The giants of Alor: all about the whales
The Indonesian island of Alor is not only a paradise for colorful reefs and fascinating macro-life, but also a unique place to spot giants of the sea. Between June and November, large whales migrate along Alor’s shores, including minke whales, sperm whales and even the impressive pygmy blue whale. For divers and nature lovers, this means a rare opportunity to see these impressive animals up close.
Pygmy blue whales
These whales follow large schools of krill and small fish in deep water. The waters around Alor are rich in food due to the combination of currents and deep sea currents, making them an ideal route during their migration. Although called “dwarf,” they are still colossal at
What makes the pygmy blue whale extra special is their combination of size, speed and agility. Despite their massive size, they move elegantly through the water and can change direction quickly, often curious about boats or divers. Moreover, these migrations play an important role in the ecosystem, as the whales help disperse nutrients through the ocean through their feeding and movement. Seeing such a giant in the clear waters around Alor is an unforgettable experience that makes the enormous scale and power of marine life palpable.
Sperm whales
The sperm whale is one of the most iconic inhabitants of the deep waters around Alor. These behemoths can grow up to 18 meters in length and are known for their enormous head, small dorsal fin and remarkable ability to deep dive up to 2,000 meters, often staying underwater for more than an hour.
Sperm whales migrate along the coasts of Alor mainly in search of food, especially squid, their favorite prey. The coastal waters offer them intermediate stops to rest and raise their young. Mother groups often stay together with their young in specific areas, while males travel greater distances to find mates.
What makes the sperm whale so impressive is not only its size, but also its social structure, endurance and especially its hunting behavior. This whale is the largest predator on Earth. In fact, other whales mainly prefer plankton, but the sperm whale is an active hunter. Its favorite meal is squid, octopus and rays. For these, it likes to pick out the larger sizes, which can be found in the depths of the sea. Observing a spouting sperm whale or seeing a dorsal fin above the water surface during a migration is a rare and unforgettable experience. Alor offers a unique chance to see these animals relatively close to shore, in a still pristine environment where they behave naturally. The video below will give you more info on this fascinating animal.
Other rare sighting: orcas
In addition to these two giant whales, it is even possible to encounter orcas in this area. Although their sightings are rare, they are still spotted with some regularity. The waters around Alor are part of the
The orcas seen in these tropical waters are probably tropical orcas, specializing in hunting fish and other marine animals. This is in contrast to polar species that often catch seals and larger marine mammals. Sometimes they are even observed near Alor interacting with other marine mammals, such as sperm whales. While not a guaranteed encounter, Alor offers a rare opportunity to observe these top predators in their natural habitat.
About Alor
Alor is one of Indonesia’s most pristine and diverse islands. Located in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, it is known for its rugged landscapes, traditional villages and an underwater world that is among the best in Asia. Despite its exceptional biodiversity, Alor is relatively unknown to the general public, giving you the feeling of being really far away from the crowd.
The island is part of the Alor Archipelago, a group of 17 islands where ancient cultures, volcanic mountains and crystal clear waters converge. The currents around Alor bring nutrient-rich water to the reefs, making the dive sites there especially healthy and colorful. At the same time, above water, the island offers a peaceful, authentic atmosphere with friendly locals, traditional weaving and unique coastal landscapes.
Our trip to Alor
Curious about Alor? This impressive diving paradise is especially suitable for experienced divers. In September 2026, Robbert will go on an expedition with a group:
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