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RARE SIGHTING

Orca

Orcinus orca

Transient "Bigg's" orcas occasionally pass through SoCal hunting common dolphins. Sightings are rare but unforgettable.

Stats

At a glance

LENGTH
20–26 ft
WEIGHT
6–10 tons
LIFESPAN
50–80 yrs
DIET
Marine mammals (transients)
RARITY
Very rare — celebrate
SEASON
Sporadic
How to ID

What to look for

Black & white, tall dorsal fin. Transient pods follow dolphins.
BEHAVIORS TO WATCH FOR
Coordinated pod huntingTall dorsal fin (males 6 ft)Spy-hopping
When

Best months to see

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Archive

Last 30 days

Total seen
0
Days active
0/30
Last seen
Not seen
DAILY SIGHTING COUNT HOVER A BAR
TODAY
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Where to go (operators post live sighting data)

Newport & Long Beach operators share daily trip counts — you can see what was spotted before you book. Other operators don't publish daily reports.

NW
Newport Whales
3,200 common dolphins
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DL
Davey's Locker
3,200 common dolphins
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HB
Harbor Breeze
500 common dolphins · 4 humpback whales · 2 fin whales
Book Now
DW
Dana Wharf
DANA POINT · Doesn't publish daily trip reports
Visit →
SD
San Diego Whale Watch
SAN DIEGO · Doesn't publish daily trip reports
Visit →
P
Paul Grogan
Covers SoCal whale watching, ocean conditions, and the best departure ports on the Southern California coast.