Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). The huge tail of a blue whale raised high before a deep dive. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). A typical blue whale blow. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). The tail of a blue whale showing clear damage to one fluke, a large part of which is missing. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). The tail of a blue whale beneath rugged cliffs. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). In the early light and silky sea a gentle blue whale barely makes a ripple. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). Tourists watch the sedate progress of a blue whale as it circles their boat, the animal is feeding. Gulf of California.

A curious Brydes whale (Balaenoptera edeni) swims alongside a boat. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). A blue whale showing the typical mottled skin colouring. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). Moving at speed a blue whale creates a massive bow wave, seen here as the whale surfaces. Gulf of California.

A blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) surfaces alongside a panga with tourists. The tiny dorsal fin is visible to the left of the white hat. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). The tail of a blue whale raised way out of the water before diving deep. The typical skin colouring is also visible. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (balaenoptera musculus). The tail of a blue whale. Gulf of California.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). The back and blowholes of a blue whale at dawn. Gulf of California.