Dominica: Swim with Sperm Whales

11 - 17 April 2026

Just

Spots Left

with

Karim Iliya

Guided Trip

The Story

Embark on a rare 7-day journey to the vibrant waters of Dominica with acclaimed wildlife photographer and filmmaker Karim Iliya.

Limited to just six guests, this intimate expedition offers the extraordinary chance to swim alongside wild sperm whales — Earth’s largest predator — in their natural habitat. You may encounter playful calves with their mothers, hear whale songs echoing through the deep, or witness young males competing for dominance. No two encounters are ever the same.

Each day is spent on the water, exploring Dominica’s crystal-clear ocean by boat, swimming with these gentle giants, and sharing meals and stories with fellow travellers. Karim will be your guide in the water and behind the lens, offering hands-on coaching in underwater photography and insight into sperm whale behaviour, communication, and conservation.

Beyond the whales, you’ll experience the wild beauty of Dominica — a lush, volcanic island alive with rainforest, waterfalls, and vibrant culture.

This is more than a trip. It’s a rare chance to connect deeply with the ocean, learn from a master storyteller, and capture moments that will stay with you forever.

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Experience

The Highlights

6 nights’ boutique accommodation
5 full days on the water with sperm whales
All-inclusive meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Photography masterclasses with Karim Iliya
Airport transfers
Intimate group — max 6 guests

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STORYTELLER

Karim Iliya

Why Travel With Karim?

Karim Iliya is an acclaimed wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist whose work offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Earth’s most extraordinary creatures. From swimming with whales to capturing volcanic eruptions from the air, his photography has appeared in National Geographic, BBC Earth, and other leading publications.

Karim brings more than technical mastery. He brings heart. His approach blends artistic vision with deep respect for the natural world, using storytelling to build empathy and awareness for fragile ecosystems and their inhabitants.

As your guide and mentor, Karim will share his insights in the water and behind the lens. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, you’ll learn how to capture meaningful images — and walk away with a deeper connection to the ocean and its wild residents.

Travelling with Karim means more than just documenting beauty — it means bearing witness to it, and being inspired to protect it.

Day by Day

Itinerary

You'll get picked up

discover the

Experience

“Photography lets me see the Earth in a new way, where I take my time looking at the details that you don’t usually see"

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- Karim Iliya

The Trip

In Pictures

FAQ

Questions?

REVIEWS

What Our Travellers Say

“Thanking the stars I found Airguides and Jono's trip. We were totally taken care of! Paul answered all our questions and took care of the details so all we had to do was get there. Jono Allen is an amazing, talented photographer who created a special group experience. The WHALES were mind blowing. What a gift to be in Tonga staring into the eye of a baby whale! This trip was a lifelong dream come true. I highly recommend it so much we’ve already signed up again for next year!"

Laura

United States

"The Airguides trip to Tonga to swim with humpback whales was the experience of a lifetime. I have traveled all over the world, and nothing compares to being in the wild, rustic, deep blue waters of the South Pacific while interacting with whales and their calves. A wonderful and caring team made our adventures stress free. Absolutely amazing, so much so, that I am doing it again this year! Thanks a million Paul, Jono, Al, Alistair, Christian and Polly!"

Mary

United States

"Thank you for your help in putting together our trip to the Northern Territory. Everyone agreed that it was the best family holiday we'd ever had and - even better - everyone nominated something different as 'the best thing'."

Elizabeth

Australia

"The trip with Airguides was magic. Paul was our kind and patient guide, Mark Fitz was our talented and positive photographer/storyteller. It was a perfect mix of activity and relaxation and I’m already planning my next Airguides trip."

Lisa Thomas

Australia

"I recently visited Lady Musgrave Island with Airguides. They have a unique and meaningful approach to travel and travelling with and learning from a world-class photographer, who was on the trip, was incredible."

Katie

Australia

"I cannot say enough amazing things about Airguides and the amazing honeymoon they planned for us. We began our trip planning by being overwhelmed with travel blogs, not knowing what was actually the best plan for us."

Ashley Ferrel

United States

“Just had an amazing trip to Heron Island organised by the Airguides team. Perfect balance of activity and relaxation, they made it so easy. Can't wait until I can do another trip!“

James Crowley

Australia

“ We recently organised our trip to Heron Island with Bibi and Paul as a last minute getaway. Seamlessly dealt with and an added bonus of having a world-class photographer/ free-diver as our story teller. The trip has only whet our appetite for more positive and relaxing experiences with the Airguides team- Awesome “

Damon Faint

Australia