Most baleens swim with their mouths open, letting the water and nutrients come through. Grey whales lacks a dorsal fin and is adapted to bottom-feeding. They are the only baleen whales to feed by taking in mouthfuls of mud from the bottom and straining it for food. Despite their large size, baleen whales have very small throats. Greys are from 40 to 45 feet in length or 13.7 m, and weigh about 34 tons.
Grey whales are dark grey in colour, mottled by a lighter hue.
This mottling effect is so unique that in photographs it can be used to identify individuals. In August, the greys start their journey back from the far north. They arrive in the Tofino area in October to mid-November and reach the Mexican mating and birthing grounds by December. We are also told that transient killer whale pods, stellar sea lions, seals and a large variety of sea birds may also be seen in this area. We have already seen many birds and seals as we cruise the coastline.