The deepest diving animals on the planet include species from groups such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and whales, reaching depths of nearly 3,000 meters.
1. Champion: Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
A mother and calf of Cuvier’s Beaked Whale.
Researchers from Cascadia University, led by Gregory Schorr, have discovered that Cuvier’s Beaked Whale can dive to depths of 2,990 meters (approximately 9,816 feet). Additionally, this species has broken the previous record for the “longest time spent underwater” held by the sperm whale, staying submerged for 2 hours and 18 minutes without needing to surface for air.
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale, scientifically known as Ziphius cavirostris, belongs to the family Ziphiidae and the order Cetacea. This aquatic mammal was first described by G. Cuvier in 1823. Although it is often found near the surface, this species prefers waters deeper than 1,000 meters. The body of Cuvier’s Beaked Whale is robust and cigar-shaped, typically reaching lengths of about 6 meters and weighing around 2,500 kilograms.
2. Runner-up: Sperm Whale
Sperm Whale.
With Gregory Schorr’s research, the sperm whale has lost its top position among the deepest diving mammals in the world. Nonetheless, the depth they can reach is still impressive, up to 2,250 meters.
Sperm whales can dive deeply due to their ability to hold their breath for up to 90 minutes. Their body structure is well-adapted to the sudden changes in water pressure. Their flexible ribcage allows them to conserve oxygen and limit nitrogen absorption. Additionally, the blood of these whales has a high red blood cell count, enabling them to carry more oxygen.
3. Third Place: Northern Elephant Seal
Northern Elephant Seals basking on the beach.
The term “elephant seal” commonly refers to a species of aquatic mammal known as “mooc.” Among elephant seals, the Northern Elephant Seal is known for its exceptional diving ability, capable of reaching depths of 2,133 meters.
In the 1800s, the Northern Elephant Seal was on the brink of extinction due to hunting for lamp oil. Today, the population is gradually recovering thanks to newly enacted protective laws.
4. Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
Whale Shark diving to feed. (Photo: Leith Holtzman)
The whale shark is the largest fish and can dive to significant depths. This massive filter-feeding fish typically swims near the surface. However, a study using tags to track whale shark movements recorded instances of extremely deep dives, the deepest being 1,928 meters. Researchers hypothesize that whale sharks forage in a water layer known as the deep scattering layer.
5. 1,200 meters – Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The deepest diving reptile is the leatherback turtle, which can dive to depths of 1,200 meters. To understand how they achieve this, a research team published in 2010 attached accelerometers to nesting female turtles in the Virgin Islands. They found that the turtles gradually descended along a slope during active swimming before gliding, and then slowly resurfacing to avoid decompression sickness. The turtles’ lower body temperature may also help prevent nitrogen bubble formation in their bloodstream.
6. 500 meters – Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
The Emperor Penguin diving into the water. (Photo: David Herraez Calzada).
Few species are as clumsy on land as penguins. Unable to fly, these awkward birds waddle from place to place, seemingly expending much energy for just small distances. However, they are entirely different underwater. The Emperor Penguin may not be the fastest swimmer, but it can dive deeper and longer than any other bird. They can remain submerged for up to 27 minutes while diving to depths of 500 meters, reducing their heart rate from 70 to 10 beats per minute, according to the University of Bristol.
