The waters off the west coast of Dominica, located in the Eastern Caribbean archipelago offer some of the best encounters with sperm whales on the planet. Diving with these highly evolved and intelligent animals is allowed under restricted permit only, but for the individuals who find themselves sharing the ocean with these magnificent whales the experience is nothing short of life changing.

Amanda Cotton, principal photographer and expedition leader for A Cotton Photo recently led an expedition to this picturesque destination for BigAnimals Expeditions. Although these whales can be notoriously difficult to approach, we found the “right” pod; a curious and friendly group that have lived in the area for years, which allowed us to have incredible in-water encounters. Mothers with nursing calves, solo calves waiting for adults returning from the depths, socializing groups, and transient males all provided extraordinary opportunities for capturing images.

Amanda looks forward to returning in 2015 for several weeks, excited and eager to see these impressive animals, the world’s largest toothed whale, up close and personal again.