Beluga Whale: where and when to see them

The beluga is a toothed whale of Arctic and subarctic seas, recognised by its pale adult colour and rounded forehead. It is a fully marine mammal that sometimes enters estuaries and rivers, not a land animal. Populations differ markedly in migration routes, seasonal habitat and conservation pressures. The species' global assessment therefore does not describe every local population, some of which face much greater risk than the worldwide category suggests.

Size

3–5.5 m long

Weight

500–1,600 kg

Lifespan

35–60 years

Status

Least Concern

Belugas are social and communicate using a varied repertoire of whistles, clicks and other sounds. Group composition changes with season, age and reproductive status, and large seasonal gatherings occur in some regions. They use echolocation to locate prey and navigate. Unlike most whales, they can turn their heads quite freely because their neck vertebrae are not fused, while coordinated movement helps groups negotiate ice and coastal channels. Belugas are known for their ability to navigate complex ice environments, often using polynyas and lead systems. Their highly flexible neck allows for a wide range of head movements, aiding in hunting and navigating through confined spaces. Social structures within groups can be fluid, with individuals moving between pods, especially during large summer gatherings.

• Calves are grey or brownish and become pale as they mature.
• The flexible neck allows unusually noticeable head movements for a whale.
• Their varied vocalisations inspired the nickname sea canary.
• Belugas have a low dorsal ridge instead of a dorsal fin.

Summer generally provides the best daylight and coastal access for distant Arctic observation. Some populations use predictable seasonal areas, but this cannot be generalised to all shores. Around Svalbard, June through August is a practical travel window rather than a promise of whales. Prime viewing opportunities often coincide with their summer aggregations in warmer, shallower waters, making these months popular for expedition cruises. Local ice conditions and specific population movements are key factors determining access to their habitats. While summer is generally preferred, some overwintering populations can be observed in specific areas with permanent open leads.

Belugas occupy cold shelf seas, coastal channels, estuaries and seasonally ice-covered waters. Some populations gather in relatively warm, shallow estuaries during summer, while others remain closely associated with Arctic coasts. Winter habitat may include pack ice with dependable breathing openings. They are predominantly an Arctic and sub-Arctic species, with a circumpolar distribution across North America, Greenland, and Eurasia. Belugas are one of only two whale species found exclusively in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in varied conditions, from deep offshore areas to shallow estuarine environments.

Diet varies among populations and seasons, including fish such as Arctic cod, capelin and other locally abundant species, plus shrimps, squid and bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Belugas capture individual prey using teeth and suction rather than filtering plankton from the water. Prey is typically consumed whole or in large pieces rather than extensively chewed. Their flexible necks and varied hunting techniques allow them to forage effectively near the seabed as well as in the water column. They are opportunistic feeders, adjusting their diet based on local availability and seasonal migrations of prey.

Common name

Beluga Whale

Scientific name

Delphinapterus leucas

Animal group

Marine life

Size

3–5.5 m long

Weight

500–1,600 kg

Lifespan

35–60 years

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Adult belugas are white with a rounded melon and no dorsal fin, unlike narwhals, which usually remain mottled and may carry a long tusk. Juvenile belugas are typically gray or mottled brown, gradually lightening to white over several years, which helps distinguish them from adults. The absence of a dorsal fin, which is instead replaced by a tough dorsal ridge, is a key field mark for this species. Their robust, torpedo-shaped body and prominent 'melon' forehead are distinctive features.