ARCTIC BELUGAS
The White Whales of the Arctic
BASIC INFORMATION
The beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), also known as the white whale, belongs to the narwhal family (Monodontidae). It is one of the marine mammals best adapted to life in the Arctic. Adults typically reach 3–5.5 metresin length, weigh between 500 and 1,600 kg, and have an average lifespan of 40–60 years.
The most distinctive feature of belugas is their pure white coloration as adults. Calves are born dark grey or brownish and gradually turn completely white between 5 and 8 years of age. Unlike most whales, belugas have no dorsal fin, allowing them to swim more easily beneath sea ice while reducing heat loss. They also possess an unusually flexible neck because their cervical vertebrae are not fused, enabling them to turn their heads from side to side—a rare characteristic among whales.
Their diet consists mainly of polar cod, capelin, herring, halibut, squid, and crustaceans. Belugas are capable of diving to depths exceeding 700 metres, although most feeding takes place within the upper 300 metres. A typical dive lasts 10–20 minutes, with exceptional dives exceeding 25 minutes.
Belugas are highly social animals. They usually form groups ranging from just a few individuals to several dozen, while migrating herds may number hundreds or even thousands of whales. They are naturally curious and often approach boats, sometimes swimming alongside them for extended periods.
Belugas inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, from Alaska, Canada, and Greenland to Svalbard and the Russian Arctic. Depending on the population, they undertake seasonal migrations between the open sea, fjords, and estuaries, following the sea ice and the availability of food.
The Canaries of the Sea
Belugas are among the most vocal of all whale species. They produce an extraordinary variety of sounds, including whistles, clicks, chirps, and squeaks, earning them the nickname “the canaries of the sea.” These vocalizations are essential for maintaining contact within the pod and for echolocation, which they use to navigate, locate prey, and hunt in dark or ice-covered waters.
Encountering Arctic Belugas
During expeditions to Svalbard, encountering a large pod of belugas is one of the Arctic’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences. Curious, intelligent, and remarkably agile, these whales often approach boats, providing incredible opportunities for observation and photography.
On our expeditions, we most frequently encounter belugas in Isfjorden, the fjords along the west and north coasts of Spitsbergen, and near glacier fronts, where they often gather to feed. Observing a large pod belonging to the Svalbard beluga population is one of the true highlights of any Arctic expedition.
