Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth growing up to 100 feet long (the equivalent to two London buses) and weighing 200 tons (similar to 33 elephants!)
They are occasionally seen in Monterey, California during summer and autumn months.
Whilst female whales make noises, it’s only male whales that sing complex songs to communicate and attract mates.
Orcas (also known as killer whales) are the largest species in the dolphin family, despite their name.
Vancouver Island is a fantastic destination for viewing orcas as its a stopping off point for transient orcas that move up and down the coast.
Narwhals live in Arctic waters and use their tusks for sensing their environment.
If you’ve very lucky, you may spot one on an Alaska cruise.
North Atlantic right whales are highly endangered with only a few hundred individuals left. They visit the Bay of Fundy to feed.
You can go on a wildlife cruise from Brier Island, Nova Scotia where you’ll have a great chance of seeing them along with other species.
Sperm whales can dive over 3,000 meters deep in search of squid – the equivalent of stacking almost 10 Eiffel Towers on top of each other! They use echolocation to navigate the darkness.
A great place to see these is on a Kaikoura whale watching tour in New Zealand.
Hector’s dolphins are the smallest in the world and unique to NZ.
You may be able to spot these on a Kaikoura whale watching tour.
Gray whales migrate from Arctic feeding grounds to breeding lagoons in Mexico, making one of the longest migrations of any mammal.
In Monterey, California the predominant species during winter months is the Gray whales.
This gives them time to dive deeper for food.
Whales are voluntary breathers, so they sleep by resting half of their brain at a time while the other half stays alert to control breathing and watch for predators.
1 to 3 – A whale of an effort, but you might need to dive a little deeper!
4 to 7 – Well done! You know your orcas from your humpbacks.
8 to 10 – Splashtacular! You’re a true whale expert!
1 to 3 – A whale of an effort, but you might need to dive a little deeper!
4 to 7 – Well done! You know your orcas from your humpbacks.
8 to 10 – Splashtacular! You’re a true whale expert!
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