Different Types of Whales by Size: 10 Largest Whale Species Explained
What Is the Biggest Whale in the World?
The largest whale, and the largest animal known to have ever lived, is the blue whale. Blue whales can grow to around 100 feet long or more and weigh over 150 tons (more than 300,000 pounds). The largest individuals have been recorded in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.
To put that in perspective:
- A blue whale’s heart is often compared to the size of a small car.
- Its tongue alone can weigh as much as an elephant.
- A blue whale is heavier than roughly 25 adult African elephants combined.
Despite their enormous size, blue whales feed almost exclusively on tiny krill, shrimp-like animals only a couple of inches long. They take in huge gulps of water full of krill and push the water out through their baleen plates, trapping the food inside.
Even seeing one in the wild doesn’t fully capture how big they are, since most of the whale stays hidden under the surface. Still, spotting that tall column of spray from a blue whale’s blow is one of the most unforgettable moments in San Diego blue whale watching.
How Many Whale Species Are There?
There are about 90 species of cetaceans, the group of marine mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Scientists divide them into two main groups.
Baleen Whales (Mysticetes)
Baleen whales have no teeth. Instead, they have rows of baleen plates made of keratin, the same material as your fingernails, hanging from their upper jaws. They feed by filtering huge amounts of water to catch krill, small fish, and plankton. This group includes:
- Blue whales
- Fin whales
- Humpback whales
- Gray whales
- Minke whales
- Right, bowhead, sei, and Bryde’s whales
Baleen whales include the largest animals on Earth. They also have two blowholes, which is why their blows often look V-shaped or bushy.
Toothed Whales (Odontocetes)
Toothed whales make up the large majority of cetacean species. They have teeth and hunt larger prey like fish and squid. Many use echolocation, sending out clicks and listening for the echoes to find prey in dark or murky water. This group includes:
- Sperm whales
- Orcas (killer whales), which are actually the largest member of the dolphin family
- Beluga whales and narwhals
- All dolphins and porpoises
Toothed whales have a single blowhole and tend to be smaller than baleen whales. The one big exception is the sperm whale.
Whale Size Comparison Chart
| Rank | Whale Species | Type | Approximate Max Length | Approximate Weight |
| 1 | Blue whale | Baleen | ~100+ ft | 150+ tons |
| 2 | Fin whale | Baleen | ~85 ft | 40–80 tons |
| 3 | Sperm whale | Toothed | ~60–67 ft | Up to ~45–60 tons |
| 4 | Right whale | Baleen | ~50–60 ft | Up to ~100 tons |
| 5 | Bowhead whale | Baleen | ~46–60 ft | Up to ~100 tons |
| 6 | Humpback whale | Baleen | ~50–52 ft | ~30–40 tons |
| 7 | Sei whale | Baleen | ~50–60 ft | ~20–30 tons |
| 8 | Gray whale | Baleen | ~45–49 ft | ~30–40 tons |
| 9 | Bryde’s whale | Baleen | ~40–55 ft | ~15–25 tons |
| 10 | Minke whale | Baleen | ~23–35 ft | ~5–10 tons |
Sizes vary by population, sex, and region. Females of many baleen whale species are larger than males.
List of Whale Species by Size
1. Blue Whale
The blue whale holds the title of largest animal on Earth. At around 100 feet long and more than 150 tons, it dwarfs every other species on the planet.
Blue whales have a long, slender, blue-gray body with light mottling that can look bright turquoise just under the surface. Their dorsal fin is surprisingly small for their size and sits far back on the body. When they surface, their blow can shoot about 30 feet into the air.
For such a huge animal, the blue whale eats very small food. It feeds almost entirely on krill, lunging through dense swarms with its mouth wide open. During feeding season, a single blue whale can eat several tons of krill in one day to fuel its massive body.
Blue whales also make some of the loudest sounds of any animal. Their low-frequency calls can travel hundreds of miles underwater. Their long migrations bring them to the waters off Southern California in summer, when the krill are plentiful, making San Diego one of the best places in the world to see them.
2. Fin Whale
The fin whale is the second-largest whale species, growing up to about 85 feet long. Known as the “greyhound of the sea,” fin whales are incredibly fast swimmers and can reach bursts of speed of around 25 mph.
Their sleek, streamlined bodies make them much lighter than blue whales, usually weighing 40 to 80 tons. One of their most unusual features is their asymmetrical coloring: the right side of the lower jaw is bright white, while the left side is dark. Scientists think this may help them herd schools of fish as they circle and lunge.
Fin whales feed on krill, small schooling fish, and squid. Like blue whales, they make extremely low-frequency calls that can travel long distances through the ocean. Fin whales are seen off Southern California at times throughout the year, and a sighting is always a special treat for guests on the Yacht America.
3. Sperm Whale
The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale on Earth. Adult males can reach about 60 feet, and some have been recorded even longer. Females are much smaller, usually around 35 to 40 feet.
Sperm whales are famous for their enormous, block-shaped heads, which make up about one-third of their body length. The head holds the spermaceti organ, which scientists believe helps with echolocation and possibly buoyancy while diving.
These whales are champion divers. They can dive well over 3,000 feet deep and stay underwater for more than an hour hunting giant squid and other deep-sea prey. Sperm whales also have the largest brain of any animal on Earth. They live in close-knit family groups of females and young, and they communicate with patterns of clicks known as codas.
Sperm whales usually live far offshore in deep water, so they’re rarely seen close to the coast. This is the whale that inspired Moby-Dick.
4. Right Whale
Right whales are among the heaviest whales in the world, growing up to about 50 to 60 feet long and weighing as much as 100 tons. Their thick, rotund bodies, lack of a dorsal fin, and V-shaped blow make them easy to identify.
They also have rough patches of skin on their heads called callosities. These are often covered in tiny crustaceans called whale lice, which make the patches look white or orange. Every right whale’s pattern is unique, so researchers use them to identify individuals.
Right whales got their name because early whalers considered them the “right” whales to hunt. They swim slowly, stay close to shore, and float after death because of their thick blubber. Today they’re protected, but they remain among the most endangered whales on the planet. The North Atlantic and North Pacific right whales are especially rare, so sightings are extremely special.
5. Bowhead Whale
The bowhead whale is uniquely adapted to life in icy Arctic waters. It grows to about 46 to 60 feet long and can weigh up to 100 tons. Bowheads have the thickest blubber of any whale, up to around 1.5 feet, which keeps them warm in freezing water.
Their massive, bow-shaped skulls are strong enough to break through sea ice so they can reach the surface to breathe. Bowheads also have the largest mouth of any animal, with baleen plates that can be more than 10 feet long.
Bowhead whales are among the longest-living mammals on Earth, and some individuals are estimated to live more than 200 years. Because they stay in Arctic and subarctic waters year-round, you won’t see them off San Diego, but they’re one of the most remarkable whales in the world.
6. Humpback Whale
The humpback whale is one of the most recognizable and beloved whale species. It grows
up to about 50 to 52 feet long and weighs around 30 to 40 tons. Humpbacks are a highlight of many whale watching tours because they’re so active at the surface.
Humpbacks are famous for:
- Breaching, launching almost their entire body out of the water
- Tail slapping and pectoral fin slapping
- Their long pectoral fins, which can be up to one-third of their body length
- Bubble-net feeding, where groups blow rings of bubbles to trap fish
Male humpbacks are also known for their complex songs, which can last for many minutes and travel miles underwater. These songs play a role in communication and mating. Researchers can identify individual humpbacks by the unique black-and-white pattern on the underside of their tail flukes.
Humpbacks are seen off San Diego throughout much of the year, and sightings often pick up in the fall.
7. Sei Whale
Sei (pronounced “say”) whales are fast, streamlined baleen whales that can reach about 50 to 60 feet long. They’re among the fastest whales in the ocean and are known for their smooth, gliding swimming style.
Sei whales prefer deep offshore waters and are seen less often than most other large whales, which makes a sighting especially exciting. Their diet is mostly copepods, krill, and small schooling fish. Unlike blue and fin whales, sei whales often feed by skimming along the surface with their mouths open.
Like several other large whales, sei whales were heavily hunted in the past and are still listed as endangered. They can be hard to tell apart from fin and Bryde’s whales at a distance, so a trained eye helps.
8. Gray Whale
The gray whale is famous for making one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling roughly 10,000 to 12,000 miles round trip each year between Arctic feeding grounds and the warm breeding lagoons of Baja California, Mexico.
Gray whales grow to about 45 to 49 feet long and weigh around 30 to 40 tons. Their mottled gray skin is often covered in barnacles and whale lice, giving them a rough, textured look. Instead of a dorsal fin, they have a low hump followed by a row of small “knuckles” along their back.
Gray whales are unique feeders. They often roll onto their sides and suck up sediment from the sea floor, filtering out small crustaceans and other invertebrates. Because they migrate close to shore, they’re one of the easiest large whales to see from a boat along the California coast.
San Diego sits right on the gray whale migration route. Learn more in our guide to gray whale migration facts.
9. Bryde’s Whale
Bryde’s (pronounced “BROO-dus”) whales are medium-sized baleen whales that usually reach about 40 to 55 feet long. They’re most often found in warm tropical and subtropical waters, and many populations stay in one region year-round instead of making long migrations.
You can tell Bryde’s whales apart from similar species by the three ridges on top of their heads. Most other rorquals (the family that includes blue, fin, and sei whales) have only one.
Bryde’s whales are active, energetic feeders. They often lunge through schools of sardines, anchovies, and other small fish near the surface, sometimes surrounded by diving seabirds. In warm-water years, they’re occasionally seen in Southern California waters.
10. Minke Whale
The minke whale is one of the smallest baleen whales, typically about 23 to 30 feet long, with some reaching 35 feet. Minkes are sleek and dark gray to black on top, and many have a distinctive white band on each flipper.
Despite their smaller size, minke whales are fast and often elusive. They surface briefly and their blow is usually faint or invisible, so they can be tricky to spot. Some minkes are known for their curiosity and will occasionally approach boats.
Minke whales are one of the most widely distributed whales in the world, found in oceans from the poles to the tropics. They’re seen off Southern California at times, and spotting one is a great reward for patient whale watchers.
Whale Watching in San Diego: See These Species in the Wild
One of the best ways to experience these incredible whale species is a San Diego whale and dolphin watching tour. With rich marine biodiversity and wildlife year-round, the waters off Southern California offer chances to see several whale species at different times of year.
San Diego is special because deep underwater canyons and nutrient-rich currents sit close to shore, drawing krill, fish, and the whales that feed on them. On a single trip, you might see whales, large pods of common and bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and seabirds.
Aboard the Yacht America, guests enjoy a smooth, spacious sail and an up-close look at marine life. As a sailing vessel, the America uses wind power for much of its cruising, a quieter and more sustainable way to enjoy the ocean. Our crew follows responsible whale watching practices to keep ocean wildlife safe, giving the animals space while still giving guests an amazing view.
Whale watching also makes a great group outing. Learn more about the benefits of whale watching for teams and families, or book a private corporate event or special event on the water.
Best Times to See Whales in San Diego
San Diego whale watching is a year-round adventure, and what you’ll see changes with the seasons:
- Winter and spring: Gray whale migration season. Thousands of gray whales pass San Diego on their way to and from Baja. Plan a trip with our guide to San Diego whale watching in January.
- Summer: Blue whale season. The largest animals on Earth feed on krill offshore. See our guide to San Diego whale watching in July.
- Fall: Humpback whale sightings pick up, and fin and minke whales can appear too.
- Year-round: Dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life are often spotted on every trip.
Because of this seasonal variety, every tour is different. Check our latest whale watching report to see what’s been showing up.
FAQs About Whale Species
What is the largest whale species?
The blue whale is the largest whale and the largest animal known to have ever lived. It can grow to about 100 feet long and weigh more than 150 tons.
What is bigger than a whale?
No living animal is bigger than the blue whale. It’s even larger than the biggest known dinosaurs. Among other whales, size varies widely by species, from the 100-foot blue whale to the roughly 25-foot minke.
What is the second-largest whale?
The fin whale is the second-largest whale, reaching up to about 85 feet long.
What is the largest toothed whale?
The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale, with adult males reaching about 60 feet or more.
What is the smallest whale?
Among baleen whales, the pygmy right whale is the smallest, at about 20 feet long. Among toothed whales, some small whale species, like the dwarf sperm whale, are only about 8 to 9 feet long.
How many whale species exist?
There are about 90 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), divided into baleen whales and toothed whales.
What is the difference between baleen whales and toothed whales?
Baleen whales have baleen plates instead of teeth and filter small prey like krill from the water. Toothed whales have teeth, hunt larger prey like fish and squid, and many use echolocation to find food.
Is an orca a whale or a dolphin?
Orcas, also called killer whales, are actually the largest member of the dolphin family. Like all dolphins, they’re toothed whales.
How long do whales live?
It depends on the species. Many large whales live 50 to 90 years or more, and bowhead whales can live more than 200 years, making them among the longest-living mammals on Earth.
What whales can you see in San Diego?
Common sightings include gray whales, blue whales, and humpback whales. Fin whales, minke whales, and orcas are seen occasionally. Many tours also include dolphins and sea lions. See our guide to what we see on the water.
When is the best time for whale watching in San Diego?
Whale watching is available year-round, but peak seasons vary by species. Gray whales peak in winter, and blue whales peak in summer. Humpback sightings often increase in fall.
Can you see blue whales from San Diego?
Yes. Blue whales feed off Southern California during the summer months, making San Diego one of the best places in the world to see them. Learn more about blue whale watching in San Diego.
How big are baby whales?
Baby whales are huge from birth. A newborn blue whale calf can be over 20 feet long and weigh a few tons. Learn more in our guide to how big baby whales really are.
What do whales eat?
Baleen whales eat krill, plankton, and small schooling fish, while toothed whales hunt fish, squid, and in some cases marine mammals. Read more about whale diets across species.
Is whale watching safe for the whales?
Yes, when it’s done responsibly. Next Level Sailing follows responsible whale watching practices, giving whales plenty of space and keeping disturbance to a minimum. Learn how you can help protect our oceans.
See the Ocean’s Giants With Next Level Sailing
Reading about the largest whales on Earth is one thing. Seeing one surface next to you is another. Join Next Level Sailing aboard the historic Yacht America for an unforgettable San Diego whale watching adventure.
Why sail with Next Level Sailing?
- A one-of-a-kind vessel. Sail aboard the Yacht America, a stunning sailing yacht with a spacious deck for wildlife viewing.
- A smarter, greener way to see whales. Wind-powered sailing means a quieter, more eco-friendly trip.
- Expert crew. Our crew shares facts about whale behavior, migration, and marine life on every trip.
- Year-round tours. From gray whale season to blue whale season, there’s always something to see.
- Perfect for groups. Book a corporate event or celebrate a special occasion on the water.