In addition to whale sightings, passengers will also get the opportunity to see many other types of sea animals. Below are some other common sea creatures you might see on your next LA or Long Beach whale watching excursion!
The common dolphin is a name that refers to two types of dolphin species: one with a short beak and another with a long beak. The short-beak common dolphins have a rounder forehead that meets the beak at a more direct angle, whereas the long-beak common dolphins have a more elongated forehead that meets the beak at a slender angle. Common dolphins are very exciting creatures to spot on LA whale watching tours, because they are usually very active, playful, and entertaining. A lot of times, they will jump out of the water and sometimes ride along with the boat. Common dolphins are extremely intelligent, friendly, and family-oriented, travelling in very large packs (sometimes in the hundreds).
Bottlenose Dolphin Bottlenose dolphins are some of the most recognized dolphins, commonly seen in aquatic shows. They are some of the most intelligent types of dolphins with an uncanny ability to learn tricks and jumps. This dolphin species is characterized by a dark gray color on the top of their backs that fades down their sides into a light grey or cream color on their underbellies. Bottlenose dolphins get their name from their distinct beak, that can be up to 3 inches long.
Sometimes, we get lucky and spot different types of shark species on our breathtaking LA whale watching excursion! One type of shark species you may see swimming at the ocean surface is a hammerhead shark. Hammerheads are distinct because of their flattened, hammer-shaped head, called a Cephalofoil. Hammerhead diet consists of other fish, squid, octopus, stingrays, and other crustaceans.
Another exciting sea creature we may spot on our LA boat excursion are sea lions, some of California’s most social sea animals. Sea lions are known for their playful, intelligent, and noisy nature. They can be spotted in close packs and can be seen jumping out of the water or sometimes floating together on the surface of the ocean in what are referred to as “sea lion rafts”. Sea lions are always a popular and entertaining creature to see on LA whale watching tours.
A more rare sighting on the whale watching tour are sea turtles! On some of our excursions, we get lucky and spot either loggerhead sea turtles or green sea turtles, characterized by their unique shell pattern and the unique set of prefrontal scales over their eyes. Green sea turtles get their name from the green layer of fat that is located under its shell. Sometimes these majestic sea creatures will graze the ocean’s surface, and when they do, it’s quite a magical sight!
For an up close and personal experience with whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions in their natural habitat, we invite you to a Long Beach whale watching and Los Angeles whale watching cruise with Harbor Breeze – an unforgettable trip the entire family will love. We have experienced and enthusiastic naturalists aboard each and every trip that will narrate and educate you on the characteristics and lifestyles of these majestic sea mammals. Contact us today for ticket information!
