Reviews
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Dominica 2025
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
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Dominica 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
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Argentina 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
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Tubuai 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 -
Argentina 2025
Awesome experience. By Xinping H on Nov 22, 2025
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Argentina 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
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Timor Leste 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
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Argentina 2025
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
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Mo'orea 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