Megaptera novaeangliae (Humpback whale)

Humpback whales may be spotted from the shore off the Northern Kwazulu-Natal coastline. The population whose migratory route passes close inshore of the northerly South African east coast was decimated by whaling operations, that thankfully ceased in the 1960’s. Studies by South African researchers show that the population has since increased substantially. Humpbacks apparently produce the longest and most varied songs in the animal world, that range from high frequency whistles to low rumbles.

Balaenoptera bonaerensis (Antarctic minke whale)

Minke’s are medium sized baleen whales of about 8 metres in length and weighing in between 5 800 and 7 200 kilograms. It has a small dorsal fin situated towards the tail, throat grooves and is bluish grey in colour, again, with the colour becoming lighter towards the underside. They have an indistinct, fuzzy blow.

Balaenoptera acutorostrata (Dwarf minke whale)

Balaenoptera borealis (Sei whale)

The Sei whale is a large whale averaging 15 metres in length and weighs around 14 000 kilograms. It is a filter feeding baleen whale of a dark grey colour.

Balaenoptera edeni (Bryde's whale)

This is a large filter feeding whale of about 12 metres in length and with an average weight of 12 000kilograms. It’s skull is broad and flat. It has a small dorsal fin and is bluish grey in colour.

Balaenoptera musculus (Blue whale)

The Blue Whale is the largest animal ever to have existed or to exist. A Blue Whale averages 25 metres in length, with a maximum recorded length of 31 metres. Their average weight is between 80 and 130 thousand kilograms, with a recorded maximum weight of 178 thousand kilograms. They are huge streamlined animals with a tiny dorsal fin of around 30 centimetres high and with their head consiting of about 25% of their body length.

Balaenoptera physalus (Fin whale)

These are large baleen whales of some 21 metres in length and weighing in at between 35 to 40 thousand kilograms. They have deep grooves in the throat, a dorsal fin situated towards the tail, and a sleek overall shape. Their bodies are of a dark grey and umber brown colour, that lightens towards the belly. They have unique asymmetrical colouring on their heads, which may be related to feeding habits. Their blow is a single thin column between 6 and 12 metres high.