Which whale species are found in Maine?

• A. Blue whale, fin whale, and sperm whale
• B. North Atlantic right whale
• C. Gray whale and beluga
• D. Humpback, minke, finback

Answer: (D)

Maine’s coastal and Gulf of Maine waters host a mix of whales, but the most typical sightings from a kayak along the shore are humpback whales, minke whales, and fin whales. Humpbacks are a regular summer-fall presence along the coast, known for surface behavior that’s easy to spot from a kayak. Minke whales are smaller and frequently seen in nearshore and shelf waters, making them a common and approachable sight for paddlers. Fin whales, the second-largest whales, travel in from offshore and can be seen in deeper channels where kayakers sometimes venture. The other lists include species that are much rarer or live in different regions nearby—blue whales and sperm whales are more offshore or uncommon in nearshore Maine; North Atlantic right whales are present but not as routinely seen; gray whales and belugas aren’t typical residents of Maine. So, the trio most characteristic of Maine paddling encounters is humpback, minke, and finback.