WHALES! WHALES! PILOT WHALES! While cruising from Isabela Island to Fernandina Island that was the general call. Today I had the best sighting of Pilot whales ever in my life. Pilot whales (Globicephala sp) are gregarious cetaceans often seen swimming and diving close together. Today we all enjoyed a most spectacular show as these wonderful marine mammals displayed for us. We estimate that around a hundred of them were seen around the Polaris. Many of us were at the bow of the ship watching with astonishment at how close they were. Exclamations of jubilation and amazement filled the air. There were so many whales around that at one point we did not know which way to look. Some guests even enjoyed this show while having lunch!
This small species of whale is found in deep water around the archipelago. Today they were so close that even the characteristic grayish area behind the dorsal fin could be clearly seen. Some bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were seen swimming cheerfully with the pilots. A fantastic sighting that makes me feel more and more committed to these magical islands.
