Wildlife You Might See

We see a lot here at Dana Wharf Whale Watching. This list provides you with all the possible wildlife sightings we might encounter while on a trip. Learn more about what they look like and when they are in season to have the best chances at spotting wildlife.

Blue Whales

Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), the largest mammals and possibly the largest animals to ever inhabit our planet, can be seen off the coast of Southern California from late May through early November. This seasonal migration makes it the ideal time for whale watching enthusiasts to witness these magnificent giants in their natural habitat.

Reaching lengths of up to 108 feet, blue whales have females that are typically larger than males. In the Southern Hemisphere, adult blue whales commonly measure between 90 and 100 feet, while those in the Northern Hemisphere average 75 to 80 feet.

These incredible creatures feature a streamlined, tapered body with a head that comprises less than one-fourth of their total length. Their striking blue-gray coloration, often mottled with lighter spots, makes them a breathtaking sight in the ocean. The underside of their flippers is lighter or white, contrasting with the dark ventral side of their flukes, which are broad, triangular, and have a smooth rear edge with a slight notch.

Blue whales possess a small, triangular dorsal fin located three-fourths of the way down their backs, adding to their unique silhouette. These colossal animals can weigh over 100 tons, with some females reaching weights of up to 150 tons (approximately 136,000 kg).

Feeding almost exclusively on tiny shrimp-like creatures known as krill, blue whales are remarkable for their feeding habits. During the summer months, they consume an astonishing 4 tons (3.6 metric tons) of krill daily, showcasing their immense appetite and vital role in the marine ecosystem.

Gray Whales

Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) are known for their remarkable migration, traveling up to 12,000 miles each year. These gentle giants can be spotted off the coast of Southern California from mid-December through April, making this the perfect time to see them during their migration from their breeding grounds in Mexico to feeding areas in the Arctic.

Reaching lengths of up to 50 feet, gray whales have a distinctive gray coloration, often marked with white patches and barnacles. Their bodies are robust and slightly arched, with a broad head and a series of ridges along their backs instead of a dorsal fin.

Gray whales primarily feed on benthic organisms, such as amphipods and small crustaceans, by using a feeding technique called bottom-feeding. During the migration, they consume little, relying on their fat reserves.

Fin Whales

Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus), the second largest animals on Earth, can be observed off the coast of Southern California from late spring through early fall, particularly from June to September. This season is prime for spotting these majestic creatures.

Fin whales can reach lengths of up to 88 feet and are characterized by their sleek, streamlined bodies and a distinctive dorsal fin located near the back. Their coloration is typically a dark gray or blue-gray with lighter mottling.

These whales are fast swimmers and can often be seen in small groups. They primarily feed on small fish and krill, using a lunge-feeding technique that allows them to take in large volumes of water.

Minke Whales

 Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) are among the smallest baleen whales, reaching lengths of 23 to 35 feet. They can be spotted off Southern California from late spring to early fall, particularly from May through September.

These sleek, fast swimmers are known for their distinctive pointed snouts and streamlined bodies, which are often dark gray or blue-gray. Minke whales are solitary or found in small groups and are known for their acrobatic behaviors, often breaching and diving.

Feeding primarily on small fish and krill, minke whales utilize a filter-feeding method, taking in water and expelling it through their baleen plates.

Humpback Whales

         Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are famous for their acrobatic displays and haunting songs. They can be spotted off Southern California from late April through early December, with peak sightings occurring from May to November during their migration.

Reaching lengths of up to 60 feet, humpback whales have distinctive long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. Their coloration ranges from dark gray to blue-black, often featuring white patches on their bellies.

Humpback whales are known for their complex songs and engaging behaviors, such as breaching, tail slapping, and fluke diving. They primarily feed on small fish and krill, using bubble net feeding techniques.

Orcas (Killer Whales)

 Killer whales, or orcas (Orcinus orca), are one of the ocean’s most powerful predators. They can be spotted off the coast of Southern California year-round, with more frequent sightings occurring from late spring through fall.

These striking marine mammals can reach lengths of up to 32 feet and are easily recognized by their distinctive black and white coloration. Orcas are highly social animals, often found in pods that exhibit complex social structures.

Killer whales are known for their diverse diet, which can include fish, seals, and even other whales, employing sophisticated hunting techniques that vary by pod.

Common Dolphins

Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are known for their playful behavior and high energy. They can be observed off Southern California year-round, but peak sightings typically occur in the summer months from June to September.

These dolphins can reach lengths of 6 to 8 feet and are characterized by their hourglass pattern and sleek, agile bodies. They are highly social animals, often found in large pods that can number in the thousands.

Common dolphins primarily feed on small fish and squid, using cooperative hunting strategies to corral their prey.

Bottlenose Dolphins

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are among the most recognizable marine mammals. They can be spotted off the coast of Southern California year-round, with increased sightings during the summer months.

Reaching lengths of 8 to 12 feet, bottlenose dolphins are known for their friendly demeanor and acrobatic displays. Their gray coloration and distinctive curved dorsal fin make them easy to identify.

These dolphins are highly intelligent and social, often found in pods. They primarily feed on fish and squid, using echolocation to locate their prey.

Risso’s Dolphins

Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) are known for their unique appearance and behavior. They can be spotted off the coast of Southern California year-round, with more frequent sightings from spring through fall.

Reaching lengths of up to 13 feet, Risso’s dolphins have a robust body and a bulbous head, often marked with scars and scratches from social interactions. Their coloration ranges from gray to white.

These dolphins are known for their deep-diving abilities and primarily feed on squid and fish. They often engage in social behaviors, including rubbing against each other.

Pacific White-sided Dolphins

Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) are known for their acrobatic displays and playful nature. They can be seen off the coast of Southern California year-round, with peak sightings typically occurring from spring through fall.

These dolphins can reach lengths of 6 to 8 feet and are easily recognized by their striking black, white, and gray coloration. They are known for their energetic behavior, often leaping and riding the bow waves of boats.

Pacific white-sided dolphins primarily feed on fish and squid, using cooperative hunting techniques.

Hammerhead Sharks

Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.) are easily recognized by their distinctive hammer-shaped heads. They can be spotted off the coast of Southern California from late spring through early fall, with increased sightings during the summer months.

These sharks can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, depending on the species. Their unique head structure enhances their ability to locate prey, making them formidable predators.

Hammerhead sharks primarily feed on fish, squid, and other marine animals. They are known for their schooling behavior, often forming large groups.

Great White Sharks

Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are renowned for their size and predatory prowess. They can be spotted off the coast of Southern California, particularly from late summer to early fall, with increased sightings in August and September.

Reaching lengths of up to 20 feet or more, great whites are characterized by their robust bodies and distinct coloration, with a white underside and gray top. They are apex predators, playing a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.

Great white sharks primarily feed on seals, sea lions, and large fish, employing stealth and speed in their hunting strategies.

Molo Mola (Sunfish)

The mola mola, or ocean sunfish (Mola mola), is one of the heaviest bony fish in the world. They can be spotted off the coast of Southern California during the summer months, particularly from June through September.

These fascinating creatures can reach lengths of up to 10 feet and weigh over 2,000 pounds. Mola molas have a distinctive flattened body and are known for their unusual appearance.

Feeding primarily on jellyfish and other soft-bodied marine creatures, mola molas often bask at the surface to sunbathe and warm up.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience!

Join us at Dana Wharf Whale Watching for an unforgettable experience observing the majestic marine life of Southern California. Whether it’s the incredible blue whale, playful dolphins, or powerful great white shark, our knowledgeable guides ensure an adventure you’ll cherish. Don’t miss out—book your whale watching trip today and create lasting memories on the water!