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Whale and dolphin species guide

There are around 90 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, known collectively as 'cetaceans'. From the enormous blue whale to the tiny vaquita and Hector's dolphin, you will find information and amazing facts about many of these incredible creatures in our species guide.

Whale and dolphin species

All whales and dolphins can be divided into two categories: baleen whales and toothed whales. Toothed whales include the sperm whale, beaked whales, dolphins, porpoises and the beluga whale and narwhal.

All
  • All
  • Baleen whales
  • Beaked whales
  • Beluga whale and narwhal
  • Dolphins
  • Porpoises
  • River dolphins
  • Sperm whales
Sowerby's beaked whale

Sowerby’s beaked whale

Spade-toothed beaked whale

Spectacled porpoise

Sperm whale

Sperm whale

Spinner dolphin © Alan Airey

Spinner dolphin

Stejneger’s beaked whale

Strap-toothed beaked whale

Strap-toothed beaked whale

Striped dolphin

Striped dolphin

True's beaked whale

True’s beaked whale

Tucuxi © Fernando Trujillo/WDC

Tucuxi

Vaquita

Vaquita

White-beaked dolphin © Marjike de Boer

White-beaked dolphin

Please help us save whales and dolphins

By adopting a whale or dolphin, by making a donation, or by fundraising for WDC, you can help us provide a safe future for these amazing creatures.

Bottlenose dolphin at surface

Adopt

Adopt a dolphin and help us protect these amazing creatures.

Humpback whale © Vanessa Mignon

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Your gifts help us take action for whales and dolphins.

Orca spyhop

Fundraise

Run, bake, walk, cycle… what could you do for whales and dolphins?