Humpback Whales

These popular marine mammals are famous for their singing. Regularly seen close to our shores between February and May, they travel here to breed. The South Shore's headlands, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse or boats will be best for your whale watching expedition. Humpbacks are the only whales regularly seen from land on our island.

Sperm Whales

Sperm whales are perhaps the most romanticised of all whales, thanks to tales such as Moby-Dick. Once hunted for their spermaceti oil, these mammals are now protected. Reaching 21M / 69FT in length with a massive head, sperm whales are one of a kind. They visit our waters during their migrations through the Gulf Stream, and are primarily seen offshore from boats in coastal waters at least 183M / 600FT deep. They feed on squid, octopus and fish.

Blue Whale

Reaching lengths of 33.5M / 110FT and weighing 300,000 pounds, these giants might occasionally be seen offshore during their astounding migrations. Slate blue and mottled with white spots, they generally travel alone or in pairs. Rather surprisingly for their gigantic size, blue whales primarily feed on small crustaceans called krill.

Black Right Whale (North Atlantic race)

So named because early whalers considered them the "right" whale to kill, they are occasionally seen in our waters. They reach lengths of 16M / 53FT and are quite rotund in figure. With dark brown or black mottled skin, and chins and undersides that are white, they have neither dorsal ridges nor a dorsal fin. Black right whales eat a diet of plankton, which they filter through their baleen mouth plates.

Cuvier's Beaked Whale

Reaching 7M / 23FT long, these whales are sleek and streamlined. They range in colour from dark ruddy brown to dark grey - or even white - with grey underbellies. They prefer deep ocean waters, so they might be spotted offshore. Their diet? Fish and squid.

Minke Whale

Minke whales have distinguishing grooves on their throats and streamlined, bullet-like heads. They are dark grey above, with lighter grey flanks, pale grey bellies, prominent dorsal fins and white patches on their flippers. They are sometimes seen offshore, where they feed on fish, krill and the occasional squid.

Short-finned Pilot Whale

Growing to 5.3M / 17.5FT long, these whales are recognised by their thick bulbous heads, black skin, and grey chin and belly patches. Their diet consists of squid and fish. They are spotted offshore as they travel south to Venezuela. In fact, the cliffs at Church Bay may afford a view of this great mammal during April and May.