Orcas are at again off the Channel Islands chasing Dolphins

The Orcas are at it again….

It seems like each day tops the one prior.

Several days ago, on 2 separate occasions, Channel Islands Whale Watching discovered pods or groups of Orcas in the waters surrounding Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary.

Each time, I swore it was an encounter that would not soon be topped…until todays 3rd such encounter.

Today, we witnessed a true National Geographic moment observing Orcas stalk and attempt to prey upon common Dolphin.

The video shows a pod of 7 Orcas identified as CA51, a highly social and interactive pod, swimming playfully alongside our boat. As passengers marvel at the encounter, the largest of the pod, a male, comes up right next to the boat several times.

The entire pod is observed swimming along, porpoising and slowing to observe us…until they detect the presence of another species in the region.

Scanning the horizon, I spotted a mega pod (1000) of Common Dolphin just over a mile away.

They were moving slowly towards us, in a generally easterly direction.

At this point, the entire posture of the pod of Orcas changed.

Immediately they closed ranks, pulled together tightly and moved away from us and disappeared into the depths.

We slowed our approach and focused on the dolphin up ahead.

You can observe the utter panic and chaos that unfolded in the coming moments when the pod of dolphin realized the Orcas were around.

The entire ocean erupted as over 1000 dolphin reversed their course and swam for their lives at full speed to put as much distance between them and our oceans top predator.

The Orcas then slowed their pursuit and began their casual playful behavior with us once again for some time before we ultimately turned back for the coast.

When reviewing the footage from today, I had to question how the dolphin were unaware that the Orca were so close, and then it dawned on me…had the Orca used us as a shield to make their approach?

They at one point moved away from us when we were over a mile away from the dolphin, but then curiously moved back and remained close to our hull as we drew ever closer to the dolphin.

Then, as we were less than half a mile away, they dove deep and came up from underneath the approaching pod.

Was this a calculated maneuver or just a coincidence?

This particular pod is no stranger to interacting with boats in Southern California and subsists on a steady diet of Sea Lions and recently have begun to prey upon dolphin.

Hard to say, but this much I will…what an incredible encounter and we look for more in the coming days.

Hope to see you onboard,

Capt. Frank

Channel Islands Whale Watching

(Photo credit - Allen Bertke)

 

Thank you for visiting our blog. We look forward to you joining us on your next aquatic adventure. A 50%-off coupon is attached which is valid for one year.  By sharing this link through any social media such as Facebook any of your friends or family members will be able to receive this 50% coupon as well.

 

Click on the coupon below and become a member of the POD where you will receive exclusive offers and promotions. We look forward to seafaring with you.

Please Note:  To be eligible for and to receive the discount you need to sign-up for and join our POD club.  Please do not print coupon off of this page—Coupon is valid only with successful POD club sign up.  Sign-up is FREE.