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How To Identify Blue, Fin, and Gray Whales

a whale jumping out of the water

What You See | Dana Wharf Whale Watching1. Blue Whales: The Largest Animal on Earth

When to See Them: Late spring through early fall (typically May–September)

Key Features:

  • Size: Up to 100 feet long—the largest animal ever known to exist

  • Color: Mottled blue-gray; appears bluish underwater

  • Blow (Spout): Very tall and column-shaped, up to 30 feet high

  • Dorsal Fin: Small and set far back near the tail

  • Behavior: Usually seen alone or in pairs; long, deep dives with strong fluke (tail) lifts

Pro Tip: Look for their massive blow and smooth, arched back that seems to go on forever. Blue whales rarely breach but their sheer size makes them unmistakable when they surface.

Fin Whales: The Ultimate Guide2. Fin Whales: The Sleek Speedsters

When to See Them: Late spring through fall, occasionally year-round

Key Features:

  • Size: Second-largest whale species, up to 80 feet long

  • Color: Dark gray with a lighter underside

  • Blow (Spout): Tall and column-shaped, but slightly shorter than a blue whale’s

  • Dorsal Fin: More prominent and slightly hooked, located about two-thirds down the back

  • Unique Trait: Asymmetrical jaw coloring—white on the right, darker on the left

Pro Tip: Fin whales are fast and streamlined, often referred to as the “greyhounds of the sea.” Watch for that distinctive back-and-forth motion when they surface and dive.

Gray Whales: A Comprehensive Guide3. Gray Whales: The Coastal Migrators

When to See Them: December through April (during migration)

Key Features:

  • Size: Medium-sized for baleen whales—up to 50 feet long

  • Color: Mottled gray with barnacle patches and whale lice

  • Blow (Spout): Heart-shaped when viewed from behind

  • Dorsal Ridge: No prominent dorsal fin, but has a knobby ridge along the back

  • Behavior: Frequently breach, spy-hop, and travel close to shore

Pro Tip: Gray whales often migrate just off the coast of Dana Point, making them one of the most commonly sighted species in the winter and early spring months.

Quick Comparison Chart

Feature Blue Whale Fin Whale Gray Whale
Size 80–100 ft 60–80 ft 40–50 ft
Spout Shape Tall, vertical Tall, vertical Heart-shaped
Dorsal Fin Small, far back Medium, hooked No fin, knobby ridge
Behavior Deep dives, glides Fast, sleek, minimal surfacing Active, breaches, coastal
When to See Summer Late spring–fall Winter–early spring

Experience Them Up Close with Dana Wharf

Whether you’re hoping to see the massive blue whale, the fast and sleek fin whale, or the migrating gray whale, Dana Wharf Whale Watching offers daily tours during peak viewing seasons. Our experienced captains and marine naturalists will help you spot and identify these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Book your tour today and come meet the whales of Dana Point!

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