Different Types of Whales by Size: 10 Largest Whale Species Explained
Whales are some of the most fascinating and massive creatures on Earth. A common question people ask is: what is bigger than a whale? The answer depends on the species—but when it comes to size, no animal surpasses the largest whales in our oceans.
In this guide, we’ll break down 10 whale species ranked by size, including both baleen whales and toothed whales, while exploring their unique characteristics, habitats, and behaviors.
What Is the Biggest Whale in the World?
The largest whale—and the largest animal to ever exist—is the Blue Whale. These giants can reach lengths of up to 100–110 feet and weigh as much as 330,000 pounds in Antarctic regions.
Despite their enormous size, blue whales feed almost exclusively on tiny krill. Their sheer scale is difficult to comprehend: their heart is the size of a small car, and their tongue alone can weigh as much as an elephant. Even witnessing one in the wild during a whale watching tour doesn’t fully capture how massive they truly are.
How Many Whale Species Are There?
There are approximately 91 species of whales, divided into two primary groups:
- Baleen whales (filter feeders like blue, gray, and humpback whales)
- Toothed whales (predators like sperm whales and orcas)
Baleen whales tend to be larger and feed by filtering small prey from the water, while toothed whales rely on echolocation and hunting techniques to capture larger prey.
List of Whale Species by Size
1. Blue Whale
The blue whale holds the title as the largest animal on Earth. Reaching up to 98–110 feet in length and weighing over 170 tons, these marine giants dwarf every other species.
Despite their size, blue whales have surprisingly narrow throats—about the size of a dinner plate—meaning they primarily consume krill and small fish. During feeding season, they can eat up to 8,000 pounds of krill per day, fueling their massive bodies. Their long migrations across oceans make them a rare but unforgettable sight during whale watching excursions.
The Fin Whale is the second largest whale species, growing up to 90 feet long. Known as the “greyhound of the sea,” fin whales are incredibly fast swimmers, capable of reaching speeds up to 25 mph.
Their sleek, streamlined bodies make them lighter than blue whales, typically weighing around 70 tons. A unique feature of fin whales is their asymmetrical coloring—one side of their jaw is lighter than the other, which may help them herd prey more efficiently.
3. Sperm Whale
The Sperm Whale is the largest toothed whale, reaching lengths of about 67 feet. These deep-diving giants are famous for their enormous heads, which make up about one-third of their total body length.
Sperm whales are capable of diving more than 3,000 feet in search of squid and other prey. They also have the largest brain of any animal on Earth, highlighting their intelligence and complex social behaviors.
Sperm profile
4. Right Whale
Right whales are among the heaviest whales, growing up to 65 feet long and weighing around 100 tons. Their thick bodies and lack of a dorsal fin make them easy to identify.
They were historically called “right whales” because they were considered the “right” whales to hunt due to their slow speed and high oil content. Today, they are protected, but remain one of the most endangered whale species.
Southern Right Whale jumps out of water
5. Bowhead Whale
The Bowhead Whale is uniquely adapted to life in icy Arctic waters. Growing between 46 and 59 feet long, bowhead whales have thick layers of blubber and strong skulls that allow them to break through sea ice.
They are also one of the longest-living mammals on Earth, with some individuals estimated to live over 200 years.
A pair of bowhead whales off the coast. View from above. Summer. The coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. The nature of the Far East of Russia
6. Humpback Whale
The Humpback Whale is one of the most recognizable whale species, famous for its dramatic breaching behavior. Growing up to 52 feet long and weighing around 30 tons, humpbacks are a highlight of many whale watching tours.
They are also known for their complex songs, which can travel miles underwater and play a role in communication and mating.
Humpback whale breach, Megaptera novaeangliae, Strait of Georgia, Vancouver Island, BC Canada
7. Sei Whale
Sei whales are fast, streamlined baleen whales that can reach lengths of about 52 feet. They prefer offshore waters and are less commonly seen than other whale species, making sightings particularly special.
Their diet mainly consists of plankton and small fish, and they are known for their smooth, gliding swimming style.
8. Gray Whale
The Gray Whale is well known for its long migration—one of the longest of any mammal. Gray whales can travel up to 12,000 miles round trip each year between feeding and breeding grounds.
They grow to about 49 feet long and weigh around 40 tons. Their bodies are often covered in barnacles, giving them a rough, textured appearance. These whales are commonly seen along the California coast during migration season.
grey whale mother nose going up in the Pacific ocean
9. Bryde’s Whale
Bryde’s whales are medium-sized baleen whales that typically reach lengths of 45–50 feet. They are most commonly found in warm, tropical waters and tend to stay in one region rather than migrating long distances.
They are active feeders and often lunge through schools of fish, sometimes seen near the surface alongside seabirds.
Bryde’s whale, Eden’s whale, Eating fish at gulf of Thailand.
10. Minke Whale
The Minke Whale is one of the smallest baleen whales, averaging 23–26 feet in length. Despite their smaller size, minke whales are fast and elusive, making them harder to spot in the wild.
They are widely distributed across oceans and are known for their curiosity, occasionally approaching boats during whale watching tours.
Minke whale two floating along the Antarctic Peninsula
Whale Watching in San Diego: See These Species in the Wild
One of the best ways to experience these incredible whale species is through a San Diego whale watching tour. With rich marine biodiversity and year-round activity, the waters off Southern California offer opportunities to see multiple whale species throughout the year.
Aboard vessels like Yacht America, guests can enjoy an up-close look at marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more.
Best Times to See Whales in California
- Winter & Spring: Gray whale migration
- Summer: Blue whales feeding offshore
- Fall: Humpback whale sightings increase
Because of this seasonal variety, whale watching in San Diego is a year-round activity with constantly changing wildlife encounters.
FAQs About Whale Species
What is the largest whale species?
The blue whale is the largest whale—and the largest animal ever to exist.
What is the largest toothed whale?
The sperm whale holds the title as the largest toothed whale.
How many whale species exist?
There are about 91 known species of whales, divided into baleen and toothed whales.
What whales can you see in San Diego?
Common sightings include gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales, and occasionally fin whales and orcas.
When is the best time for whale watching in San Diego?
Whale watching is available year-round, but peak seasons vary by species, with gray whales in winter and blue whales in summer.