Killer Whales Grace Southern California’s Shores Once Again
A pod of majestic killer whales has made a much-anticipated return to Southern California’s waters, captivating whale watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
From Mexico to California
Originally hailing from the waters off Mexico, a pod of five Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) orcas embarked on a northward journey, gracefully gliding along the coastlines of Orange and Los Angeles Counties.
Drone Captures Intimate Moments
Drone footage captured by Mauricio Tassara (IG: @empty_drone) provides an unparalleled glimpse into the whales’ underwater antics. The pod can be seen feasting on stingrays, while the lens also catches a precious sighting of a white killer whale calf aptly named Frosty.
A Rare Reunion
These elusive mammals were first spotted off Long Beach’s coast on Monday afternoon during a Harbor Breeze Cruises tour. It was an extraordinary moment, having been months since killer whales were last sighted in the area.
“This is the first time since late January that we’ve seen these amazing creatures during one of our tours.” – Jeff Forney, Harbor Breeze C.O.O.
The orcas graced the waters of Newport Beach shortly after, showcased in a captivating video captured by Newport Coastal Adventure.
Unique in Nature
Despite their imposing name, killer whales belong to the dolphin family, making them the most formidable members of their species. ETP orcas, in particular, stand out with their diet of fellow dolphins and whales.
- Orcas were last sighted in California in 2021.
- ETP orcas were previously spotted in California in 2018.
They are distinct from other killer whale ecotypes that occasionally visit Southern California’s coast. These magnificent creatures continue to amaze and enchant, reminding us of the ocean’s diverse and fascinating biodiversity.
