Dolphins by the dozens….and dozens….AND DOZENS!

Detailed Sightings Log - May 9, 2026

Tour Species Count Location Behavior
Sunset TourShort-beaked Common Dolphin40Cow/Calf PairJumpingSurface ActiveHunting
Morning TourLong-beaked Common Dolphin1000Tail SlappingJumpingSurface Active
Mid-day TourLong-beaked Common Dolphin1000Bow RidingCow/Calf PairSurface Active

Days of the dolphins continues! Thousands of common dolphins and their babies drove small fish up and down the coast just outside of Mission Bay. We also saw the beginning of some bird migrations such as black storm petrels and red necked phalaropes. One an eagle eyed passenger spotted a Nazca booby! San Diego is pretty far north in their range.

You never know what the day will bring when you go out for a Pacific adventure!

Naturalist, Colleen

We had fun time on our sunset trip! We hooked it up to the north taking in the views up to La Jolla. We got into the cove and cruised along the La Jolla canyon. Out there we sighted a bunch of birds diving and found a small scattered pod of ~20 Short-beaked Common dolphins! They raced toward us and zoomed around our boat! We continued to the south and enjoyed the rays coming through the low hangin clouds. We spotted another pod of ~20 Short-beaked Common dolphins beyond the drop-off that were actively feeding! Overall, it was a nice trip with smooth glassy waters!

Hope to see you on the next one!

Naturalist,
Vanessa

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Vanessa James