This experience is a snorkel-only expedition! No scuba certification required – this adventure is designed for everyone.

Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, this experience is open to all.

All that's needed is your comfort with a mask and snorkel in the open ocean environment.

Dominica's main international airport is Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM).

*There are direct flights to Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM), via American Airlines from Miami International (MIA).

*Please note that airline schedules and routes can change, so it's advisable to check with the official website of Douglas–Charles Airport or the respective airlines for the most up-to-date information on flights and carriers serving Dominica.

ARRIVAL DAY:
Upon arriving at Dominica Airport (DOM), the process is straightforward.

You'll go through customs, and after retrieving your bags, you need to get a taxi to the hotel.

The transportation rates range from $80 to $100 US each way (not included in the price).

Your journey to the host hotel, situated by the seaside town of Roseau, will take approximately an hour.

If you experience motion sickness, it's advisable to take a pill, as the mountain roads might induce queasiness.

Upon reaching the hotel, our team will be on hand to assist you with the check-in process, ensuring a smooth and welcoming start to your stay in Dominica.

DEPARTURE DAY:

For your journey home, we'll help you arrange for your return to the airport based on your scheduled departure time.

It's advisable to plan to arrive at least two hours prior to your flight.

The transportation rates range from $80 to $100 US each way (not included in the price).

The drive from Roseau to the airport takes approximately an hour, and we recommend reserving the taxi the day before your travel to ensure timely transportation.

Please note that these expeditions involve wild animal encounters, and while there is never any guarantee of sighting wildlife, we strategically plan our visits during the best times of the year for the greatest chances of success.

In Dominica, the whales are protected, and engaging in water activities with them requires a government permit.

This measure is in place to ensure the conservation and well-being of these magnificent creatures.

We want to highlight that touching whales is strictly NOT permitted.

Every encounter is unique, and the duration is solely at the discretion of the animals.

Participants caught manhandling wildlife may be asked to leave the water or the area.

It's essential to maintain a safe distance and show utmost respect towards wildlife.

*PLEASE NOTE: if the animal is not interested in interacting with us or shows signs of stress, we will leave the animal alone and go find other whales to encounter.

YOUR SAFETY AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE ANIMALS ARE OUR TOP PRIORITIES.

Our team is committed to providing you with a respectful and regulated encounter with the protected whales in the waters of Dominica. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving the beauty of the wildlife and their environment.

Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.

To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.

We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.

A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space on any SDM Adventures expedition.

*Reservations are not considered confirmed until the deposit has been received.

Payment schedule:

• 50% of the expedition cost is due 180 days prior to departure.

• Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Payment methods:

• Credit card payments incur a 4% processing fee.

• PayPal payments incur a 5% processing fee.

• Payments may also be made via wire transfer or Zelle. Please contact us for banking details.

• For wire transfers, please add $40 to cover bank processing fees.

Pricing & Itinerary Adjustments:
All trip pricing and itineraries are subject to change based on permits, local regulations, weather conditions, and operational costs. Any changes will be communicated to guests as soon as possible.

SDM Adventures understands how disappointing it can be if you are forced to cancel your trip after looking forward to it for so long. However, our expeditions require significant advance planning, and we must make non-refundable payments to hotels, vessels, and other suppliers well before departure. For this reason, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy for all guests.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event you must cancel.

Cancellation terms are as follows:

• More than 120 days prior to departure:

A refund will be issued minus the trip deposit, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. If we are able to fill your space after you cancel, we will apply your deposit toward another SDM Adventures trip booked within the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, the deposit will be forfeited.

• 91–120 days prior to departure:

A cancellation fee of 50% of the total expedition price (including extensions) will be applied.

• Within 90 days of departure:

No refunds will be issued.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email or mail and must be received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.

SDM Adventures is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal reasons.

No refunds will be issued if a participant withdraws after the expedition has begun.

SDM Adventures is not responsible for any penalties associated with non-refundable airfare or travel arrangements. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

To keep trips running smoothly for everyone, we ask that all payments be made according to the schedule provided.

If a payment is not received by the due date and we have not heard from you, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and release the space to another guest. In that case, previous payments are non-refundable.

We understand that things can come up, so if you anticipate any issues with timing, please reach out in advance. We’re always happy to work with you when we can.

We’ll do our best to send reminders, but ultimately it’s important to stay on schedule to secure your spot.