I've just returned from the Wetpixel sperm whale expedition to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. It was totally and utterly successful beyond any of my expectations, and we had numerous encounters with sperm whales during our 8 days on the water. Especially exciting were photos of a sperm whale with the remains of some sort of giant squid in its mouth, and an encounter with a huge male (rare in Ogasawara).

We hope to be returning to Ogasawara next year, but we're not sure whether we'll be able to get permits again. I can't wait to be back there -- it is a magical place.

Trip report links:

- Update 1
- Update 2
- Update 3

Truly incredible Eric!

Great story and outstanding photos! Maybe I can join some future trip to Ogasawara - seems like a must do trip!

Cheers
Karel

Very cool trip report, I am sure you enjoyed! Did you encounter any sperm whale groups? What lens did you use?

I was did summer in the Azores: http://www.vincentkneefel.nl/Underwater/Az...9/9593958_MZaps and I also found that sperm whales are extremely shy and very different in their behavior from other whales. You have to be very lucky to get up close (that means, spending huge amounts of time on the water to increase your chances). It is still my dream to capture them while they are socializing in a group..

Best Wishes

Vincent

I am working in whalewhatcing and I know how hard it is to get the rigth timing. We don´t have sperm whales but I got one chance to swim with the mighty, The Blue Whale. That was 12 years ago and I really want to meet these magnificent creatures again!!

Really nice photos!!

Thanks for charing with us.

Gisli A. Gudm

flickr.com/photos/gassa

I just posted a combined trip report on my own site, including links to image galleries. We did encounter sperm whale groups -- very exciting. I shot almost exclusively with the Tokina 17mm prime (full frame).

http://echeng.com/journal/2009/10/19/trip-...gasawara-japan/

Eric,
This trip report and pictures on your website are absolutely amazing...

Mind blowing ! Congratulations guys on your successful trip !

Sounds like you had an incredible trip Eric, your trip report and photos are excellent!
Mike

Update: Idiot's guide to sushi, starring Tony Wu and Douglas Seifert.

Nice photos - I just finished two days of snorkeling off Dominica with sperm whales - with fellow Wetpixel members Loftus and EYU and former member the Octopus. Awesome site to be in the water with these beautiful and intelligent animals - one young male "Scar" was particularly friendly. Here are a couple of pictures and a link to my website with photos -http://oceandoctorshots.com/blog/?page_id=5
Certainly better weather and easier to get to (as long as you don't travel on LIAT) than the Japan trip.Click to view attachment

Here is another photo too!!Click to view attachment

Here is one last photo - this time of "Loftus" and the pod about to dive deep. (Sorry for the red in the photo - needs a little more color correction but I am too tired tonight to finish editing the photo)Click to view attachment
Andy

All the shots: very cool!