The largest creatures ever to inhabit the earth, whales have long inspired awe in human beings. Because they spend almost 95% of their time beneath the ocean surface, however, little has been known about their lives, until recently. With advances in technology and more intensive study, fresh facts are coming to light about these magnificent mammals. An engaging portrait of five diverse whale species - the humpback, northern bottlenose, blue whale, minke whale and orca - while also reporting on the author's adventures with prominent researchers in the field.