ginger chews, or any kind of candied ginger to help ease your stomach. We have Gravol or other motion sickness meds in our gift shops for adults and children that are available for purchase before going out on any tours.
Most meds are required they being taken at least one hour before the activity.
A once in a lifetime experience to swim with our resident Sperm Whales off he coast of Dominica is one of the most sought-after adventure activities over the last decade.
1. You or your group or family get to swim with Sperm Whales for up to 6-hours per day from one day or up to ten days at a time.
2. Swimming with Sperm Whales Experience takes place in the open ocean. We track whales using a hydrophone and coordinate with other vessels searching for whales to increase your chance of whale sittings and swimming experience.
4. We have to apply for a permit from the Government governing agency on your behalf. These permits last 10-days before they expire. We secure permits for all of our activities and covers yourself or small group of swimmers.
If you are only swimming with us for a few days, we will offer fractional charges that will apply to the permit overall cost as a per day charge that will be cost effective and would not burden you with the full permitted charge.
3. We have snorkeling gear available for your use free of charge. These gears are basic and will work but if you rather better gear, please feel free to bring it along. Wetsuits (shorties) are available if needed.
4. If you are part of a group or family or single person, we will need full details of everyone intending to swim.
5. Please try and make contact with us at least 6-12 months before your proposed swim date to give us enough time to request a permit on your behalf. Permits are not automatic and most permits are issued the prior year for swimming dates within the current year. Permits are not unlimited, so do have alternative dates available.
6. Our pricing is per person or couple or family of 4. Maximum of 4 persons at a time would be allowed in the water with the in-the-water guide. The guide will be the lead person and will brief you before every experience.
7. We have four vessels we may choose based on the number of people in your group. We have a Caravelle 230 Sea Hawk, Sea Ray 370 Express Cruiser (available in late 2024), Bowen 28 Side Console open vessel, and 36ft Zodiac covered (available in late 2024).
8. We will have sandwiches, local chips, and other snacks onboard including bottled water and local sodas in the cooler. You are encouraged to bring anything you life except alcohol is not allowed on this tour.
9. If you have to cancel your tour activity before the permits were issued, you will be entitled to a full refund. If you are canceling your activity after the permits are issued, there is no refund but the dates could be postponed and reschedule to a future date 12 months out. You always have the option to change the dates to any future dates up to 12-months out.
10. As of January 1st, 2026, there have been new legislation implemented into law establishing the first ever Sperm Whale Sanctuary here in Dominica. Due to this, new laws have been passed to safeguard our oldest residents of Dominica.
Waitukubuli Adventure Tour Co offers full cancelation refund prior to the issuing of the swimming with whale permits by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy. Once the permits have been issued, no refunds would be eligible.
If for whatever reason you need to cancel your tour, please contact us directly.
We offer free pick ups and drop offs within the Roseau city limits.
A few tours offer several options as a meeting point, please read your confirmation email carefully. Example; The Indian River, Cold Soufriere, and Fort Shirley (Norther Excursion) offers two main pickup areas; Dominica Museum (Roseau Cruise Ship Terminal) and Indian River gazebo, Portsmouth. Also, free pick-up if you live anywhere between Roseau and Portsmouth.
If you stay outside of Roseau (Beyond Loubiere and beyond Bath Estate) we can still pick you up and drop you off for a small fee.
The day before your tour we prepare our shuttle schedule.
We pick up our guests from their hotel, home, or accommodation around 45-15 minutes before the start of the activity. If we plan to pick you up earlier than scheduled, we will make contact with you the day before.
We are in location at the meeting point from 60-15 minutes before the scheduled activity.
We have four (4) boats we use:
1. 2000 Caravelle 230 Sea Hawk with Single 300HP Mercury SeaPro
2. Bowen 28 Side Console with twin 300HP Mercury SeaPro
3. 1997 Sea Ray 370 Express Cruiser with Sedan Bridge
4. 2018 DannyBoy 30 Center Console with Mercury 225HP 4S
*5. Zodiac (new to be added soon for 2024-2025 season)
All our vessels are USCG and Dominica Maritime Authority approved for Seagoing and passenger carrying.
All vessels are equipped with GPS, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, signaling safety devises, and life jackets.
Most of our vessels have sun cover but not everyone will be under this cover at all times.
There are many ways to get to Waitukubuli Adventure Tours Co or Waitukubuli Tours and we want to encourage you to take the most environmentally friendly route! You can go directly to the meeting location you got in the e-mail or SMS meeting location confirmation.
Are you coming on a cruise ship? If yes, we come to you as all our tours truly starts from the cruise ship terminal. We assemble below the Dominica Museum which is next to the information office and across the road from the cruise ship dock.
Are you within walking distance? Consider a lovely stroll to either of our locations. Within the Roseau area? We also have Portsmouth and Ti-tou Gorge meeting location for some tours.
We offer a complimentary shuttle to reduce the amount of traffic on the road. Call our office to reserve your seat at 767-235-TOUR(8687). A little further way? Consider taking public transportation or have us arrange a taxi for you. We have special rates for people staying outside of Roseau.
There are no bus schedules in Dominica. There are many and frequently passing buses on all main roads. Lookout for a Toyota Hiace or Nissan Urvan minivan with the first letter in their license plate being an "H" for hired vehicle.
Need further information? We’re happy to help!
Boats:
Exciting and sometimes quite adventurous. Depending on the weather and conditions on the water, the experience can be wild and wet, smooth and dry, or any combination of the two. A typical zodiac or open boat trip experiences more ocean spray, and passengers can be splashed at some point along the route. Our vessels are well equipped with all safety equipment required by our local maritime and tourism authorities.
Vehicles:
All our vehicles are very comfortable equipped with air conditioning, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and more. Our roads are well maintained but could be a bit winding as they curves along our many rivers.
Yes, we have life jackets available for your comfort and safety for all zodiac and open boat tours. These USCG-approved flotation jackets provide protection for any possible water hazard. We may provide raincoats to protect you from ocean spray and the cool ocean air. If you have your own raincoat, please bring it.
Be mindful what you bring may get wet! If you do not have a dry bag, ask the captain or his assistant to help secure your belongings to prevent them from potentially getting wet.
Snorkeling tours are equipped with all snorkeling gear (fins, masks, snorkel, and snorkeling vests) onboard the vessel.
Other tours that include water swimming such as ti-tou gorge, will have life jackets available for your safety.
Parking is available at the Roseau Cruise Ship terminal or the Roseau Ferry Terminal or Dominica Museum, all within the same area ... only if you get there early and ahead of time.
Most of our water activities depart from the Roseau Ferry Terminal and there is usually parking in the area. Again, do come early to secure parking. An hour before scheduled departure is a great idea to secure parking.
Nothing is more important to our Waitukubuli Tours team than the safety of all our passengers and crew. Each of our vessels is fully equipped with personal flotation devices, rescue equipment, fire extinguishers, safety navigation, and passenger safety orientations are conducted by our highly knowledgeable and certified naturalists or captain before every trip. Waitukubuli Tours takes pride in never having a single safety incident in over 18 years of service.
Yes, you can bring your own alcohol where we do not provide.
We do not provide alcohol on many of our boat activities and water tours for good reason. You can use our coolers to keep your drinks cold. Do let us know if we need to bring more ice beforehand or you can bring ice if you can.
Please drink responsibly!
NO smoking on our vessels!
NO illicit drugs are allowed on our vessels or tours.
We have many car options available:
Economy, Compact, Compact SUV, Standard SUV, to 8-pax Mini-vans.
You can book your rental car directly from this website. We offer CDW and PIP/LIA insurance coverage. Insurance only covers from XCD$2001 and up. You are responsible for the first XCD$2000 in damages to the vehicle (deductible) if you decide to take the CDW insurance or basic insurance. If you decide not to take our insurance, you are responsible for 100% of the vehicle's cost plus whatever you damage (Liability) in case of an accident.
Specials:
We have weekly and monthly specials for longer term renters. Pay for 6 days and get the 7th day free, excluding insurance and taxes.
*** Weekend Special***
We offer a 3-day weekend special which includes up to 50% discount. Ask about our weekend specials!
www.acerentacar.com