A recent viral photo has sent the internet into a frenzy, showing two ethereal, white-colored Orcas swimming side-by-side. While they look like something out of a myth, these “Ghost Whales” are very real.
At Harbor Breeze, we get asked all the time: Are these whales albinos? And can we see them here in Southern California? The answer is fascinating—and closer to home than you might think.
Is it an Albino or Something Else?
When people see a white whale, the first word that comes to mind is “albino.” However, most white orcas, including the famous pair recently spotted off the coast of Japan, are likely leucistic.
Albinism: A total lack of melanin. True albinos usually have pink or red eyes and are extremely sensitive to sunlight.
Leucism: A partial loss of pigmentation. These whales often have dark eyes and faint, “ghostly” outlines of their eye patches and saddle patches.
Because these whales still have some pigment, they appear as a milky cream or a soft grey rather than a pure, stark white.
Quick Summary: Leucistic vs Albino Orcas
Albino orcas are extremely rare and have:
- Completely white skin
- Pink or reddish eyes
- Full absence of melanin
Leucistic orcas, like Frosty, have:
- Pale or cream-colored skin
- Normal dark eyes
- Faint or partially visible markings
Nearly all documented white orcas are leucistic—not albino.
Why Do They Have “Scratches” on Their Skin?
In the viral photos, you’ll notice dark, jagged lines covering the whales’ bodies. These aren’t injuries from a boat or a predator; they are “rake marks.” Orcas interact with each other using their teeth, often leaving superficial scratches on one another during play or social positioning. On a standard black-and-white orca, these scars eventually fade or blend in. On a white orca, the healing tissue stands out in dark contrast, making them look like “ocean warriors” covered in tattoos.
Meet “Frosty”: Southern California’s Local Legend
You don’t have to travel to Japan to find a rare white whale. Southern California has its very own celebrity: Frosty (officially known as CA216C1).
Frosty has been documented by marine biologists and whale watching crews across Southern California, and his distinct coloration makes him instantly recognizable.
Frosty is a young “Bigg’s” (transient) killer whale first identified in 2019. This milky-colored calf has been spotted multiple times by whale watchers right here in Long Beach, San Pedro, and Newport Beach.
While Frosty is leucistic in appearance, some researchers believe his unique color might be linked to a rare genetic condition called Chediak-Higashi syndrome. Regardless of the cause, seeing Frosty surface among his pitch-black family members is a “one-in-a-million” sight that our lucky passengers never forget.
One in a Million: Why Are They So Rare?
Scientists estimate that there are fewer than 10 known white orcas currently swimming in the world’s oceans.
While being bright white makes it harder to hide from prey, orcas are apex predators that hunt in highly coordinated family pods. Because of this “teamwork” lifestyle, white orcas like Frosty and the pair in Japan are able to hunt, eat, and thrive just as well as their traditionally colored relatives.
Why Do These Rare Orcas Still Survive?
In many species, unusual coloration can make animals more vulnerable. But orcas are different.
They hunt cooperatively in family groups and rely on intelligence, speed, and coordination—not camouflage alone.
This allows leucistic individuals like Frosty to live and hunt successfully alongside their pod.
Their survival is a testament to the strength of the orca family structure.
Can You See Orcas in Los Angeles?
Unlike Blue Whales or Gray Whales, which follow a strict seasonal migration, Bigg’s Orcas (the mammal-hunters like Frosty) are unpredictable. They show up year-round, following their favorite food sources like sea lions and harbor seals.
We also occasionally see ETP (Eastern Tropical Pacific) Orcas visit our waters, especially during the winter months.
Witness the Magic for Yourself
Whether it’s the ghostly glow of a white orca or the classic, powerful sight of a black-and-white pod, seeing the ocean’s top predator in the wild is the ultimate bucket-list experience.
At Harbor Breeze, our high-speed catamarans allow us to cover more ground, giving you the best possible chance to witness these legends in person.
Ready for an adventure? Check our Latest Sightings Report to see if orcas have been spotted today, or Book Your Trip to join us on the water!