By Marta Serafinko May 1 (Reuters) - Deep beneath the ocean surface, sperm whales swim through the dark waters, clicking to each other in bursts of sound that can travel for kilometres. Now, scientists say they are beginning to follow those exchanges in real time using an autonomous underwater robot that can track whales by listening to their voices.

With growing interest in swimming with whales in Dominica, One With Whales has opened early registration for its 2026 and 2027 Dominica expeditions. Due to permit limitations and small group sizes, availability is limited, and trips are operated in paired weekly formats to comply with in-water permit requirements.

According to the aquarium, Old Thom is the only orca regularly seen in North Atlantic waters. Unlike most killer whales that swim in pods, Old Thom is known to swim alone or with dolphins in the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy. He is recognizable by an indent on his tall dorsal fin.

Only two places in the world allow tourists to enter the water with the ocean’s apex predator. But the safety of both species is a growing concern.