July 15 – July 21 UTC+0
July 2026 takes us to the Caribbean’s Dominica (named in National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2026“), exploring the country and climate impacts, including swimming with whales.
The marine portion of this seven-day trip in one of the planet’s most tightly protected marine environments will be led by award-winning filmmaker and whale expert Patrick Dykstra, who designs for scientific immersion.
Participants will learn from a global project attempting to decode whale communication while investing in community whale protection, marine education programs for locals, and scientific research. Additional activities include excursions to natural wonders, meeting with a local Indigenous community, conversations with senior Dominican figures, and private dinners with experts.
FAQ
This Journey is for travelers who want rare, meaningful encounters with Dominica’s sperm whales. It has been designed for people seeking a deep blend of science, environmental stewardship, and exploration of Dominica’s natural beauty. This is a family-friendly journey, open to those aged 15+, so we encourage you to bring your loved ones.
Guiding this journey are Patrick Dykstra and Josh Barton, an experienced duo who bring unmatched expertise both in the field and in the water. Patrick Dykstra is an Emmy Award– winning filmmaker, explorer, and one of the world’s foremost whale experts. He has dedicated his career to documenting the ocean’s most elusive giants, working with the BBC’s Blue Planet II team — a project that earned him a BAFTA — and producing acclaimed content for international platforms including Emirates Airlines and national governments. Patrick blends scientific knowledge with extraordinary storytelling to deepen our understanding of whales and their world. Josh Barton complements Patrick’s work as an expert guide and marine specialist, known for his deep field experience, calm presence on the water, and ability to translate complex marine science into engaging, accessible insights. Together, Patrick and Josh create an environment where every encounter is both safe and profoundly enriching — ensuring guests not only witness Dominica’s sperm whales, but also understand their significance within the broader story of ocean conservation.
The price is $17,000 USD and we’re offering a 20% discount for any additional family or friends. The Journey cost is inclusive of all hotels, meals, whale excursions, and internal travel. It does not include the price of international flights or visas.
Please arrive July 15th in Dominica and transfer to our hotel, Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort, in time for our welcome dinner that evening. Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort is a picturesque retreat nestled along the tranquil shores of the Caribbean Sea in Roseau, Dominica’s lively capital city. We have booked your accommodation from the night of July 15th through the 20th. The Journey will conclude the morning of July 21st after breakfast.