Monterey Bay Dolphin Spotting: Species to Look Out For
Monterey Bay is an ecosystem of epic diversity. It’s renowned across the planet for being a place where numerous charismatic animals congregate. Whether they come to mate, or to feed, or they just call the waters often this sheltered corner of the Californian coast home it doesn’t matter. For wildlife watchers, it creates the ultimate location for wild encounters that form one-in-a-lifetime memories.
Amongst the array of creatures that include whales, sharks, and sea birds, you’ll find a number of captivating dolphins. Beloved for their gentle nature, distinctive appearance, and playful nature, dolphins are a favourite animal for many, and a must-see when visiting Monterey Bay for whale watching.
Which isn’t going to be a problem.
Unlike other animals that come to Monterey Bay, such as migratory birds and whales of Monterey Bay, most species of dolphins that live in Monterey Bay are found in the waters all year round. This is because they don’t follow vast migration routes or travel to different feeding zones, the waters are so rich in Monterey Bay that they can support life throughout the year, which means dolphins are frequently found in the waters just off the coast all year round.
But if there are always dolphins here, what species are you able to see?
Monterey Bay Dolphins
Risso's Dolphin - Large and exciting to see in the wild, Risso’s dolphin are regularly found fishing in Monterey Bay. Often found in pods of around 30 dolphin, you may be lucky and encounter larger groups, as they enjoy socialising with other pods. Lots of Risso’s dolphin visit Monterey Bay.
Bottlenose Dolphin - Bottlenose dolphin are famous ocean wanderers, but a couple of pods have found the waters off Monterey Bay so alluring they’ve made this region of the Seven Seas their home. You won’t find them in the high numbers of other species on this list, but they’re always there.
Killer Whales - The largest of the dolphin, and the ocean’s top predator, everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the legendary killer whale. Tenacious and always hunting for their next meal, killer whales have found Monterey Bay to be a great place to hunt, and turn up in small pods year round, although they tend to be around more often earlier in the year, as they chase down gray whale calves.
Northern Right Whale Dolphins - These fast and energetic swimmers are small but still exciting to see. They are found in large and impressive pods ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand. Best seen on calm days due to their size, an encounter with these sleek and delicate looking animals is guaranteed to leave an impression.
Pacific White-sided Dolphins - Pacific white-sides are the most common dolphin found around Monterey Bay. They hunt squid a little way out to sea, but are also known to be highly inquisitive when it comes to boats. Except to catch them bow riding and chasing vessels to get a better look at the people onboard. When you visit Monterey Bay, you’re never too far from a pacific-white-sided dolphin pod, which usually ranges up to around 100 strong.
Long-Beaked Common Dolphin - After white-sided dolphin, this subspecies of common dolphin is known to be the most numerous for the Monterey Bay area. You’ll likely encounter pods of a few hundred or more, again ranging to superpods of thousands. These are some of the most active dolphin in Monterey Bay, often seen leaping, breaching, and playing in the waters just off the coast.
