he annual “Giant Blue Whale Migration” brings hundreds of blue whales each spring/summer to the waters off Newport Beach. Over 800 whales were viewed last summer (summer 2013). Giant blue whales were once considered quite rare off southern California, but over the last five years this has changed dramatically with hundreds/thousands of giant blue whales spotted each year. These giants of the sea reach lengths of up to 90 feet and are the largest of all animals. Along with viewing these giants, the second largest whale in the world, the finback whale has also taken to the waters of southern California during the same months as the blue whales. Other varieties of whales are also possible during this time of year.
Along with whales giant pods of common and bottlenose dolphin are also very likely with pods numbering in the hundreds or more dolphins frequently viewed. These dolphin pods come within arms reach as they play along side the whale watching ship.