Wandering Albatross

About Wandering Albatross

With the largest wingspan of any living bird — up to 3.5m — the wandering albatross is a majestic presence in the Southern Ocean. They can fly thousands of kilometres without flapping their wings, using dynamic soaring techniques. Surface intervals between dives often feature these magnificent birds gliding low over the waves.

Quick Facts

• Habitat: The Wandering Albatross, _Diomedea exulans_, is a truly pelagic seabird, spending the vast majority of its life soaring over the **Southern Ocean's vast expanses**. This species is circumpolar, found throughout the waters south of 30°S, with a breeding range primarily restricted to **remote sub-Antarctic islands**. Key breeding sites include South Georgia, Marion Island, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, and Macquarie Island. While these islands are generally inaccessible to recreational divers, sightings at sea are possible in **nutrient-rich upwelling zones** and **convergence fronts** where food is concentrated. They may be encountered opportunistically during liveaboard expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula or during crossings of the Drake Passage, although this is rare as they primarily forage far from land. Immature birds and non-breeding adults undertake extensive oceanic migrations, often circumnavigating the globe multiple times, making their presence a majestic, albeit fleeting, sight over open water. They prefer **temperate and cold oceanic waters**, rarely venturing into tropical seas.
• Diet: The Wandering Albatross is an opportunistic and highly efficient pelagic predator, primarily feeding on **cephalopods, fish, and crustaceans**. Their diet varies geographically and seasonally but is heavily reliant on squid, which they often catch at the **ocean surface** or just below it. They are known for their ability to rest on the water's surface and pluck prey from the top layers, sometimes making shallow dives to capture food not far beneath. While they historically followed **whaling ships** to scavenge offal, they now frequently follow **fishing vessels**, opportunistically feeding on discards, which can inadvertently lead to interactions with fishing gear. They are also known to scavenge carrion, including the remains of seals and other large marine animals. Their feeding behavior is adapted for retrieving prey from the open ocean, typically surface-seizing or shallow-plunging, as opposed to deep diving.
• Best season: Given their extremely wide range and pelagic nature, there isn't a single 'best season' for divers to reliably encounter Wandering Albatrosses. However, sightings are most probable during **southern hemisphere summer (December to March)** for those undertaking **Antarctic expeditions** or **deep-ocean voyages** across the Southern Ocean. During this period, breeding birds are more localized around their sub-Antarctic nesting islands, but non-breeding individuals and sub-adults continue their extensive oceanic wanderings. For those on liveaboards transiting to or from the **Antarctic Peninsula**, particularly through the Drake Passage, these months offer the highest chance of observing them soaring overhead. Divers exploring the nutrient-rich waters around **remote oceanic islands** in the temperate Southern Ocean might also spot them during these months, as many species are more active. Encounters are opportunistic and unpredictable year-round due to their vast nomadic travels, but concentrated offshore activity is higher in summer months.

Fun Facts

They can fly over 120,000 km per year,Pairs mate for life and perform elaborate reunion dances,Their 3.5-metre wingspan is the largest of any living bird,They can sleep while flying using one brain hemisphere at a time

Diving Tips

Encountering a Wandering Albatross while diving is **highly improbable** given their preference for surface feeding and open ocean habitats. These birds are **not aquatic divers** in the sense of plunging deep for prey; they mainly feed at or near the surface. Therefore, divers should not expect to see them underwater. However, during surface intervals or boat transfers in the Southern Ocean, an albatross sighting is a memorable event. Should one be observed from the boat, maintain a **respectful distance** and avoid any actions that might disturb its natural behavior. They are typically **skittish around human presence**. Never attempt to feed any wildlife, including albatrosses, as this can alter natural foraging behaviors and create dependency. Focus instead on capturing **photographs from a distance** with a long lens. Remember that albatrosses, like all marine birds, are protected, and any interference or harassment is unethical and often illegal. Enjoy the spectacle of these magnificent birds from your vessel, appreciating their incredible aerial prowess as they effortlessly glide above the waves. Always prioritize **responsible wildlife viewing practices** as guided by your expedition leader or dive operator.