Killer Whale Visits Gorontalo Again

A killer whale cruised Gorontalo waters on New Year’s Day.

Killer Whale Sightings in Gorontalo

Waters off most dive sites in Gorontalo plunge to hundreds of meters. These deep waters bring large cetaceans close to land. Miguel’s Diving staff have discovered the ocean paths that large sea creatures use. One is along Olele Village Marine Park.

For the third time this dive season, Miguel’s Diving staff watched a single killer whale cruise just off the wall. Judging by the height of the dorsal fin, this killer whale was male. It was five meters long. He breathed on the way past the dive boat, sending spray into the air. Staff believe this is the same one previously seen.

Distinctive Form of the Killer Whale

Killer whales are also called orcas. Their scientific name is Orcinus orca.

They are mammals and the largest member of the dolphin family. Male killer whales are easy to identify. Their dorsal fin is very tall and straight. The body color is jet black with the familiar pure white patches. Their great girth make them look very big. Females have smaller

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, curved fins but retain the white patches. Usually killer whales are found in pods.

Marine Predator

Killer whales are active marine predators. A killer whale will eat many things, including squid, fish and sea turtles. They also will eat birds, seals and dolphins. A pod of killer whales often coordinate their hunting. They will even kill and eat large whales. There are no reported killer whale attacks against divers in the wild.

Residents vs. Transients

Scientists have discovered two genetically distinct forms of killer whale. One are called transients. They travel over wide distances and have distinctive behavior. They swim singly or in small pods up to seven whales. The others are called residents because they have smaller home areas. The pods are larger. Miguel’s Diving staff hope that the killer whale we are seeing will form a resident pod!

Diving in Gorontalo is exciting because of the unusual marine life found here. For your chance to experience the beauty of Gorontalo, please book your dive trip with us.