Baleen vs. Toothed Whales: Which Group Swims Faster?

Although they aren’t the fastest in the ocean, whales are still considered fast swimmers. Certain whales, like orcas and fin whales, are known for their bursts of speed; however, when considering overall speed and endurance, many marine animals are faster than whales. There are approximately 90 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, collectively known as cetaceans. These are divided into two main groups: baleen whales (Mysticeti) and toothed whales (Odontoceti). The top speed of whales varies significantly among species. Dive in to discover how fast whales swim as well as information about the fastest swimmers in the ocean.

How Fast Whales Swim

Whales exhibit a wide range of swimming speeds depending on the species and activity. Some whales are built for speed, while others prioritize energy conservation during feeding or migration. Generally, cruising speeds for most whales range from  three to 15 miles per hour (mph). Whales can reach speeds of about 20 miles per hour over sustained periods. Some whales can swim in bursts of 30-35 mph for short periods during pursuits or displays, including Orcas (34.8 miles per hour) and fin whales (29 miles per hour).

The Fastest Toothed Whales

Overall, toothed whales are faster swimmers than baleen whales. Toothed whales, like dolphins and orcas, are often smaller and more streamlined, with a body shape better suited for speed. Similar to humans, toothed whales have to breathe air, coming up for air 2-3 times a minute while fast swimming. They can hold their breath longer for deep dives but for distance swimming at fast speeds they need the additional oxygen. Four of the fastest toothed whales are:

Pilot Whale

Pilot whales are the second-largest members of the oceanic dolphin family, Delphinidae. They are gray or brown and have a rounded head with a large melon, composed of fat and connective tissue. Over longer stretches, pilot whales can travel at 20 miles per hour, which is still fast enough to chase down prey. Their powerful tails can propel them up to 20 mph in very short bursts, with some rare reports of short bursts reaching 35 mph. They live in pods of 15-30 family members and are very social and intelligent. Despite their intelligence, they have a reputation for beaching themselves in large groups. Scientists continue to do research to find an explanation for this behavior.

Common Dolphin

The common dolphin is the most abundant cetacean in the world, with a global population of about six million. Dolphins are powerful swimmers. The common dolphin has a sustainable cruising speed of 5-7 mph, but can reach speeds of up to 37 mph for brief periods.

Dolphins might be capable of swimming faster, if not for cavitation. Cavitation refers to the formation and collapse of microscopic vapor bubbles in the water around a dolphin’s flukes (tails) when swimming at high speeds. When the bubbles collapse near their tails, they produce shockwaves and microjets that can cause pain and damage, forcing the dolphins to restrict their speed.

Orca

Orcas, or killer whales, are also part of the dolphin family and can grow to be 32 ft long and weigh 6 tons. They are black and white, and occasionally hunt in pairs. Orcas have been known to sneak up on seals resting on ice floes, creating waves to knock them into the water. Killer whales and dolphins have similar speeds. Orcas typically cruise at a sustainable speed of three to five mph, but they can reach up to 34 miles per hour in short bursts when hunting or playing.

The Fastest Baleen Whales

Baleen whales are generally a bit slower than toothed whales, but that’s understandable given their massive size. Baleen whales are the largest animals on Earth, while toothed whales are significantly smaller. Three of the fastest baleen whales are:

Fin Whale

The fin whale has a flattened head and smooth skin, key factors that make the fin whale among the fastest baleen whales. Its tail fin is strong and muscular, creating steady propulsion from behind. At 66 feet long and weighing up to 100,000 pounds, it’s amazing that these giant creatures can reach speeds of 20-25 mph, with bursts of speed up to 29 mph.

Blue Whale

The blue whale is the largest animal on the planet, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet and weighing an astounding 290,000 – 330,000 pounds. A blue whale’s cruising speed is typically around 5 miles per hour. They can accelerate to speeds of up to 31 miles per hour when needed, such as when they are migrating or fleeing from predators.

Sei Whale

The sei whale can grow to be 40-60 feet long and weigh 44,000 pounds. They are commonly found along the outer continental shelves and slopes. Sei whales are highly mobile, migrating between lower latitude wintering grounds and higher latitude feeding grounds in the summer. Sei whales can reach speeds of up to 31-34.5 mph in short bursts.

The Fastest Marine Animals

Black marlin

The black marlin is a type of billfish that looks similar to a swordfish. Some reports claim black marlin can reach speeds up to 82 mph, but this figure is likely exaggerated and not scientifically confirmed.

Sailfish

Sailfish are a little smaller and sleeker than the black marlin and have an elaborate sail as a dorsal fin that extends almost the length of their body. They use this to their advantage to reach swimming speeds of 68 mph.

Swordfish

Swordfish have a long, sword-like bill that protrudes from their face and two dorsal fins that resemble wings. They are remarkable swimmers with impressive endurance. They can maintain cruising speeds of around 30-40 mph for extended periods while actively foraging. This allows them to cover vast distances efficiently in search of prey. Swordfish can reach impressive bursts of speed, reportedly up to 60 mph, but they cannot sustain this speed for extended periods. Swordfish can reach impressive bursts of speed, reportedly up to 60 mph, but they cannot sustain this speed for extended periods.