Sometimes the most exciting marine wildlife encounters happen at the surface rather than under the water. On this particular occasion we were on our surface interval between the first and second dives on the southern tip of Huon Atoll.
A ‘surface interval’ is diving jargon for any period out of the water between dives. This period allows much of the nitrogen that has accumulated in diver’s bodies under pressure during the first dive to be expelled prior to a subsequent dive. Our hour long surface interval is often spent transiting from one dive site to another, basking in the sun for warmth, or grabbing a quick snack or drink.
On this particular day, the usual surface interval routine was broken by the cry of “dolphins!” An exclamation quickly followed by “No that dorsal fin is bigger – what is it?”
A Brief Encounter with a Mixed Pod of Pilot Whales and Dolphins
As the pod of cetaceans turned towards us, we got our first clear view of the mammals. Surfing towards us in a light Pacific swell was a mixed pod of pilot whales and dolphins. Though termed whales, pilot whales (Globicephala sp.) are actually large members of the dolphin family.
A pod of pilot whales and dolphins surfed the waves as they approached the dive boat.
Several excited divers quickly donned fins, mask, and snorkel and slipped quietly into the water with cameras primed, but the pod paid no heed and quickly moved by. Showing little interest in the boat, these marine wildlife offered only the briefest of opportunities for underwater photography to a few lucky snorkelers.
Although they quickly swam past, a few of the snorkelers were afforded an all be it brief opportunity for underwater photography of the mixed pod.
As we continued north around Huon Atoll to our second dive location, we once again encountered the pod of pilot whales and dolphins, before they vanished into the grey expanse of the Pacific, leaving only the glowing sense of awe that accompanies such marine wildlife encounters. Slowly, the excited chatter of divers and crew gave way to a more usual low pitched hum as focus switched back to the more mundane task at hand – preparing for the second dive.
Photos: 1-2 – Georgina Evans, 3 – Antoine Gilbert
