A remarkable gathering of over 2,000 dolphins formed a "superpod" off the California coast, delighting marine enthusiasts and professionals alike. This rare event unfolded in the pristine waters of Monterey Bay, a national marine sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity. The congregation consisted of Northern right whale dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins, including light grey baby calves, making it a breathtaking sight.
Winter offers the prime opportunity for dolphin watching in the area, though such massive aggregations are uncommon, particularly for Northern right whale dolphins. Typically, these dolphins travel in smaller groups of around 100 to 200 individuals. Known for their acrobatic prowess, these dolphins can leap more than 20 feet above the water. Remarkably, they are the only species of dolphin in the north Pacific region that lack dorsal fins.
Monterey Bay serves as a significant destination for marine wildlife enthusiasts. It is part of a national marine sanctuary that extends from Marin County in the north to Cambria in the south. In this recent spectacle, the dolphins were seen gliding and breaching through the clear, aquamarine waters of the bay.
Evan Brodsky, a captain and videographer, captured this extraordinary event on video. His company, Monterey Bay Whale Watch, shared the footage on Facebook, describing the occurrence as "mind-blowing." Brodsky's enthusiasm was palpable as he remarked:
“When they jump, they look like flying eyebrows.” – Brodsky
Brodsky and his team were visibly moved by the experience:
“We were so excited, it was hard to hold in our emotions. We had the biggest grins from ear to ear.” – Brodsky
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation highlights the social nature of these animals:
“In pods they play, babysit, alert each other to danger like predators, practice courtship, and hunt together,” – National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Interestingly, this event follows another recent sighting by Monterey Bay Whale Watch of thousands of Risso’s dolphins in the same waters. This succession of sightings emphasizes Monterey Bay's status as a haven for diverse marine life.