Equipment: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Canon 8-15mm lens, Aquatica housing with 9.25-inch Megadome port, natural light
Settings: 1/400 sec, f/13, ISO 640
Location: Península Valdés, Argentina (under park authority permit and supervision)
A few white southern right whales are born each year, but this leucistic trait is not a permanent feature. Their coloration usually gives way to a lighter gray in adulthood, indicating they were white at birth and distinguishing them from the more common darker whales. You can identify southern right whales by their unique color patterns, the arrangement of their callosities, and their tail structure.
As the young whales grow, they become more curious and adventurous, often exploring their surroundings and showing interest in anything unusual in the water. This behavior can sometimes lead to interesting encounters.
I had a delightful experience with this young whale, who seemed to think I was a fun playmate. Young whales have not yet mastered the art of personal boundaries, so encounters with them can be a bit risky. I had to swim backward to fit this gentle giant into the frame with my wide-angle lens.
© Alert Diver – Q4 2024