Physically, they are the largest Anthro race ever, with heights exceeding 10 feet and weighing several tons they often surpassing all members of the Mastodon subgenus. They have a long, tapered body with a flattened, a U-shaped head that has a dorsal ridge running from the blowhole to the top of the upper lip. The dorsal fin is small and usually not very visible, while the arms and legs are long and very powerful. The upper edge is gray with a thin white stripe, while the lower edge is white. The head, legs, and arms have small humpbacks or tubercles that carry hair follicles with a sensory function. The distribution of these is characteristic of each individual and is more abundant on the lips and chin.

The Whale people are very unique in many ways, even to their neighboring cousins. The Fa'amatai is the chiefly political system of the Whale people and is central to the organization of their society, which is strongly matriarchal. The holders of family chief titles, called matai, play a central role in this system by looking after their families. The welfare and well-being of the 'aiga (extended family) and the protection of family property are inherent in the Fa'amatai system. The Fa'atautala is the "whaling lifestyle," in harmony with the culture, customs, and traditions, and is based on some important values: aiga (family), gafa (genealogies), matai (the leaders), and lotu avelave (ceremonial and other family obligations).

Of vital importance in their culture is the so-called manu siva tau. Very often, following precise stellar routes, several boats set sail from the coast with their most famous artists on board to reach open sea spaces from which the mainland isn't visible. The boats anchor and form a circle, and then all the singers, with their backs turned to the circle, start singing unique melodies to the ocean, water, marine life, and, in general, to the beauty of the world. It's not a show for the eyes and ears of bystanders but is entirely purposed for the sea.
They speak in an extremely slow way, dragging words and syllables in an almost boring way for most listeners, and this slowness and phlegmaticity also reappears in their daily life. Although they are feared fighters, Whale people are feared in battle more for their size and physical strength than for their actual fighting ability. Skilled fishermen and confident traders, Whales are renowned far and wide for the incredible carefulness, wisdom, and balance they can find in any situation.