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Fin whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Sleek, fast, and second-largest. Often confused with blues at distance — fins are slightly smaller with a more falcate dorsal.

Stats

At a glance

LENGTH
60–80 ft
WEIGHT
40–80 tons
LIFESPAN
80–90 yrs
DIET
Krill, small fish
RARITY
Uncommon
SEASON
Year-round
How to ID

What to look for

Sleek, fast, asymmetric jaw — white on right, dark on left.
BEHAVIORS TO WATCH FOR
Asymmetric jaw colouringFast swimming (25 mph)Long shallow dives
When

Best months to see

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Archive

Last 30 days

Total seen
16
Days active
16/30
Last seen
May 1
DAILY SIGHTING COUNT HOVER A BAR
TODAY
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Operators that often spot this species

NW
Newport Whales
NEWPORT BEACH · NEXT 11:00 AM
Visit →
DL
Davey's Locker
NEWPORT BEACH · NEXT 12:30 PM
Visit →
DW
Dana Wharf
DANA POINT · NEXT 10:00 AM
Visit →
HB
Harbor Breeze
LONG BEACH · NEXT 12:00 PM
Visit →
FC
Flagship Cruises
SAN DIEGO · NEXT 1:30 PM
Visit →