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Mysticeti

Baleen whales

Mysticeti – Baleen Whales

Mysticeti, or “baleen whales,” make up the suborder of large, filter-feeding whales such as blue whales, humpbacks, minkes, and fin whales. Instead of teeth, these giants possess baleen plates that allow them to strain vast amounts of water to capture tiny prey like krill and small fish.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Very common in Spring (Migratory)

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde’s whales are medium-sized rorquals, streamlined and similar in general appearance to the sei whale, though slightly smaller and with several distinctive features.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

All year round (Resident); Most of our sightings are from February to May

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Very rare; Random sightings

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

The Humpback Whale is one of the most recognisable large whales, known for its exceptionally long flippers, which can reach up to one-third of its body length.