Whale & Wildlife Report | September 3-9, 2023
Rough toothed dolphin. PC: Andrew Aggergaard
Highlights
Pygmy killer whales
Rough-toothed dolphins
Hawaiian spinner dolphins
Oceanic whitetip sharks
Whale & Wildlife Report | September 3-9, 2023
A unique week with pygmy killer whales and rough-toothed dolphins!
One of the most exciting parts about running trips on the Kona Coast is the vast array of species we may encounter! We spent time with two species this week that we don’t get to see as often; rough-toothed dolphins and pygmy killer whales!
The offshore waters provide plenty of opportunity for dolphin sightings, and we were thrilled to come across one of the biggest pods of rough-toothed dolphins that our crew has ever seen! There were over 20 individuals present, and we got some incredible looks as they leaped in the air and rode the wake of Artemis. We also encountered the beloved Hawaiian spinner dolphins this week just outside the marina and along the coastlines. Kona is truly a dolphin lovers’ paradise!
Our year-round dolphin and whale watching trips this week encountered pygmy killer whales, one of the rarer species of odontocetes (toothed-whales) that we can find! Just like the name, this species looks similar in shape to a killer whale, however, noticeable differences include the smaller overall size, dorsal fin shape, and dark grey coloration. In around 5,000 ft of water (the pelagic zone) we spotted 5 pygmy killer whales and few oceanic whitetip sharks! Marine life enthusiasts onboard were thrilled to see so many dorsal fins in just 3-4 hours on the water!
The fall months are fantastic for whales, dolphins, mantas, and more. If you’re on the Big Island this September, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Kona’s offshore with us!
Pod of rough toothed dolphins. PC: Andrew Aggergaard
Rough toothed dolphin tail. PC: Andrew Aggergaard
Pygmy killer whales! PC: Andrew Aggergaard
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