Blue Whale - Balaenoptera musculus


The Blue whale is the largest living animal on the planet and, for all we know, the largest animal species ever to have inhabited the earth. This species was decimated in the era of commercial whaling as it offered its captors so much more for one kill than any other species. Pre-whaling numbers may have been around 400,000, but even after whaling for this species ceased in 1966, the numbers have remained fairly consistent at about 10,000 worldwide today. There appears to have been little recovery in numbers.

Almost every statistic about this species defies belief. The longest Blue whale ever measured was 110 feet. They have occasionally tipped the scales at over 200 tons, and even today in the Sea of Cortez to see a 300,000 pound (85 ft.) individual is not uncommon. The Blue Whale's heart is the size of a Volkswagen bug, its tongue can weigh 1000 pounds, and a Blue whale calf can gain over 200 pounds per day from its mother's rich milk. A large adult's tail can reach 20 feet across. An unforgettable sight is to see such a tail emerge from the sea and drop its huge waterfall before arcing downward. In the months of February and March Blue whales can be seen in certain parts of the Sea of Cortez on most days. It is not uncommon to see mothers and their calves, along with other Blue whales, surface feeding. Blue whales are identifiable by their mottled pigmentation which is unique on each individual. Photographs are best taken using optimal boat placement, natural lighting to highlight when photographing each side of the whale. Many years later the same individual may be recognized by the same pigmentation and in this manner individual lifestyles can be traced. About one in four individuals lift their fluke from the sea while diving providing another source of individual identification as the pigmentation and shape of any single fluke is noticeably unique. Witnessing these awesome animals is always an unforgettable experience and certainly one of the highlights of any visit to the Sea of Cortez in the winter months. Beginning in late March or early April, Blue whales will migrate out of the Sea of Cortez and are never sighted there between the months of May and November.

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