Killer Whales Make Rare Visit to Southern California

Killer Whales, rarely seen off Southern California, wowed Dana Point whale watchers with a special sighting! Whale watchers aboard a 62-foot catamaran operated by Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari out of Dana Point, California, were treated to an extremely rare and spectacular encounter with a pod of offshore killer whales. Offshore killer whales are rarely seen in coastal waters and not much is known about them. They are usually found in larger groups of 30 to 50 or more. The pod seen today is estimated to number around 40 animals. Offshore killer whales usually prey on fish and sharks. According to local orca expert Alisa Schulman-Janiger, one of the killer whales seen today is a male known as "Scoopfin" (O239). He was first documented in 1992 and is often seen near British Columbia. His last visit to Southern California was this past January. "We knew the killer whales were already way up the coast. But we asked our passengers if they wanted to go for it and turn a 2.5 hour safari into a 4 hour or more trip, and it was unanimous, which of course it needed to be," said Captain Dave Anderson. "So off we went and God blessed our efforts when I spotted the puffs of smoke from a few miles away. Soon we were with about 40 beautiful killer whales. We got back in the dark from our 25 mile trek up the coast and 25 miles back. I think most of the whale watching Captains I know we're surprised we went for it. In fact, I won a breakfast in a bet with one that we wouldn't catch the whales before dark! It was a costly trip for us in fuel and time. But happy people got off our boat and I was one of them. All the whale watching fleet from Dana Point, Newport Beach, and Long Beach worked together to see these beautiful animals, so thanks to all. Gray Whales are here now, too. Come see them!" Video filmed by Craig DeWitt All audio and video footage is copyright David Anderson/DolphinSafari.com and may not be used without permission. ***** For 20 years Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari has provided the most unique, year-round dolphin and whale watching trips. Daily departures from Dana Point, California, aboard a hi-tech catamaran sailboat with exclusive Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods. (949) 488-2828 captaindave@dolphinsafari.com http://www.dolphinsafari.com http://www.facebook.com/dolphin.whale.watching *****

Added 25 Mar 2026