Pilot Whales in the Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands provide many marine species with the perfect nursery and tropical habitat. Throughout the winter months from May to October, thousands of whales take advantage of the warm waters and sheltered bays to raise their young. While the most common whale to see in the Whitsundays is the humpback, the runner-up is the short-finned pilot whale. Much smaller than the humpback, these playful creatures roam the islands in large family groups and are frequently spotted by locals and tourists.
Pilot Whales in the Whitsundays
Pilot whales are one of the most fascinating creatures you can spot in the Whitsundays. But unlike other whales such as humpbacks, pilot whales don't migrate based on the season. They can be found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays year-round. However, that can make them harder to spot because they don't have one specific season where they frolic in the Whitsundays. But you do have a chance of seeing them at any time of year!
About Pilot Whales
Pilot whales are social, inquisitive, and playful marine mammals. There are two types of pilot whales: long-finned and short-finned, but it can be hard to distinguish between the two. The short-finned pilot whale is one of the most widespread whales in the world, ranging in the Pacific Ocean from the south of Australia to the north of Japan. They are toothed whales (unlike the humpback, which is a baleen whale) feeding primarily on squid and several fish species, and are known to dive up to 600m below the ocean's surface in search of prey. Growing over 6m in length, with adults weighing up to 4 tonnes, they are among the largest of the world's oceanic dolphins.
Pods of Pilot Whales
Like many marine mammals, the pilot whale lives in large groups called pods. These pods will usually consist of 10 to 30 individual members, however some pods have been known to reach over 100 whales. Pods are highly stable, with both males and females staying within the pod for most of their lives and forming strong social bonds over many years. Whales within these pods have also been observed hunting in large groups, using vocal communication to herd schools of squid and fish into the centre of the group.
Pilot whales get their name because of their group behaviours! Scientists once believed that each pod of whales followed one leader, or a "pilot". So that's where they get the name "pilot whale"!
Photo: Bertrand Borie on Unsplash
Spot Pilot Whales in the Whitsundays
With their playful and clever behaviour and their natural curiosity, pilot whales are one of the many attractions the Whitsundays have to offer. With regular sightings occurring all year round, The short-finned pilot whale offers much excitement. Whether they are seen cruising along the surface of the water in their dozens, playing around the back of a boat or leaping high into the air, the Pilot Whale will be a highlight of many Whitsunday adventures.
The best way to see pilot whales in the Whitsundays is on a boat tour or private charter. Spending quality time at sea is the only way you can spot marine life, and luckily there are lots of boats cruising around the Whitsunday waters daily. An overnight tour or charter gives you an extended stay out on the water, which gives you more time to spot marine life! No matter what boat tour or charter you choose in the Whitsundays, keep you eyes peeled for playful pilot whales!
These private charters are perfect for spotting whales in the Whitsundays!
