Pilot Whale

Pilot whales are cetaceans of the genus Globicephala with two extant species: the long-finned pilot whale (G. melas) and the short-finned pilot whale (G. macrorhynchus). They are among the largest oceanic dolphins, exceeded in size only by the orca, and are also referred to as blackfish. The two species are not readily distinguishable at sea; skull analysis is the most reliable method for species-level identification. Long-finned pilot whales inhabit colder waters, while short-finned pilot whales occur in tropical and subtropical waters. Pilot whales feed primarily on squid and will also hunt large demersal fish such as cod and turbot. They are highly social, often remaining with their birth pod for life. Short-finned pilot whale females undergo menopause and postreproductive females continue to contribute to their pods. Pilot whales are known to strand on beaches, and some research links strandings to damage to their inner ear from underwater noise pollution. The conservation status of both long-finned and short-finned pilot whales is assessed as Least Concern.

Both the long-finned and short-finned pilot whales have been assessed as Least Concern.

Highly social; individuals may remain with their birth pod throughout their lifetime.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Cape Town, Guam, Raja Ampat and countries such as Guam, Indonesia, Northern Mariana Islands for divers building trips around pilot whales.