Whales primarily live in every ocean of the world, inhabiting both the deepest and shallowest marine environments, and a few species even live in freshwater rivers. Their exact locations vary depending on the species, with some favoring polar regions and others living near the tropics or migrating vast distances between feeding and breeding grounds.

Oceanic Habitats

• Most whales are ocean-dwellers, adapted to saltwater environments in the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans.

• Certain species, like the blue whale or humpback whale, can be found worldwide but migrate seasonally between cold and warm waters for feeding and breeding.

• Some whales, including orcas and sperm whales, are present in nearly all oceans but may prefer cooler or deeper waters.

Polar and Temperate Regions

• Arctic and Antarctic waters host species such as the beluga, bowhead, and narwhal, which spend most or all of their lives in cold, icy habitats.

• Many of these arctic whales migrate only short distances but remain above or just below the polar circles.

Tropical and Coastal Waters

• Other species, such as the gray whale and some populations of orcas, are found in temperate or tropical waters, especially during migration.

• Whales often migrate along coastlines, where food sources and safe breeding grounds are available.

Freshwater Exceptions

• A few species, notably river dolphins in South America and southern Asia, live exclusively in freshwater river systems like the Amazon, Ganges, and Indus.

In summary, whales inhabit a wide range of aquatic environments—from the coldest polar seas to warm tropical bays and even major river systems—demonstrating remarkable adaptability across the globe.