Humpback Whales Leap From Dana Point Waters: Photos

DANA POINT, CA — A group of humpback whales put on an lively show off the Orange County coast this week on a Dana Wharf Whale Watching tour vessel.

The spectacle unfolded during two whale-watching excursions departing Dana Point Harbor, where passengers encountered several pods of adult humpback whales traveling south along the coastline.

What began as typical whale activity quickly escalated into a series of dramatic aerial displays, including powerful tail throws, known as lobtailing, and repeated slaps of their long pectoral fins against the water, Dana Wharf photographer Laura Lopez said.

During a second excursion, whale watchers encountered at least 10 humpback whales farther south, where the animals performed double, triple and even quadruple breaches, Lopez said.

Others rolled onto their backs, slapped their fins while upside down and surfaced close to neighboring whales.

"It was an unbelievable display aerial acrobatics," Lopez said. "Humpback Whales are often called 'The Acrobats of the Sea.' Today they certainly lived up to their reputation."

To learn more about Dana Wharf Whale Watching tours, visit the agency's website.