SAN FRANCISCO — A unique sight unfolded off the coast of Monterey Bay as a super pod comprising over 2,000 dolphins was spotted, with the rarely-seen northern right whale dolphins among them. This remarkable encounter was captured on video by Evan Brodsky, a captain and videographer for the Monterey Bay Whale Watch, a private boat tour company. The event took place approximately 11 miles from the harbor.
Northern right whale dolphins, typically found in deeper ocean waters and away from shore, are known for their smooth appearance and lack of a dorsal fin. Brodsky humorously described them as resembling “flying eyebrows” when they leap from the water.
Brodsky, along with two fellow crew members, left around midday on a Friday for a research excursion. Initially spotting a dozen dolphins, the team eventually recorded a super pod numbering over 2,000 dolphins, including light gray baby calves and several hundred Pacific white-sided dolphins. This incredible gathering left the crew elated, with Brodsky noting their “biggest grins from ear to ear” and one member even shedding a tear.
Characterized as gregarious and sociable animals, northern right whale dolphins often mix with other species such as Risso’s dolphins. Previously, Brodsky had filmed a super pod of Risso’s dolphins using a drone. Adult northern right whale dolphins typically measure around 10 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds.
Monterey Bay’s deep underwater canyons are a draw for worldwide visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive northern right whale dolphin, stated Colleen Talty, a marine biologist with Monterey Bay Whale Watch. About 120 miles south of San Francisco, Monterey sees these dolphins congregate potentially for protection, hunting, or socializing.
Talty mentioned the special nature of witnessing baby dolphins, emphasizing the rarity of such sightings, and concluded with expressions of appreciation for these remarkable marine creatures.
