Sperm Whales in Guadeloupe: Kelping, a rare and fascinating spectacle
- coraliebrossardpro
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Guadeloupe is a prime destination for observing sperm whales, those majestic giants of the ocean whose immense size is matched only by the grace of their behavior.
Among the most surprising phenomena we’ve had the chance to witness during our sea excursions is kelping, a rare and fascinating behavior that beautifully illustrates the social intelligence of sperm whales.
Dive into the world of sperm whales in Guadeloupe with Soleil Excursions.
Female and male sperm whales in Guadeloupe: distinct lifestyles
Female sperm whales, often in matriarchal groups, undertake long migrations between Montserrat, Dominica, and Guadeloupe, covering distances of about 150 km.
They prefer warmer, coastal waters where they safely raise their young. These matriarchal groups consist of mothers and their calves, forming close-knit communities.
In contrast, adult male sperm whales, much larger and more massive, lead a more solitary life or form small alliance groups. They migrate over greater distances, often to deeper and colder waters.
All year round, come meet the sperm whales in Guadeloupe with Soleil Excursions.
Impressive characteristics of sperm whales in Guadeloupe
The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is the largest toothed whale on our planet, reaching up to 20 meters in length and weighing over 50 tons.
Its appearance is instantly recognizable thanks to its massive head, also called the “melon,” which can represent up to one-third of its total body length.
The melon houses a cavity filled with spermaceti, an oily, waxy substance used for echolocation, a sophisticated system of sound wave navigation essential for moving and hunting in dark ocean depths.
The sperm whale is also one of the best divers in the animal kingdom: it can dive deeper than 3,000 meters and stay submerged for over an hour.
These breathtaking dives aim to capture its favorite prey: giant squids, deep-sea fish, and other abyssal creatures.
Despite their massive size, sperm whales move with surprising grace and often form tight social groups, especially among females and juveniles. Their skin is marked with white scars, remnants of battles with prey or interactions with other whales.
The sperm whale’s blow, angled forward and to the left, is another distinctive feature that helps identify them at sea, along with the unique shape of their fluke, often seen during their majestic dives.
What is kelping among sperm whales in Guadeloupe?
Kelping is a fascinating and mysterious behavior observed in some large cetaceans, such as sperm whales and humpback whales.
It involves manipulating or carrying marine algae (kelp), often placing it on their heads or backs, or twirling it in the water using their mouths or rostrums.
This interaction, still little documented scientifically, intrigues researchers who see it as possible social play, grooming, or a form of communication between individuals.
We were exceptionally fortunate to observe this behavior in a group of sperm whales in Guadeloupe.
During these suspended moments, the giants of the sea seemed to dance with the algae, performing a slow, graceful ritual, a kind of underwater ballet filled with curiosity and intelligence.
A magical moment reminding us of the intelligence of the animal world.
Some scientists suggest this behavior may serve multiple purposes: removing parasites, stimulating the skin, simply playing, or attracting the attention of others.
In humpback whales, a recent hypothesis even points to aesthetic or ornamental reasons, hinting at an almost cultural dimension to this practice.
Kelping highlights that cetaceans are highly intelligent animals with complex behaviors, capable of curiosity, creativity, and sophisticated social interactions.
These rare, precious moments at sea remind us of the emotional and sensory richness of these giants inhabiting Guadeloupe’s waters.
Sperm whales in Guadeloupe: an exceptional environment
Guadeloupe, with its deep, biodiverse waters, provides an ideal habitat for sperm whales. They are often seen alone or in small groups off Basse-Terre's coast.
At Soleil Excursions, we’ve witnessed several sperm whale interactions, including complex social behaviors like kelping, as well as moments of play, hunting, and communication through clicks and underwater sounds
Magical interactions to witness with sperm whales in Guadeloupe
Beyond kelping, interactions among sperm whales are often very touching: mothers and calves move in close tandem, males sometimes form temporary alliances, and their acoustic communication is impressively rich.
We have also witnessed moments when sperm whales show curiosity toward boats and humans, occasionally approaching very close, offering our guests unforgettable memories.
Come experience the magic of encountering a sperm whale in Guadeloupe with our passionate captains trained by the AGOA Sanctuary.
Why observing kelping is a privilege
Kelping is a behavior that reveals how these animals, often seen as mysterious or distant, have rich social lives and remarkable cognitive abilities. Observing this strengthens the importance of protecting these marine mammals and their fragile habitats.
Through our tours, we promote a respectful and sustainable approach, allowing everyone to experience this unique encounter while contributing to the preservation of sperm whales and Guadeloupe’s marine biodiversity.
Photo credits: Valérie Gueit - Images captured with zoom, respecting the Sanctuaire Agoa’s approach protocols and distance guidelines.
- Source : Soleil Excursions
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