Diving with Whales
Record Holder of the Seas
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.
These animals have breathing and circulatory systems specifically adapted for life in icy water. Their organs are protected by a thick layer of blubber which gives their bodies insulation of up to half a meter. As a scuba diver, adjusting to the cold becomes a secondary issue when diving with whales as the thrill of watching them move gracefully through the water takes over. You will never forget a moment such as this. Find out more about the best places to dive with all of these amazing different species here.
Animals in this category
Diving with Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales are the greatest acrobats and singers among all the whales. They enjoy breeching, propelling their massive bodies out of the water and falling back in with a huge splash, slapping the water’s surface with their fins, and spyhopping. In addition to the sporty performances of these animals, their singing talent is second to none. One of the most magical moments that can be experienced by any scuba diver is to actually listen to the beautiful symphony of humpback whales while diving underwater. Their songs are very unique because they consist of complex, individual stanzas that repeat themselves. Humpback calves are even known to “whisper” to their mothers.
Diving with Pilot Whales
Contrary to their name, pilot whales are actually part of the dolphin family and are the second largest next to the killer whale (or orca). There are technically two distinct species, the short- and long-finned pilot whale; however, it is nearly impossible to tell the two species apart while at sea. Typically, the short-finned are found in tropical and sub-tropical waters while the long-finned inhabit the colder regions, particularly the Southern Ocean. Wherever you may encounter these dark colored, large dolphins, you will be sure to leave with a million memories.
Diving with Bryde’s Whales
Byrde’s whales are members of the roqual family of whales along with blue and humpback whales. They have baleen instead of hard teeth, filtering nearly 1,500 pounds of krill, shrimp, copepods, and tiny fish as food every day. These long, slim species can be found in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters around the world, specifically between 40 degrees south and 40 degrees north of the equator. Some of their populations migrate according to the seasons while other populations are considered resident, meaning they do not migrate.
Diving with Beluga Whales
With their prominently large melon and bright white color, the beluga whale is the easiest whale species to recognize and probably the most familiar. Also called white whales, belugas are actually born gray or brownish in color, fading to white by the time they are 5 years old. They are nicknamed “sea canaries” due to their distinct, and unique vocalization of loud squawks, whistles, squeals, and clucking, filling the sea with beautiful music.
Diving with Beaked Whales
One of the most mysterious whales, beaked whales are probably the least studied marine mammals due to their apparent low population numbers and offshore deep-water habitat. Currently there are 22 named species, however, due to their illusive nature, scientists believe there are still some species yet to be discovered. The most frequently encountered include Cuvier’s, Baird’s, Stejneger’s, and Hubb’s beaked whales.
Diving with Sperm Whales
The largest predatory animal on earth is the sperm whale. They dive more than 1000 meters deep hunting for food. These animals are named after their huge heads, which make up nearly a third of the total length of their bodies. They have the largest, heaviest brain of any species known to have lived on Earth, weighing up to 9.5 kilos. Scuba diving with sperm whales is a beautiful sight you would never forget where you can admire their furrowed skin and marble-like coloration.
Diving with Blue Whales
With a length of 33 meters and a weight of up to 200 tons, blue whales are the largest and heaviest animals that have ever lived on planet Earth. This creature owes its name to the pale blue to gray coloration of its back, whereas it’s belly is usually a white or yellowish color. To join this species during its search for food is to experience a magnificent and unprecedented moment most scuba divers will never get to experience.
Diving with Minke Whales
As the name suggests, the minke whale is the smallest of the great, or rorqual, whales. Nevertheless, it still grows up to 10 meters long and weighs 9 tons. Diving with minke whales is always exciting because of their very curious and playful nature. They migrate to warmer waters every winter so the chance to dive with them in warmer regions is possible.
Diving with Gray Whales
Gray whales are one of the greatest migrators in the animal kingdom, swimming up to 12,000 miles annually from their Alaskan summer home to the warmer waters of the Mexican Pacific coast in the winter for breeding. The largest population of the animals is found in this North American range, however, there is an endangered population in the western North Pacific near Korea as well. Their rough looking appearance and docile behavior at the surface has earned these mammals the nickname ‘breathing rocks.’ In addition to the white and gray patches covering their dark skin, giving them their name, they are also covered with barnacles and whale lice.
Diving with Killer Whales / Orcas
Orcas, or more commonly known as killer whales, are one of the most famous cetaceans on Earth. Their unmistakable large black bodies with white undersides and white spots above and behind the eyes are characteristic of these very social animals. They live in complex family groups, or pods, of up to 50 whales. The intricate dynamics of these pods include adult whales teaching the young many important skills needed to survive in the ocean. This knowledge is passed on from generation to generation. Encountering a pod of orcas while scuba diving is an experience like no other.
Dive Sites with this Animal
★★★★★ Historic Dive Wreck Clan Mc William
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!
★★★★☆ Los Arcos National Park
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.
★★★★☆ South Sands
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.
★★★★☆ Flat Rock - Shark Alley
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.
★★★★☆ Cathedral
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.
★★★★☆ Chunnel
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.