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If you're going to whale camp at the Bay of Fundy, then you're in for a treat. There are nearly a dozen species of whales that call this area home at various points throughout the year. So before you head out for camp, make a list of the whale species in this article to take with you. See if you can spot them all before your visit ends! Finback Whale This is the largest species of whale you'll find in the Bay of Fundy, and the second largest species in the ocean; the only one larger is the blue whale. This giant can grow up to 85 feet in length and weigh between 30 and 80 tons. When searching for these whales, you'll look first for its extremely tall blow; they can shoot a spout of water higher into the air than any other whale in the bay. Then if its sheer size doesn't give it away, you can search for a few other characteristics. You will also want to look for its ridged tailstock and distinctly flat head, which can make up as much as one-quarter of its full body length. Humpback Whale The humpback whale can be a true joy to watch. They are known as "the clown of the sea" because these energetic whales are frequently seen breaching and slapping their flippers and tails on the surface of the water. If its behavior doesn't make it stand out to you, you can look for these characteristics as well. If you can get a close enough view of the whale's tail, the humpback will have distinct black and white coloration on the underside of the flukes. The flippers of this whale are also quite long and bear both black and white markings. If you get a good look at the head, you'll recognize the humpback by the knobby ridges that run along its snout and give it its name. Right Whale The right whale is extremely endangered, especially in the waters around North America. It is very rare to spot this species, but if you're lucky enough to do so, you'll most likely recognize the right whale by its broad, fin-free back. The tail is broad and smooth with pointed tips, and the flippers have an angular outer edge. If you get to spot this endangered whale while you're at camp, you are truly one of the few lucky ones. Orca The orca or killer whale is not actually a whale, but is actually a porpoise--a member of the dolphin family. However, that does not make it any less exciting to spot them while you're at camp. Most people recognize the orca quite easily. They have very distinctive coloring, with a jet-black body and white markings around the eyes and on the belly. Some also have a white or gray marking behind their dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is also a distinct shape, and is usually more upright and triangular than other marine mammals, though some may curl or droop. Sei Whale The Sei whale is a newcomer to the Bay of Fundy, but they now seem to be coming by on a regular basis. They can look very similar to other whale species, like the finback, and it can be difficult to tell the 2 apart from a distance. They grow up to 50 feet in length and can weigh as much as 30 tons. There are many more species of marine life that you'll be able to see while you're at whale camp, so keep a list of all of the ones that you can spot during your visit!
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