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With their large heads and black bodies, these whales are
easy to identify at sea. The animals here are from Hawaii and the Gulf
of California. They prefer deep waters and are usually found at depths
greater than 1,000 fathoms. The Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii
is a great place to see and film these wonderful whales. |
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Bulls in particular can get very large, often exceeding 20 feet. The
huge, curved dorsal is very broad at the base of the males and can be
seen at a very great distance on the water. These animals will often be
found logging on the surface during the day as they rest in family
groups. |
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Underwater they can be very curious and often approach snorkelers.
Slipping into the blue with Pilot Whales in water that is often
thousands of fathoms deep is a special thrill. Every sense is on alert,
as you are surrounded and suspended in the open ocean. Keep an eye out
for other visitors in these waters like Oceanic White-tip Sharks, Wahoo
(Ono), and even Beaked Whales! |
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TIPS FOR SHORT-FINNED PILOT WHALE PHOTOGRAPHS: These animals seldom
breach, but they do spyhop. Above water images are usually best achieved
with a medium range telephoto lens. Underwater images will require good
breath-hold diving abilities as well as a sense of comfort in open ocean
conditions. These are acquired skills and take practice. Even in
conditions of high visibility (as is often found this far from shore) I
prefer an ultra-wide angle lens for underwater usage. I like my Nikonos
V with either a 12mm or a 15mm lens. Light is not usually a problem in
these waters, so Fuji Velvia, Provia, or Kodachrome 64 are all good
choices for filming underwater. |
