June 20, 2025

Having a FIN-TASTIC Friday out here on the Pacific Ocean! On our AM trip coming out of the jetties a little ways we found 6 long-beaked common dolphins, and they surfed the bow for a bit as we headed west. It was a bit quiet out there this morning, but we made a slight turn to the south to cover some more water and ran into a pod of offshore bottlenose! This group of about 35 showed us a great time with some really neat hunting behaviors. As we slowly trended back home, we ran into a larger group of offshore bottlenose- a much more acrobatic group compared to the last. They leapt out of the water right next to the boat, and then we spotted the tiniest calf! It had to only be a few days old, with very bright white fetal folds to show for it. Mom and her baby swam right at our bow as the other dolphins breached in every direction.

It was a lovely morning out on the water, and we can’t wait to see what else the ocean has in store for us today! We’ll update you soon.

We were rocking & rolling during our sunset trip. We experienced some swelly conditions at first but sea conditions mellowed out throughout the trip. We travelled north west towards La Jolla and encountered ~60 offshore bottlenose dolphins. They put on such a FINomenal show for us! They were leaping out of the water and having fun surfing alongside our boat. On our way home, we encountered a last minute treat with ~40 long-beaked common dolphins located about ~2 miles offshore. Tomorrow brings more ocean fun. Please come join us!

Naturalist, Olivia & Melissa

Previous Sighting
Next Sighting

Olivia Trahan

Olivia is a senior pursuing her B.S. in Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and brings extensive experience in marine mammal research, stranding response and science communication/outreach. Olivia works with the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program back home, assisting in responses and necropsies of stranded marine mammals along the NC coast. Additionally, she is completing her thesis in the Ramirez Population & Food Web Ecology Lab, characterizing loggerhead sea turtle growth rates through aging their bones (like counting growth rings on a tree)! Most recently, she served as a Soundwatch Intern at The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, WA, where she patrolled both U.S. and Canadian waters aboard a small research vessel, collecting data on vessel activity and killer whale behavior, conducting public outreach on and off the water, and educating boaters on how to reduce disturbances to the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales. In her free time, Olivia enjoys wildlife photography, herping, crocheting, birding, hiking, drawing, and playing guitar. She is excited to bring her energy, field experience, and passion for conservation to the SDWW team as both Naturalist and Deckhand!
Back to Recent Sightings