Skip to content

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
Vaquita. Photo Thomas Jefferson

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

Donate

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?