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Sperm Whale micro-naps in Guadeloupe: When the Giant of the Oceans sleeps standing up.

  • Writer: coraliebrossardpro
    coraliebrossardpro
  • Dec 31, 2025
  • 3 min read


Among the most powerful encounters we experience at sea in Guadeloupe, meetings with sperm whales hold a very special place. Impressive in size, intelligence, and social behavior, these giants of the deep continue to fascinate scientists and the privileged observers we are.


One of the most astonishing discoveries of recent years is the phenomenon of sperm whale micro-naps, a behavior as surprising as it is poetic.


The Sperm Whale in Guadeloupe: an extraordinary cetacean


The sperm whale is the largest toothed predator on the planet. Capable of diving deeper than 1,000 meters and holding its breath for over an hour, it spends much of its life hunting in the abyss.


But like all marine mammals, the sperm whale in Guadeloupe needs to sleep. And this is where nature reveals its incredible ingenuity.





The Sperm Whale in Guadeloupe: Sleeping… Without Really Sleeping


Contrary to what one might imagine, sperm whales do not lie down to sleep. Nor do they float at the surface for long periods. Instead, they practice what are known as vertical micro-naps.


During these resting phases, sperm whales adopt a very distinctive posture:


  • they position themselves vertically, head pointing upward, like a candle

  • remain motionless, sometimes in small groups

  • just a few meters below the surface


These micro-naps usually last between 10 and 15 minutes, sometimes a little longer, and are repeated several times throughout the day.

 



Why Micro-Naps instead of deep sleep for sperm whales in Guadeloupe?


This strategy allows sperm whales to balance two essential needs:


  • resting, as their brain requires recovery

  • staying alert, in order to breathe, maintain buoyancy, and avoid danger


As conscious mammals, sperm whales must surface regularly to breathe. Prolonged deep sleep would therefore be risky. Micro-naps are a perfect compromise between rest and survival.



A Behavior Observed… Also in Guadeloupe


In Guadeloupe, we have already been fortunate enough to witness this fascinating behavior among resident sperm whales. Some encounters at sea suggest that these giants can sometimes be observed during resting phases, after long hours of deep diving and hunting.


One particular outing remains vividly etched in our memories. We were in an observation area, engines off, scanning the horizon for a blow. Suddenly, right next to the boat, a large bubble slowly rose to the surface. Intrigued, we leaned over and looked beneath the water—and there it was : a sperm whale, completely motionless, asleep in a vertical position, suspended in the blue. An unreal, silent, deeply moving moment.


More recently, during another observation again with engines off and in full compliance with all protocols we were calmly watching a group of sperm whales at the surface. Out of simple curiosity, with no real expectation, our photographer Valérie Gueit lowered a GoPro mounted on a pole at the back of the boat. It was only later, while reviewing the footage, that the surprise appeared: underwater, the group consisted of nine sperm whales, several of them resting vertically, perfectly still.


Images of exceptional rarity deeply moving in their calm and beauty, revealing the complexity and fragility of these marine giants.


These moments are incredibly powerful for observers. Time seems to stand still, the sea becomes silent, and one fully realizes the privilege of witnessing, humbly, the intimacy of the wild world.




Observing without disturbing: An absolute priority


At Soleil Excursions, such situations require heightened vigilance. When sperm whales allow us the privilege of observing them, respecting distance and maintaining absolute calm is essential.

Observing a sperm whale in a micro-nap is a rare privilege, one that can only exist within a truly respectful framework.


A reminder of the intelligence of Life


Sperm whale micro-naps remind us just how subtle, intelligent, and finely adapted marine life is. Every behavior has a purpose; every detail tells a story of evolution and survival.


At sea, these moments teach us humility: we are merely guests in a world far greater than ourselves.


Observing sperm whales in Guadeloupe with Soleil Excursions


Guadeloupe is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales are present year-round. Every outing at sea is different, unpredictable, and sometimes punctuated by moments as rare as micro-naps.


Observe, understand, and respect, this is how we love to share the ocean.

Join us from the port of Baillargent in Pointe-Noire for a unique excursion departing from the Côte Sous-le-Vent, filled with emotion, discovery, respect, and passion.



Photo credits: Valérie GueitPhotos taken in full compliance with AGOA Sanctuary approach protocols and distance regulations.,



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