Whales
We see Whales!
Newfoundland is home to many whales. Some stay around all year long, while others are seasonal visitors. All are facinating in their own respect. Below are the common ones that we see on our tours.
Humpback Whale
These "showmen" are regularly seen in our waters during the months of May to September. They can put on some spectacular shows, literally throwing their bodies out of the water (breaching). Humpbacks come to our waters during this time to feed on the enormous amount of capelin that come in from the sea. Typically, the humpbacks that we see are about 12-16 metres with black dorsal colouring and large white pectoral fins. Their dorsal (top) looks like a hump and the dorsal fin is not well defined. Another distinctive feature of the Humpback are their fluked tail, commonly called flukes. They are considered as identifiable features on each humpback. Many have been tracked from the Caribbean to Bermuda to Newfoundland and back, based solely on fluke sightings. Here is a link which gives fascinating information of the Humpbacks, including their migratory pattern, identifying features and more. This site, Bermuda Whales, has many interesting pictures of Humpbacks, some of which frequent here along our shores too.
Fin Whale
These whales are considerably larger, between 20-28 metres and are the second largest whale in the world, second only to the Blue Whale. The are long and slimline, in comparison to the Humpback and are more brown grey than them too. The distinguishing features are their smooth dorsal (top) area and sleek looking dorsal fin.
While they might not breach like the Humpbacks, the Fin whales are equally amazing to see because of their size.
Sperm Whale
This whale is the one whose shape is what we normally think of when we think about whales. They were popularized by the book "Moby Dick".
Huge blocky heads and about 20 metres in length, they are easily identified by their low and bushy spout, which is projected forward and to the left. We see Sperm Whales many times during the summer into the fall.
Orca
Orcas are a toothed whale, the largest of the Dolphin family. Also known as Killer Whales, the Orcas that we see are the transient ones, as we do not see them here in Trinity every summer. They are easily distinguished by their fin and their prominant black and white markings which can be seen from afar. They are natural preditors but as well, they are natural showmen. The last time that we were fortunate enough to see a show was on August 2010.
Minke
Minke are the smallest of the whale family. They are here in Newfoundland waters all year long, however, they are mainly seen during the spring to fall months.
Newfoundland is home to many whales. Some stay around all year long, while others are seasonal visitors. All are facinating in their own respect. Below are the common ones that we see on our tours.
Humpback Whale
These "showmen" are regularly seen in our waters during the months of May to September. They can put on some spectacular shows, literally throwing their bodies out of the water (breaching). Humpbacks come to our waters during this time to feed on the enormous amount of capelin that come in from the sea. Typically, the humpbacks that we see are about 12-16 metres with black dorsal colouring and large white pectoral fins. Their dorsal (top) looks like a hump and the dorsal fin is not well defined. Another distinctive feature of the Humpback are their fluked tail, commonly called flukes. They are considered as identifiable features on each humpback. Many have been tracked from the Caribbean to Bermuda to Newfoundland and back, based solely on fluke sightings. Here is a link which gives fascinating information of the Humpbacks, including their migratory pattern, identifying features and more. This site, Bermuda Whales, has many interesting pictures of Humpbacks, some of which frequent here along our shores too.
Fin Whale
These whales are considerably larger, between 20-28 metres and are the second largest whale in the world, second only to the Blue Whale. The are long and slimline, in comparison to the Humpback and are more brown grey than them too. The distinguishing features are their smooth dorsal (top) area and sleek looking dorsal fin.
While they might not breach like the Humpbacks, the Fin whales are equally amazing to see because of their size.
Sperm Whale
This whale is the one whose shape is what we normally think of when we think about whales. They were popularized by the book "Moby Dick".
Huge blocky heads and about 20 metres in length, they are easily identified by their low and bushy spout, which is projected forward and to the left. We see Sperm Whales many times during the summer into the fall.
Orca
Orcas are a toothed whale, the largest of the Dolphin family. Also known as Killer Whales, the Orcas that we see are the transient ones, as we do not see them here in Trinity every summer. They are easily distinguished by their fin and their prominant black and white markings which can be seen from afar. They are natural preditors but as well, they are natural showmen. The last time that we were fortunate enough to see a show was on August 2010.
Minke
Minke are the smallest of the whale family. They are here in Newfoundland waters all year long, however, they are mainly seen during the spring to fall months.
