Marine life

What you can see on board our cruises

Embark on an exceptional adventure in the heart of theSaguenay–Saint-Laurent marine park, a place where nature displays all its richness. Between spectacular landscapes, fascinating marine fauna and unique ecosystems, each cruise is an immersion in a vibrant and preserved universe.

The majestic Saguenay Fjord: a natural jewel

Set off to discover a unique geological wonder in North America. The Saguenay Fjord, 105 km long, is a glacial valley filled with deep, salty waters coming from the St. Lawrence estuary. On the surface, fresh water from the surrounding rivers mixes, creating a unique ecosystem.

This fjord, bordered by dizzying cliffs reaching up to 350 meters, offers a breathtaking natural spectacle. Its unique characteristics make it an ideal habitat for many marine species, attracted by the richness of nutrients.

Some fascinating facts:

A glacial origin: Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, it is one of the rare fjords in the world that does not flow into the ocean, but into an estuary.
A protected environment: Its majestic banks are protected by the Fjord-du-Saguenay national park.
Exceptional biodiversity: The salty and cold waters, rich in oxygen and plankton, nourish dynamic marine life right down to its depths (up to 275 m).

Sailing on the fjord means diving into a setting where nature is both grandiose and mysterious.

Meet iconic marine wildlife

The Saguenay–Saint-Laurent Marine Park is a key destination for observing fascinating marine mammals and birds. Whether you are passionate or curious, each meeting is an unforgettable moment.

The stars of the St. Lawrence:

Belugas️⚠️: Permanent residents, these emblematic cetaceans are recognizable by their whiteness and their unique vocalizations, which have earned them the nickname “canaries of the sea”. Females raise their young here, in protected areas.
- Length: 3 to 5 meters
- Weight: Up to 2 tonnes
Fin whale: Second largest whale in the world, its powerful breath and elegance make it a captivating presence. She is nicknamed the “greyhound of the seas” for her speed.
- Length: Up to 21 meters
- Weight: Up to 50 tonnes
Minke Whale: The smallest of the whales is often visible near the coast, performing agile maneuvers to catch its prey.
- Length: Up to 10 meters
- Weight: Up to 10 tonnes
Humpback whale: Famous for its spectacular jumps and long pectoral fins, it is also identifiable thanks to the unique coloring of the underside of its tail.
- Length: Up to 16 meters
- Weight: Up to 35 tonnes
Porpoise: The smallest whale in the park, discreet and fast, often moves in small groups.
- Length: Up to 2 meters
- Weight: 45 to 65 kg
Blue whale⚠️ ️: A true giant of the oceans, it is rare and majestic. Around ten individuals occasionally visit the park to feed on krill.
- Length: Up to 30 meters
- Weight: Up to 135 tonnes

️⚠️These species are protected by Regulations on marine activities in the Saguenay Marine Park –Saint-Laurent. Specific rules apply to ensure their protection.

To find out more about the Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park and the REGULATIONS ON ACTIVITIES AT SEA, visit their website: https:// parcmarin.qc.ca/

The preservation of the ecosystem is important to you, rest assured, we are too. Find out more about our commitments (link to the responsible cruises page)

Seals and other residents:

Common seal: Year-round resident, it can be observed both in the Saguenay fjord and in the estuary. With its delicate snout and modest size, it is nicknamed the “sea dog.”
- Length: Up to 1.9 meters
- Weight: Around 100 kg
Grey seal: With its arched snout and its large size, it is especially visible in summer.
- Length: Up to 2.4 meters
- Weight: Up to 400 kg
Harp Seal