Have You Seen a Rice's Whale?
November 26, 2025
This guide helps you identify Rice’s whales, report sightings, and reduce the risk of collisions when boating in Rice’s whale habitat. Rice’s whales are the only resident baleen whale in the Gulf of America. Fewer than 100 of these highly endangered whales remain.
How to Identify a Rice’s Whale
These characteristics can help you identify a Rice’s whale:
- Falcate (hooked) dorsal fin: Large, sickle-shaped dorsal fin on back
- Misty spout: Exhales at the surface, creating a low, misty blow
- Prominent ridges on head: Three parallel ridges on top of head
- Gray body color: Dark gray on top with pale gray to pink belly
- Length: Can be up to 40 feet long
About Rice’s Whales
Rice’s whales are the only resident baleen whale in the Gulf of America. Fewer than 100 of these highly endangered whales remain. Rice’s whales are usually seen along the outer continental shelf, in Gulf waters 100 to 400 meters (328 to 1,312 feet) deep. They are often near the surface of the water, where they are vulnerable to vessel strikes. You can help us conserve these endangered whales by reporting sightings and using caution when transiting through their habitat.
Keep a Sharp Lookout for Rice’s Whales
Rice’s whales are at risk of extinction from a wide range of human activities in the Gulf of America, including collisions with commercial and recreational vessels. Always post a lookout when boating in Rice’s whale habitat. Reducing your speed to 10 knots or less is the best way to lower your risk of whale collisions.
At night, Rice’s whales spend the majority of their time within 50 feet of the water's surface, placing them at even greater risk of vessel strikes. Environmental conditions like bad weather, poor sea state, murky water, and low light can further impact your ability to see and avoid whales in your path.
If you think you see a Rice’s whale, here’s what to do to keep yourself and the whale safe:
- Slow down! Depart the area slowly. Other whales could be nearby. Keep speeds to 10 knots or less to reduce potential for injury.
- Give it space! Stay at least 100 yards away. Do not approach, pursue, or encircle the whale.
- Take photos or videos from a safe distance.
- Report the sighting, even if the whale’s identification is uncertain.
How to Report a Rice’s Whale Sighting
Every Rice’s whale sighting you report helps us learn more about this endangered species. Please report all sightings immediately to the NOAA hotline:
- By phone (preferred): (877) WHALE-HELP/(877) 942-5343
- By email: rices.whales@noaa.gov
What to report:
- Date, time, and location of Rice’s whale sighting: Include latitude and longitude or proximity to a landmark
- Water depth
- Number of whales
- Photos and videos of the whale(s): These are particularly helpful for confirming the species. Photos should always be taken from a safe distance
- Your contact information: We may reach out for additional information. Your personal information will be protected.
Thank you for doing your part to help conserve the nation’s rarest large whale species!