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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

Spectacled porpoise

Sperm whale

Sperm whale

Spinner dolphin

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

Tucuxi

Vaquita

Vaquita

White-beaked dolphin © Marjike de Boer

White-beaked dolphin

Help us keep all whales and dolphins safe and free

By adopting a dolphin or by making a donation, you can help us protect these amazing creatures.

Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin © Mike Bossley/WDC

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Adopt a dolphin and follow the lives of these amazing creatures.

Humpback whale

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