With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Video: Dolphins 'Surf' Blue Whale In Free Interspecies Ride
A pod of playful dolphins got a free ride from an obliging blue whale off Dana Point. According to a captain who regularly leads tourists on "dolphin safaris," the dolphins were "surfing" with their much larger kin.
Captain Dave Anderson, who runs Dolphin Safari tours out of Dana Point, tells Laguna Niguel/Dana Point Patch,"The crew caught on tape an amazing interspecies encounter of a small pod of bottlenose dolphins catching a ride, actually surfing, on the front of a giant blue whale. This kind of a free ride is possible for these dolphins by positioning themselves in front of this rare and endangered whale and riding the pressure wave created by the force of this giant moving through the water."
Anderson says, "The dolphins were having fun and 'surfing' the largest animal in the world, a blue whale."
He adds, "Even though blue whales and bottlenose dolphins coexist in some of the same oceans, they do not run in the same social circles and are not typically seen together, making this a unique and memorable whale watching encounter for all."
Support for LAist comes from
He estimates that the dolphins are about 8 to 12 feet long and that the whale in this video was about 80 feet long.
According to Anderson, the waters off Southern California has more dolphins per square mile than anywhere else in the world, and during the summer months, it also has largest concentration of blue whales in the world.
Between June and October whales migrate to warmer Orange County waters to feed on delicious, delicious krill, Anderson says.
This video might not be as exciting as"Dolphin Mega-Pod Stampede," "Cats And Dolphins Playing Together," "Dolphins Help Save Dog From Drowning," or "Dolphin Kisses Dog," but still worth your click.
Related:
Couple Plans 'Dolphin-Assisted Birth' In Hawaii, Experts Call It Worst Idea Ever
Cat And Dolphins Playing Together, Mass Hysteria!
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
Best of LAist