A remarkable spectacle unfolded off the central coast of California as a vast congregation of dolphins, dubbed a “super pod,” was observed tumbling and gliding across Carmel Bay. This extraordinary gathering consisted of over 1,500 Risso’s dolphins, showcasing their playful nature in a breathtaking display.

Captain Evan Brodsky from Monterey Bay Whale Watch was instrumental in capturing aerial footage of this massive assembly during a recent outing. “They seemed to stretch across the horizon as far as I could see,” he remarked. Typically, Risso’s dolphins travel in smaller groups ranging from 10 to 30, making this sighting extremely rare, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

While aboard a 20-foot inflatable boat, Brodsky and his team, who were initially on a mission to observe migrating Gray whales headed to breeding grounds in Baja California, found themselves mesmerized by the dolphins leaping from the water and playfully peeking around as they soared through the air. Known for their robust bodies and distinctively bulbous heads, Risso’s dolphins can weigh as much as 1,100 pounds and grow up to 13 feet in length.

Colleen Talty, a marine biologist accompanying Brodsky on this adventure, expressed her amazement at witnessing such a large number of dolphins frolicking around their vessel. Some dolphins ventured to the front of the boat, utilizing the waves to enhance their speed in a playful behavior known as bow riding. “They were just having a fantastic time, breaching everywhere, slapping their tails, and even coming close to our boat. It was like they were celebrating,” she elaborated.

The diverse group of both adult and juvenile dolphins likely formed as multiple pods converged and swam southward, although Talty acknowledged that while such large gatherings have been recorded before, they are certainly not an everyday occurrence. The Monterey coastline offers a prime location for observing these dolphins due to the presence of extremely deep waters. The underwater submarine canyon in the area allows dolphins to swim nearer to the shore compared to other regions along California’s coastline, according to Talty.

Initially, the size of the super pod was underestimated by the team; they assumed there were merely a few hundred dolphins present. “Once we launched the drone, my mind was blown… I kept urging everyone, ‘Look at my screen. Just look at how many there are!'” Brodsky exclaimed, noting that the sight never loses its charm.

Talty recounted a particularly unforgettable instance when she stood at the front of the boat and gazed down to see several dolphins flipping onto their sides, gazing back at her with curiosity. As the dolphins continued to engage with their boat, the team navigated carefully, ensuring they did not disrupt their playful antics.

“It’s important to avoid any sudden movements that could potentially harm these beautiful creatures. That’s the last thing we want to do,” Brodsky emphasized. “So we simply cruised alongside them. It was an unforgettable encounter.”