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Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)

Beluga Whale is a small, toothed whale, completely white and without dorsal fin. This species is adapted to arctic and sub-arctic conditions. It swims slowly and prefers forming groups up to 10 individuals.

Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings

Permanent residents of the Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park, these whale species can be seen in the Saguenay River estuary or along St. Lawrence River's North coast. Whenever we visit this marine park, we always spot Belugas.

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from my park visit journals.

Identification and Similar Species

The defining characteristic that sets Beluga whales apart and aids in their identification is their distinctive white coloration.

Photography Tips

When seeking opportunities to capture photos of Beluga whales, it's important to note that approaching them on a boat closer than 400m is strictly prohibited. Beluga whales are protected species, and permission is required for any close interactions. However, there are still opportunities available to capture photos and videos of these magnificent creatures.

Beluga Whales are known to approach the beach, particularly at the estuary of Saguenay River. For optimal observation, set up your camera at the most exposed point of the peninsula near the harbor of Tadoussac. It is common for Beluga whales to swim around the corner as they make their way to the upstream nursery. Regrettably, backlighting can be a challenge at this location when observing Beluga whales, especially during rough sea conditions. Spotting them becomes more difficult in such situations. To enhance your chances of success, we recommend planning your visit to this location during the early morning hours.

In the near future, we will be exploring the South Coast of the Saint Lawrence River for similar photography opportunities. One advantage of the South Coast is that you can expect to have the sun positioned behind you, providing favorable lighting conditions for capturing stunning photographs.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2024-12-19