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Whales and Information
Each spring a number of species of migratory whales return to their summer feeding grounds in the Bay of Fundy, Commonly seen in the area from June through October are Humpbacks, Minke, Fin and the rare North Atlantic Right Whale. As well, you can expect to see Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises.
Along with the regularly sighted species of whales & dolphins, we are sometimes surprised by unusual visitors to the bay. Past sightings have included Sperm Whales, a Beluga Whale, Pilot Whales and Sei Whale. Crew members of Pirate's Cove documented the first recorded sightings of Blue Whales in the Bay of Fundy in 1995 and 1996.
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Humpback #1 |
Humpback #2 |
Humpback #3 |
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Humpback #4 |
Humpback #5 |
Blue Whale |
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| Right Whale |
Double Breech |
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While you marvel at the beauty of these animals, expert naturalists will provide commentary and answer questions. You will also leave with a profound realization of the necessity of preserving these creatures and their environment.
This majestic animal is well known for being the clown of the sea, because of their acrobatic displays often viewed by whalewatchers. Humpbacks often reach lengths of 45-50 feet. They are distinguished by their long white flippers and the fact that they often raise their tails high into the air when they dive. Humpbacks are easy to tell apart, using the black and white pattern on their tail flukes. While many patterns are similar, no two tails are exactly alike. Researchers have used these tail markings, along with differences in dorsal fin shape and scar patterns, to identify individual humpbacks. Humpbacks arrive in the Bay of Fundy in June and will remain through to fall, with some moving back and forth between Cape Cod and Massuchusettes Bays and the Bay of Fundy. A few animals have been sighted in the area through the winter. Humpbacks come to these waters in the summer time to feed on small schooling fish such as herring and sandlance as well as krill. Mothers also bring their calves here and use this area as a nursery.
The North Atlantic right whale is the most endangered of all the world's great whales. Less than 300 North Atlantic right whales remain in the world today. Even though these whales have been legally protected longer than any other whale, their numbers are continuing to decline. These 40-50 foot animals use their long baleen plates, which are covered with a thick mat of fine hairs, to strain tiny plankton from the water for food. Right whales use the Bay of Fundy as a feeding ground, nursery and courtship area. They can be identified by different callosity patterns on their heads and lips. Callosities are raised patches of roughened skin which are covered with cyamids (tiny whale lice).
The fin whale is somewhat larger than the humpback, reaching lengths of 50-75 feet. It is a more streamlined animal which moves quickly through the water. Fin whales can be individually identified by using a combination of body characteristics, such as dorsal fin shapes and scars. The best characteristics are the subtle shadings and swirls on the right side of the whale called the blaze and chevron. Fin whales are unique because they are asymmetrically colored. The whale's lower right jaw is white and its lower left jaw is dark gray or black. As with humpbacks, fin whales come to the Bay of Fundy waters predominately between spring and fall and use this area both as a feeding ground and nursery.
The minke whale is the smallest baleen whale seen off our shores. Unlike the humpback or finback, the minke's maximum length is only around 30 feet. The minke whale is identified by a distinctive field mark-a broad white band running across each flipper which can be seen only under good conditions. The dorsal fin is prominent relative to the body size and is usually strongly curved or hook-shaped, with its pointed tip directed backward. The fin and back are dark grey or black, but in good light, a whitish, crescent-shaped wash can be seen running up each side of the whale from behind the flipper toward the back. The belly is porcelain white and may occasionally be seen through the water when a minke rolls over.
The Blue whale is the largest animal that has ever lived, reaching approximately 100 feet in length. The color of the blue whale is slate to grayish blue and is mottled with lighter spots, particularly on the back and shoulders. The undersides often become covered with microorganisms, giving the belly a yellowish tinge and the species its nickname "sulphurbottom". The dorsal fin is short, only about 35 cm. The diet of the blue whale is principally krill. The blue whale is not commonly seen in the Bay of Fundy, but sightings were documented in both the 1995 and 1996 seasons, by our crew members.
Atlantic white-sided dolphins are the most common dolphins observed in the Bay of Fundy. They are found only in the North Atlantic and tend to be most abundant in our area spring through the fall. The Atlantic white-sided dolphin travels in close knit groups called pods, which can range from a few individuals to over several hundred animals. They can grow to lengths of nine feet and weigh up to 500 pounds. The white-sided dolphin feeds on small schooling fish and is sometimes sighted associating with other species such as humpback or fin whales while feeding. White-sided dolphins also use this area as a nursery. Calves are born around June and July and typically remain in the herd they were born in for up to two years.
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