Imagine walking along the coast on a clear, sunny day, with the Pacific Ocean sparkling under the sun and a salty breeze brushing your face as waves gently crash on the shore. Suddenly, a playful sight catches your eye, a pod of dolphins leaping joyfully in the water.
That’s exactly what happened just a few days ago in Manhattan and Newport Beach, where onlookers were lucky enough to see a group of dolphins playing in the water!
Where to spot dolphins around L.A.?
The first choice in our list is, of course, Manhattan Beach. This spot is the closest to the city and a prime location to see dolphins without taking a boat, simply visiting the pier. The Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the pier has information about local marine life which can enrich your dolphin-watching experience.
Around 1 hour south of the city, Newport Beach has several whale and dolphin watching tours that last roughly 2 hours when you can spot dolphins, humpback whales, and even blue whales in the summer.
Another great option is a few miles further from Newport, more specifically in Dana Point. This place is famous for dolphin and whale watching and many operators offer 2.5 hours tours where you can see bottlenose dolphins.
What’s the best time to see dolphins near L.A.?
Dolphins can be seen all year along the SoCal coast, but summer and early fall are the best times, as many whales migrate and large groups of dolphins follow them. During winter and spring, you can still spot dolphins sometimes. For the best chances, try a tour during the morning or late afternoon, when the ocean is most active, Dana Wharf tour operator explains.
Why do dolphins jump out of water?
Dolphins breach (jump out of the water) for many fascinating reasons. According to Biology Insights, sometimes they leap as an efficient way to travel fast, a behavior known as porpoising, which reduces drag by briefly moving through air instead of water.
Other times, they jump to communicate or strengthen social bonds, as the splash and visibility signal their presence to other pod members. They may also be getting a quick aerial view to spot prey, predators, or landmarks. Additionally, jumps can help dislodge parasites from their skin or simply serve as playful, joyful behavior that strengthens group cohesion!