Blue Whales are the largest animals to have ever existed on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet. Despite their enormous size, they are filter feeders, primarily consuming krill and small fish. Their heart alone can be as large as a small car, and their tongue can weigh as much as an elephant. Blue Whales, known for their unique blue-gray coloration and the immense volume of water they can displace when they surface. They are among the loudest animals on the planet creating sounds up to 190 decibels! These whales are able to hear one another up to 1,000 miles away!

Best time to see: Summer

Humpback Whales are famous for their playful nature, which includes breaching, slapping their tails on the water, and even singing intricate songs. These songs, believed to play a role in communication and mating rituals, can travel for miles underwater. Humpbacks can grow up to 60 feet in length and are known for their distinctive long pectoral fins and knobby heads. They feed on krill, small fish, and plankton using many different techniques. The most widely seen is lunging, where a Humpback swims across the surface of the water with their mouths open to catch as many fish as possible!

Best time to see: Year-round

Fin Whales, second in size only to Blue Whales, are another remarkable addition to San Diego’s marine biodiversity. They can grow up to 85 feet in length and are known for their slender bodies and distinctive asymmetrical coloration on their lower jaw. While not as common as some species, encountering a Fin Whale is a memorable experience for any whale enthusiast. The Fin Whale typically stays in deeper depths where it can find an abundance of krill and small fish, up to two tons in a day! Fin Whales can be seen in groups of two to seven, but are often spotted alone. To deep dive, Fin Whales will surface horizontally and arch their back, showing off their small razor-like dorsal fins. To spot these whales, look for a giant plum of vaporized water, going as tall as 20 feet!

Best time to see: Winter & Summer

Minke Whales are the smallest of the baleen whales, typically growing to lengths of 25 to 30 feet and weighing 5 to 10 tons. Known for their sleek and streamlined bodies which allow them to be fast swimmers and agile hunters, Minkes are capable of quick movements when feeding on small schooling fish and krill. They can reach speeds up to 20 miles per hour! Minkes have a distinctive pointed snout and are typically gray or black in color. While not as well-known as some other whale species, it is a beloved member of the whales of San Diego. Minke Whales are often solitary creatures, preferring to travel and feed on their own. Due to their shy behavior, they will generally avoid boat traffic. Because of this, it is a rare and special treat when we do have a courageous Minke making their presence known! 

Best time to see: Fall