Sperm whales can dive to depths of about 2,800 to 3,000 meters (approximately 9,200 to 9,800 feet). Some reports suggest they are capable of dives lasting up to two hours, with typical dives being around 400 to 600 meters deep and lasting 20 to 25 minutes. They are the deepest divers among marine mammals, adapted to safely collapse their lungs under pressure and store large amounts of oxygen in their muscles to allow these extreme dives.
Key Details on Sperm Whale Diving Depth:
- Maximum recorded dive depths reach around 2,800 to 3,000 meters (9,200 to 9,800 feet).
- Typical deep dives are in the 400 to 600 meter range and last about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Some exceptional dives can last up to two hours.
- Physiological adaptations include flexible ribcages, lungs that safely collapse, and high concentrations of oxygen-storing proteins like myoglobin.
- These adaptations enable long and deep dives to hunt deep-sea squid and other prey.
This makes sperm whales the deepest diving marine mammals known, surpassing many other species in diving depth and duration.
