Listen cetaceans sounds with the hydrophone on board the boat.

Listening to the depths: a unique opportunity to connect with cetaceans using a hydrophone, much to the delight of our little adventurers.

Listen cetaceans sounds with hydrophone : during our whale-watching excursions in Guadeloupe, at Soleil Excursions, we offer you an immersive experience thanks to hydrophone listening.

This tool allows us to plunge into the fascinating sound universe of Guadeloupe's cetaceans, revealing their underwater communications that the human ear would otherwise be unable to pick up.

Listening to the sounds of cetaceans using the hydrophone on board the boat is a fascinating experience.

Hydrophone listening

Listen to cetaceans using a hydrophone during our observation outings in Guadeloupe.

The hydrophone is an underwater microphone specially designed to pick up the sounds made by cetaceans.

We use this sophisticated equipment on our excursions in Guadeloupe for several reasons :

• Cetacean location : In addition to detecting breaths, surface movements and the presence of birds, the hydrophone helps us locate cetaceans by the sounds they emit. The clicks of sperm whales or the songs of humpback whales are often the first clues to their presence.

  
  

• Understanding behaviour : The sounds picked up by the hydrophone provide us with valuable information on cetacean behavior. For example, a complex song can indicate a mating phase in humpback whales, while rapid clicks can signal a hunting phase.

  
  

• Respect for the environment : The hydrophone allows us to better understand and respect cetaceans by minimizing disturbance. By listening to their exchanges, we can adjust our approach for a more serene and respectful observation.

Hydrophone listening

The joy of hearing

Happiness on your face

What do we hear with the hydrophone ?

Listening to cetaceans on a hydrophone is a magical experience. Here are just a few examples of what we can hear:

• Sperm whale clicks : These sounds resemble dry clicks, emitted at regular intervals. Sperm whales use these clicks for echolocation, a kind of natural sonar that enables them to navigate the depths and locate their prey.

  
  

• The songs of the humpback whales : These haunting melodies, mainly emitted by the males, can last for long minutes and are often repeated several times. Each song is unique and can be heard for miles around.

  
  

• Dolphin whistles and clicks : Dolphins are very talkative underwater! Their whistles and clicks are sophisticated means of communication, used to maintain group cohesion, hunt together or play games.

Hydrophone listening allows us not only to locate cetaceans, but also to try and understand them.

The importance of hydrophones for cetacean conservation

The hydrophone is not only an observation tool, but also a crucial instrument for cetacean conservation. The acoustic data we collect during each outing contributes to a better understanding of marine life in Guadeloupe and beyond, helping to protect these fascinating species.

Listen to the sound of sperm whales

Captains listening

Fascinating listening

Sperm whale watching in Guadeloupe is a must for anyone wishing to explore the richness of marine life in a natural, unspoilt environment.

Respect for cetaceans : A priority in the AGOA Sanctuary

It's important to stress that, unlike some practices elsewhere in the world, our hydrophone does not emit any sound to attract cetaceans.

In the AGOA sanctuary, we strictly adhere to rigorously defined protocols and approach distances.

Onboard hydrophone listening during a cetacean watching trip with Soleil Excursions

The well-being of cetaceans in their natural environment in Guadeloupe is our top priority.

Making sounds to attract cetaceans to the boat, although practised in other regions, can have harmful consequences for these animals. It can disrupt their natural behavior, destabilize them, and even change their habits over the long term.

At Soleil Excursions, we firmly believe that we are guests in their habitat, not the other way around.

That's why we favour a respectful approach, where observation is done with the utmost respect for these giants of the sea and their environment in Guadeloupe.

The Captain first listens to the helmets, then shares with the passengers on board.

Listening to cetaceans with a hydrophone on our dolphin, whale and sperm whale excursions in Guadeloupe is much more than just a simple cetacean-watching technique; it's a window onto the invisible world of cetacean sounds.

At Soleil Excursions, we're passionate about this respectful and educational approach to whale watching in Guadeloupe.

Join us for an unforgettable experience and discover the magic of underwater sounds!

Hearing the sounds of the cetaceans brings smiles to the faces of our adventurers.

Photo credits by Valérie Gueit : Zoom photos taken in compliance with Agoa Sanctuary protocols and approach distances.

- Source : Soleil Excursions