They display but a small part of their bodies when they come to the surface. Learn how to recognize the main species of the St. Lawrence with the help of the following clues:

Minke whale average size black back blow barely visible, or not at all dorsal fin apparent almost as soon as the animal emerges does not show its tail as it dives often very dynamic: leaps and rolls, white or pink belly becomes visible
fin whale large size back almost black powerful blow dorsal fin very evident as the animal dives does not usually show its tail sometimes alone or in pairs, often in groups of three to six individuals in tight formation
blue whale large size back is bluish grey or light grey powerful blow very small dorsal fin typically solitary, sometimes in pairs approximately 15% of blue whales in the St. Lawrence bring their tails out of the water as they dive
humpback whale ntermediate size between the minke whale and the fin whale black back dorsal fin on a hump generally shows its tail as it dives ventral side of the tail is black and white often dynamic: breaches (leaps), tail slaps and pectoral fin slaps at the surface (pectoral fin is very long, black or white)
beluga whale small size adults are entirely white blow barely visible, or not at all often in groups
harbour porpoise the smallest whale in the St. Lawrence dark back blow not visible large triangular dorsal fin solitary or in small groups difficult to observe except when water is very calm

Consult the fact sheets to learn more about these species and several others!