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Whales

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 95

Whales, the largest mammals on earth and record setters in breath-hold diving, can be found in all the world’s oceans. They are more scientifically known as cetaceans, which include all whale, dolphin, and porpoise species. There are approximately 90 cetacean species, the most well-known being the Blue Whale, Sperm Whale, Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Orca (also known as the Killer Whale), and dolphins. Cetaceans are very social animals and often live together in groups called pods. It is an extraordinary adventure to dive with whales and dolphins and to experience their social behavior directly underwater.

© Alamy/Nature Picture Library

Animals in this category

AdobeStock-Magnus

Humpback Whale
Divesites
66
Sightings
1.2k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

Alamy-Biosphoto

Pilot Whale
 
 

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Alamy-Nature Picture Library

Bryde’s Whale
 
 
AdobeStock-Sean

Beluga Whale
 
 

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 24

Shutterstock-Andrea Izzotti

Beaked Whale
 
 
Alamy-WaterFrame

Sperm Whale
Divesites
1
Sightings
8
Alamy-Nature Picture Library

Blue Whale
 
 

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

Alarmy/Steffen Binke

Minke Whale
Divesites
1
Sightings
21
Shutterstock-Tomas Kotouc

Grey Whale
 
 

Dive sites with this animal

Whale Waters Tonga Ltd, Neiafu, Vava’u, Tonga

Historic Dive Wreck Clan Mc William (★4.6)

MUST DO Dive in Vava’u! 127m long steel copra freighter, caught fire and sunk on Christmas Day 1927 in the perfectly protected Neiafu Harbour, in Koko Bay. She lays approx 350m straight in front of Dive Center. Due to it’s depth it is recommended to explore her in 2 dives PLUS Night Dive here is a MUST!
Oceanos Expediciones Y Buceo, 44110 Guadalajara

Los Arcos National Park (★4.1)

Los Arcos National Park is one of the most popular places to dive in Puerto Vallarta. Nestled in a cluster of granite islands in the southern part of Banderas Bay, this dynamic underwater world is full of places to explore like El Bajo and Devil’s Canyon. There’s lots of marine life to explore as well.
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Catalinas Island, Clásico (★4.3)

11 km west of Potrero and Flamingo is the famous site of Clasico. This dive is done on the western side of the islands, from the south towards the north. There are successive ripraps. Several ways to dive possible, depending on certification level. From 10m to more than 30m.
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Los Sombréros (★4.2)

Sombrero is located 9.5km from playa Potrero or 6 miles. Its name is given to it by its shape resembling Mexican hats. There are several launching points all around the islands. The north side is rapidly deeper. Possibility of adapting the depth to the profiles of the divers all around the Island.
FEET FIRST DIVE PTY LTD, 2315 NELSON BAY

Broughton Island The Looking Glass (★4.2)

Part of the Great Lakes Marine Park, is a sanctuary for endangered grey nurse sharks. Dive between the “crack“ in the island for incredible topography in an unforgettable dive site.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Castle (★4.2)

This site is named Castle because of its pinnacles and castle like structures with swim throughs, gullies, and overhangs to explore. Maximum depth is 25m and the top of the reef is 12m deep.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

South Sands (★4.2)

South Sands consists of a large sand patch surrounded by reef structure. Maximum depth is 14m with an average depth of 11m. This is the perfect dive site to spot large groups of Rays or Guitar sharks.
SOUTH WEST ROCKS DIVE CENTRE, 2431 SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Fish Rock Cave (★4.4)

Fish Rock Cave is the only true ocean cave dive in Australia, running 125 meters right through Fish Rock. Fish Rock is in the path of the EAC (East Australian Current) which usually floods the site with warm clear water, bringing a huge variety of temperate and tropical marine species.
ADRENO BRISBANE, 4102 WOOLLOONGABBA

Cherubs Cave (★4.5)

A small concrete cherub once marked the main entrance to this hidden cave off Moreton Island. While the guardian has since disappeared, this underwater world remains to be discovered by the adventurous diver.
MANTA LODGE AND SCUBA CENTRE, 4183 POINT LOOKOUT

Flat Rock - Shark Alley (★4.2)

A deeper site for advanced divers, Shark Alley is a seasonal aggregation zone for endangered Grey Nurse (sand tiger) sharks. Being further out to sea, it is also a great place to see whales and other large pelagic marine life. Max depth is 28m with the reef rising to 12m on either side of the alley.
BYRON BAY DIVE CENTRE, 2481 BYRON BAY

Julian Rocks - Nursery (★4.3)

The perfect site for new divers, old divers, and snorkelers alike, with a protected shallow haven of 5-12m, this area is a very popular dive site.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Cathedral (★4.3)

Cathedral is one of the most popular and impressive dive sites to visit on Aliwal Shoal. Maximum depth is 27m with 18m on top of Cathedral. Both big and small aquatic beauties decorate this unique reef structure.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Chunnel (★4.4)

This is a dive site for everyone, it has three main features – a pinnacle that spirals rapidly up towards the surface, an overhang that provides a sheltered hiding place for many of the shoal’s shier residents, and the famous Chunnel Cave.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Pinnacles (★4.2)

Pinnacles forms a cluster of mountain like rock formations with many crevices, gullies, and ledges to explore. This dive site is a must for the list of sites to visit when diving Aliwal Shoal. Maximum depth is 18m with the shallowest pinnacles at 5m .
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Landers (★4.3)

Landers has multiple dive locations that each form a dive of its own. You can dive Landers reef numerous times and each dive will be different from the one before. This site is best described as an underwater playground; unlimited crevices, holes, and gullies each filled with marine treasures.
BYRON BAY DIVE CENTRE, 2481 BYRON BAY

Julian Rocks - Hugos Trench (★4.2)

Macro heaven! With sheer walls on either side of you, expect to come across a range of small and wonderful creatures such as nudibranchs, Spanish dancers, crayfish and mantis shrimp.
BYRON BAY DIVE CENTRE, 2481 BYRON BAY

Julian Rocks - Cod Hole (★4.2)

An amazing dive site for the experienced diver! The Cod Hole is a small underwater cave located on the northern tip and opens up at approximately 15m deep, then slopes downwards to a depth of 21m.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Raggies Cave (★4.3)

Raggies Cave is a large overhang with a swim-through and is renowned for the sand tiger sharks that congregate here during winter and spring. The maximum depth is 18m, with an average depth of 11m.
PLONGÉE SALÉE, 97427 ETANG-SALÉ

Les Grottes du Portail (★4.5)

20 - 30m - This is a surprising and incredible maze of tunnels and caverns created by the ocean’s relentless assault on the lava over thousands of years.
PLEASURE DIVERS MAGNETIC ISLAND, 4819 ARCADIA

Alma Bay (★3.7)

Alma Bay has a shallow fringing reef on both the left and right sides. Gentle sloping, sandy bottom with very little water movement. The maximum depth is 9m with an average depth around 5m.
ZISSOU DIVERS, 48896 Zihuatanejo de Azueta

Piedra Solitaria (★4.6)

Piedra Solitaria is located 3.7 km or approximately 20 minutes from the main pier. Its walls reach depths of up to 132 feet, making it a favorite spot for deep and multilevel diving.
DIVE NEAR ME PTY LTD, 2500 Wollongong

Blue Devil Cave (★3.8)

The site is one of the best shore dives on the NSW south coast. With at least 3 Blue Devil Fish living in and around a small cave. At max depth of 22 meters & a short swim out to the cave you have plenty of time to take in the marine life on your way out & back. Entry point is at The Gutter.
GOLD COAST DIVE CENTRE, 4220 MIAMI

Cook Island - North Wall (★4.3)

“Cook Island” is known as a Marine Reserve and is home to a wide variety of marine life and breeding seabirds. Cook Island provides a great opportunity to visit a protected area and witness why so many love this special place. Max depth here is 13m.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal (★4.3)

This dive site has a minimum diving qualification of Advanced Open Water diver as the maximum depth is 27m and is only accessible by boat. Due to its depth, it is not suitable for beginner divers.
Todd H. (#2497908)

Cabo San Lucas (★4.3)

Cabo offers diving for all levels of divers and many different types of adventures from easy, calm aquarium like shore diving to deeper water diving off the coast at places like Gordo Banks that offer the possibility of large pelagic sightings like orcas, humpbacks, hammerheads, tuna, and more!