The pilot whale: treasure of the oceans to be observed in Guadeloupe

Watch pilot whales in Guadeloupe with Soleil Excursions

At Soleil Excursions, we wanted to highlight an impressive and endearing cetacean: the tropical pilot whale, often referred to as the pilot dolphin or pilot whale.

A giant of the seas, it fascinates with its power, intelligence, and the strength of the social bonds that unite it with its group. In our Guadeloupean waters, observing pilot whales is always a unique and deeply moving experience.

Discover pilot whales in Guadeloupe with Soleil Excursions

The pilot whale, also known as the pilot dolphin or pilot whale

The long-finned pilot whale in Guadeloupe, often nicknamed the pilot dolphin, is a cetacean that is as mysterious as it is impressive. With its dark gray coat, rounded forehead, and powerful swimming style, it stands out for its majestic appearance. Measuring up to 6 meters long and weighing several tons, this “giant dolphin” rarely travels alone: it lives in close-knit groups, sometimes consisting of several dozen individuals.

Their appearance at sea is always a highlight. Seeing a hundred black dorsal fins appear on the horizon is an unforgettable experience, both overwhelming and mesmerizing.

All year round, we set off to encounter the cetaceans of Guadeloupe..

Through the seasoned eye of our photographer Valérie Gueit

The pilot whale: A social cetacean with a heart of gold

What makes pilot whales so endearing is above all their social lifestyle. The clans are extremely close-knit: individuals stay together throughout their lives, forming one large family. They cooperate to feed, protect, and raise their young.

Their intelligence, communication, and solidarity make them particularly touching animals to observe.

In Guadeloupe, these encounters reveal the beauty of the marine world: the silence, the coordinated movement of the groups and, sometimes, jumps or curious approaches to the boat.

Observation of a beautiful pod of pilot whales with Soleil Excursions

Watching pilot whales in Guadeloupe

Our waters are frequented by these magnificent black dolphins. Sometimes they are just passing through, but sometimes they can be seen alongside other species of dolphins such as spotted dolphins and Fraser's dolphins. Every sighting is different, but all inspire the same sense of wonder.

At Soleil Excursions, we are committed to approaching them with respect. Observing without disturbing, slowing down, letting the animals choose whether to approach or stay at a distance: this is how we share these magical moments while preserving their well-being.

Pilot whales observed from the Soleil Excursions boat in Guadeloupe

A painful contrast with the Faroe Islands

Unfortunately, elsewhere in the world, pilot whales suffer a tragic fate. In the Faroe Islands, an ancient tradition called grindadráp involves herding pilot whales into bays to slaughter them.

These scenes are shocking in their brutality and highlight how different perceptions of the relationship between humans and the sea can be across cultures.

Without judging traditions, it is essential to remember that today, scientific knowledge and ecological awareness encourage us to protect these animals rather than exploit them.

Another wonderful sighting of pilot whales during an outing with Soleil Excursions.

Would you also like to try observing pilot whales in their natural habitat in Guadeloupe? Come and join us...

Preserve and share

In Guadeloupe, we are fortunate to enjoy a completely different experience: that of respectful encounters. By observing pilot whales in their natural environment, we create a bond of wonder that encourages us to protect them.

This is the whole point of our excursions: to share the emotion, spark curiosity, and raise awareness of the importance of preserving cetaceans and, more broadly, the entire marine ecosystem.

Beautiful photograph taken by our photographer during a cetacean excursion with Soleil Excursions

Pilot whales are much more than just large black dolphins. They reflect the intelligence, solidarity, and beauty of the marine world. In Guadeloupe, their presence is a privilege. Each encounter is an invitation to admire, respect, and protect these benevolent giants of the oceans.

Book your whale watching trip in Guadeloupe with us here

Photo credits: Valérie Gueit: Photos taken with a zoom lens in accordance with the protocols and approach distances of the Agoa Sanctuary.

- Source : Soleil Excursions