Killer Whales Make Surprise Appearance In South Orange County: Photos

DANA POINT, CA — Travelers aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watch vessel were treated to a rare sight this past week: a pod of eastern tropical Pacific killer whales.

The pod of 13 whales — and two calves — were seen just a few miles offshore from Dana Point Harbor on Monday.

"We encountered an extraordinary pod of eastern tropical Pacific killer whales, an elusive and still poorly understood population of orcas that range across the tropical and subtropical eastern Pacific," Dana Wharf photographer Laura Lopez said. "Unlike some of the more specialized killer whale populations found in colder waters, these whales tend to have a much more generalist diet, taking advantage of a wide variety of prey."

According to Lopez, that prey can include dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and even other whales.

In addition, these particular orcas have a distinct appearance — they have very faint saddle patches when compared to other North Pacific killer whales.

"With the pod continuing north, we made the decision to extend both our morning and afternoon two-hour whale watches to three hours to give our passengers the opportunity to spend more time with these incredible animals," Lopez said.

By Tuesday afternoon, the pod was north beyond Newport Beach Harbor, Lopez said.