Dolphins

Dolphins are very common in this area, and we frequently see pods from the boat.  Dolphins are toothed whales (Suborder Odontoceti), a group that includes killer whales, sperm whales, and porpoises.  All toothed whales use thick blubber to maintain their body temperature, have one blowhole, and use echolocation to hunt their prey. Echolocation uses bursts of sound that is bounced off objects.  It can be used to determine size, shape, distance, internal structure, and even to stun prey at close range!

A very large pod of Common Dolphin. These are the most frequently seen type of dolphin along the southern California coast, and very often likes to surf the bow-wave of moving boats.

Note the single blowhole. This is a characteristic of all toothed whales.

These Common Dolphin are coming in to ride the bow wave of the boat.

Notice the mother and her calf. She may be teaching the calf to “bow ride.” You can’t get a better view than this!

Modified from pages developed by John Turbeville.