Killer whales shock boaters in unexpected CA sighting. See the ‘fantastic’ encounter

Whale watchers off the Northern California coast couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw killer whales leaping out of the water not far from their boat.

“July is not a month we expect to have many killer whale sightings, so it was definitely a treat!” Monterey Bay Whale Watch said in a July 5 post recounting the sighting.

According to the tour agency, on July 3, two young members of an orca pod put on a grand and unexpected show for the whale watchers with playful jumping, tail slaps, and poking their heads out of the water to look around.

Photos and a video posted by the organization show the “fantastic and memorable” moment when the ocean predators were flying above the water mid-jump.

Killer whales, also called orcas, are not a usual sight at this time of year off Northern California. According to Monterey Bay Whale Watch’s website, the most common months to see them are April and May when they feed on gray whale calves migrating north.

“Today was a day that crew and passengers will remember for a long time!” the organization said.

This story was originally published July 8, 2024 at 12:49 PM with the headline "Killer whales shock boaters in unexpected CA sighting. See the ‘fantastic’ encounter."