It was truly a lifechanging experience. From hotel (The Champs), to transportation (Omar), to boat (Parnell) to guide (Aimee), Just the Wild has done an amazing job find the best partners and talent to make a truly Memorable experience. Every day was a new adventure, and the intimate size of the group (3 couples/ 6 people) allowed for a real journey with a tight knit group. Also, the outfits clear respect for the animals, the island, and nature in general was of high value to us. If you have never done a trip like this all I can say is do it, it is worth it. If you have done trips like this but not with Just the Wild, I would say definitely give them a try, they are a good group with good hearts that execute well. Thank you again Aimee and the Just the Wild team!!! By JOHN M on Apr 20, 2026

The trip of a lifetime. Memorable and life-changing. Thanks to Caine for taking the time to share your passion over the phone. A big thank you to fantastic Aimee and Captain Pernil for making the experience in the water unforgettable. Thanks to the dozens of whales that allowed me to swim with them so many times, and especially to this juvenile male from Group N that I saw twice (what are the odds in such an immense sea?) and swam with long enough to share a true eye-to-eye moment. Merci. With gratitude.
By Diane mimi B on Apr 21, 2026

This was my first time out with Just the Wild. Caine was absolutely wonderful, his quick responses to my emails and his knowledge of everything I asked was second to none. The trip Itself, Sperm whales was beyond incredible. We saw whales 4 out 5 days, not that they could control that but the boat was fantastic and the crew was as well. Aimee the guide was superb and professional. The entire trip was laid out easily and everything went super smooth. They handled all the tough logistics and made everything great! Zachary S on Apr 13, 2026

My February 2026 trip to Dominica to swim with sperm whales with Just the Wild was nothing short of life-changing. This was my second expedition with them, and somehow the experience was even more powerful the second time around. Our guide and expert, Kellon, was absolutely incredible. His knowledge of the whales, the ocean, and their behavior made every moment on the water feel purposeful and respectful. You could tell he truly cares about both the animals and the people lucky enough to witness them. His passion and expertise elevated the entire experience. Equally impressive was our boat captain, Pernell. His ability to sense where the whales were and position us perfectly was awe-inspiring. Watching the teamwork between Kellon and Pernell was amazing—they worked seamlessly together and made every encounter feel both safe and magical. Beyond the time in the water, the hotel and staff were top-notch. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and by the end of the trip it truly felt like we had become part of a family. The entire operation runs with such warmth and professionalism that it makes the experience even more special. Swimming alongside sperm whales in their natural environment is something that’s hard to describe. It’s humbling, emotional, and profoundly moving. This experience genuinely changed me as a person, and it’s something I treasure deeply. The trip is absolutely worth the price of admission. Experiences like this are rare, meaningful, and unforgettable. After doing it twice now, I can confidently say I plan to return every year that I possibly can, and I’m excited to explore other expeditions that Just the Wild offers as well. If you ever have the opportunity to do this trip, take it. It’s one of the most extraordinary experiences you can have in the natural world.Cooper S on Mar 10, 2026

Incredible experience. Just The Wild had all the bases covered to make it easy as possible on us coming from the other side of the world. Our guide Aimee was fantastic - knowledgeable, dedicated to improving our experience, but also to protecting our safety and not disturbing the whales or disrupting their lives. Her photography abilities are amazing too! Just the Wild feels like the perfect company to support - they're working with the local Dominican community for everything so the tourism aspect is sustainable, and they're doing the whale viewing the right way to keep it ecologically ethical and sustainable. And the whales... it's an unforgettable experience - both thrilling and serenely awe-inspiring all at once. Can't recommend this trip and Just the Wild highly enough. I'll smile every time I think about it for the rest of my life.
By Tully R on Jan 28, 2026

As owner of my own adventure travel company in Baja, Mexico since 1993 I've had some amazing wildlife encounters. So it takes a great deal to WOW me! This experience snorkeling with sperm whales in Dominica was a definite BIG WOW! There really are no words...These are the largest predators on the earth yet so gentle and docile. I never once felt intimidated or afraid but simply the opposite, much like a welcome visitor. This was true from the whales right on through the people that attended to all our needs with professionalism, skill, smiles and warmth! It was a wonderful experience I shall never forget...
By Mary H on Jan 30, 2026

Wonderful and knowledgeable guide and crew, really amazing accommodation + local staff. Thank you so much Caine Shane Pernil and team, will definitely be back.— By Victoria G on Dec 23, 2025

After swimming with whales in Dominica, I want to exclusively travel with Just the Wild. It's clear everyone involved really cares about the whales, which made all the difference. We were thoughtfully guided on how to swim with them in a way that prioritized safety for both us and the animals, which made the experience feel respectful, calm, and truly special. The entire team was fantastic: the hotel crew, our guide Shane, captain Pernell, and the other guests. Every detail was handled seamlessly—food, lodging, transportation—so all I had to do was show up and be present for the experience. Lastly, worth mentioning that I was quite pregnant on this trip. My first whale encounter was a mother and baby (and yes, I did shed a little tear in my goggles and smiled through my snorkel). I could tell everyone had an extra eye out for me in a way that felt supportive but not overbearing. I'm so thankful to the entire team for making this once in a lifetime experience possible. By Rachel B on Dec 22, 2025

I have had the honor to travel on many of Caines trips, including one of his very first, and hats off and tipped to him. My most acknowledged respect is to him and his respect to the whales being primary and how he decides on our guides. A priority for sure. And his demeanor, knowledge, and enthusiasm at table talk is always to the point where I hope to sit next to him at our table. Southern Right trip was beyond what I ever could have imagined from boat crew to in the water crying from incomprehensible experiences. It’s cold, but you will not feel a moment of it with this trip and will be leaving promising you’ll be back. 1000/10 ✨ By Tiffany O on Dec 14, 2025

Upon arrival, I was met with kindness, professionalism, and a deep respect for the wildlife and the island that welcomed us. Our hosts created a home away from home — warm hospitality, fresh delicious meals, hot showers, and spacious rooms just across from the lagoon. With a natural pride in the culture and a thoughtful approach to hosting, I felt fully cared for. On the water, our team was exceptional — always reading the conditions, making thoughtful decisions, and bringing steady enthusiasm. Their calm confidence, clear guidance and knowledge of both the whales and the island created the space for us to fully immerse in each encounter. A sharp eye for wildlife and precise seamanship kept us safe and positioned perfectly for respectful encounters — always mindful of both the whales and our wellbeing. The whole team worked with genuine care and adaptability, aiming each day to give us the best nature was willing to offer. A rare balance — a deep respect for wildlife paired with a thoughtful level of service to the human experience. Kellon, Thibault, and Laris — Thank you. The whales… so many whales. Each encounter unique. Those moments of eye contact — a profound connection entirely on their terms — stirs something deep within you. Their presence is humbling, a reminder that other species move through the world with an awareness, connection, and quiet grace we as humans often lose sight of. Another gift was the lack of crowds — a peaceful, intimate atmosphere that allowed every encounter to unfold naturally and respectfully. Sharing this journey with other like-minded guests made the experience even more special. This is a place that embraces you. Its people, its land, and its whales made this a transformative adventure I will carry with me. If you’re seeking connection — to the ocean, to wildlife, to humanity — this is a trip that delivers it.
By Meg R on Dec 04, 2025

Awesome experience. By Xinping H on Nov 22, 2025

Fantastic adventure in a stunning environment. The southern rights are big, curious and active and, with only the guide and 1 person in the water, the experience is amazing and intense. Generally not a lot of swimming so relatively easy to concentrate on photographing these impressive and unique whales. If the weather is poor then there are great opportunities to see and photograph some of the other wildlife of Patagonia The trip is brilliantly organized and particularly impressive is the effort Caine, the crew and the local organisers take to make sure everyone has a great experience. They all care passionately about the whales and the wildlife and the trip is thoroughly recommended. Peter Batchelor (trip 2, 2025) By Ngoc Minh L on Jul 17, 2025

We had a great time in Timor Leste and amazing encounters with the Blue Whales. Aimee as our Guide was fantastic und the whole crew from Aquatica Dive perfect. We will never forget the moments when jumping in the water and suddenly seeing these giants passing by. Thanks for everything. By Melanie I on Nov 19, 2025

This trip did not disappoint! We had an incredible time in Tubuai and felt extremely lucky to be the only boat in the water. Kellon was a fantastic guide, extremely patient with everyone answering all their questions, as well as taking incredible photos. Having Thibault there in addition was an added bonus. His knowledge of the area in addition to Captain Laurice meant we saw whales everyday. We felt like everyone respected the whales and nature and always prioritized their space and well being. Wilson and his team at our accommodation were very entertaining and catering. The cultural element of this trip was such an added bonus to get an insight in the culture on land not just in the water. Swimming with humpbacks was a bucket list trip for us, and it was so moving we are hooked now! Thanks to everyone that made it possible.By Jay N on Oct 30, 2024

DesWe loved this trip, guides, accommodation and food were amazing. Kellon was so knowledgeable about whales (and photography) learned so much! It took the group a while to figure it out but Thibault was always perfectly positioned for us to follow. And esp compared to where we went for our second week, Willson's Wipa lodge warm island hospitality outshined them all - so welcoming, great showers (needed after the cold wind) and the food was delicious :) thank you! By Shera M on Oct 22, 2024

I had an amazing experience with JustTheWild. The trip was perfectly organized, and photographing the southern right whales was truly impressive. There were whales everywhere, and we always focused on entering the water only with those that showed curiosity about us. Every day we managed to get in the water, taking turns with the rest of the photographers, as only one person is allowed at a time with the safety diver. The team from the local operator was extremely kind and enthusiastic, always doing their best to find the whales that would give us the best photographic opportunities. Overall, an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in marine wildlife photography. By Pablo I on Oct 11, 2025

Six days in the water with Just the Wild delivered more than I could have ever hoped for. Not only did we have extended and profound interactions with humpback whales, but we also got to swim with pilot whales, oceanic white tip sharks and rough tooth dolphins. The guides and crew were exceptional. They understood the behaviors of the animals, positioned us to have the most productive interactions possible and kept us safe. The lunches on the boat were particularly good - kudos to Caine for those. By Michelle P on Sep 22, 2025

It was WONDERFUL! Everything about it - lodging, food, staff, transportation, boat trips, boat captain & crew, trip guide (divine!) sperm whales (oh my!). I wouldn't change a thing. I highly recommend this trip.

By Linda S on Apr 23, 2025

Fantastic week, the most ethical encounters - with Caine as a wonderful guide. By Madeline S on Nov 29, 2024

Everything was awesome! Aimee is an absolute joy - so professional and kind. Caine was so easy to work with and aquatica is a first rate operator! Swimming w the blue whales a life changing experience!!! Can’t wait to come back :) By Lady F on Nov 29, 2024

This trip was full of adventure, creatures and intense nature experiences. We had amazing encounters of whales and dolphins on most days, with groups spiraling around in near perfect visibility. And if this wasn’t magnificent enough, the backdrop was the island of Moorea, a tropical paradise with dramatic towering volcanic mountains surrounded by a beautiful blue coral lagoon. The Expedition leader (Caine), guide and crew were all incredibly delightful and skilled, with constant enthusiasm for the adventure and a passion for the whales. I had such a fantastic time, I’m so grateful to everyone and I’ll definitely be back ! Peter B Moorea 2024

By Peter B on Sep 30, 2024

I'm 39 and this was THE trip of my life. I wanted to see whales once in my life and oh boy, did we see them. 3 days in a row we swam with 4-6 whales and they danced around us so we could keep up. I don't know what is better, seeing them dance in the water or seeing them from the boat and listening to their blows. Not to mention breaching whales (insert whisper scream noise). And the singers, the most magical sound I ever heard. I feel like I traveled to another planet. Not to skip the people. :D Epic team on the boat. ♥ The crew was amazing. Super professional. I learned a lot. Thank you Just The Wild guys! ♥ Thank you Caine for answering all our questions. ^.^ Now to start saving for a re-run! LEZ GO!

By Mirela K on Sep 25, 2024

What an epic trip. Unforgettable memories. A very familiar experience on the boat. We had great guides who knew exactly what they were doing. Thank you for everything! We would definitely do an expedition with Just the Wild again.

By Julian S on Oct 01, 2024