Do you have a dream to swim or dive with orcas? Do you know where are the best posts to make your dreams true? We have gathered all the information you need to be ready for your orca expedition because diving with orcas is something that is on quite a few divers bucket-lists.
Basic information about orcas
Orca has large, black bodies, white undersides, white spots above and behind the eyes, and a gray “saddle point” behind the dorsal fin. Males are about 10m long. Females have a towering dorsal fin that can be up to 2m long.
They live in groups. This group accounts for about 50 orcas. An interesting fact is that sometimes those groups include four generations. The oldest female leads the group. Orcas hunt in groups and coordinate their prey with incredible skill. They eat a wide variety of prey including fish, seals, dolphins, sharks, rays, whales, cuttlefish, and octopus.
They gave orcas the name “killer whale”, but it is incorrect. Because they do not attack other animals or people indiscriminately, they only kill to feed.
They are excellent swimmers and can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.
The mother whale and midwives look after the calves until they can take care of themselves.
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Is it safe to swim or dive with orcas?
Yes, but you must be incredibly careful. They are still wild animals that need constant attention.
Killer whales are extremely successful hunters. They use sophisticated hunting techniques. Also, they are highly intelligent animals with close social ties and no natural enemies.
Top 3 places – Diving with Orcas
1. Norway
Norway is the number one location for everyone who wants to dive with orcas.
For those who want to see how to look like an orca’s spectacular hunt, the best time to travel is between October and February. Temperatures are extremely cold. In the Norwegian winter, the nights return, and so the best time to see the unique Northern Lights is from late September to late March.
2. Canada
Canada is a second destination for lovers of orcas. You can see orcas on the coast of Vancouver Island, but there are also a few other places.
The whale watching season is between May and September, and we can view the whales from the coast or a boat or sea kayak.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to spot sperm whales all year round. However, orca sightings in New Zealand are not as common compared to Norway.
June and July are the time of the orcas (killer whales) and from December to March, you can see humpback whales. Besides, we sight varied species of dolphins daily.
Orcas are incredible animals to see in the wild. Norway is a top place to see them. But you can also consider yourself lucky to see orcas in New Zealand or Canada.