A breathtaking sight unfolded off California’s central coast as a massive “super pod” of over 1,500 Risso’s dolphins was spotted leaping and gliding through Carmel Bay.
The rare gathering was captured on drone footage by Captain Evan Brodsky of Monterey Bay Whale Watch, who described the experience as “mind-blowing.”
Risso’s dolphins typically travel in much smaller groups of 10 to 30 individuals, making this enormous pod an extraordinary and uncommon occurrence, according to marine biologists.
A Rare and Stunning Sight
Captain Evan Brodsky and his team were initially searching for migrating Gray whales when they noticed the dolphins in the distance.
From their 20-foot inflatable boat, they watched in amazement as the dolphins jumped and played around them. Brodsky, who has spent years observing marine life, said the sighting was unlike anything he had seen before.
Marine biologist Colleen Talty, who was also on the trip, called the experience “pretty amazing.” She explained that the super pod was likely the result of multiple smaller pods coming together as they swam south.
Some dolphins rode the waves at the front of the boat, a behavior known as bow riding. Others breached the water, tail-slapped, and seemed to be engaging in playful interactions.
Why Monterey Bay is a Prime Spot for Dolphin Sightings
The Monterey coastline is one of the best locations in the world to observe Risso’s dolphins. Unlike other areas, where these deep-water-loving creatures remain far offshore, Monterey Bay’s underwater submarine canyon allows them to swim much closer to land.
While large gatherings of dolphins have been observed in the area before, they remain rare. Talty explained that Monterey Bay’s nutrient-rich waters provide an ideal habitat for marine life, making it a hotspot for sightings of dolphins, whales, and other ocean creatures.
The Super Pod Revealed by Drone Footage
At first, Brodsky and his team believed they were seeing only a few hundred dolphins. However, once they launched a drone into the air, they realized the true scale of the event.
“Once we put the drone up, I was just blown away … I kept saying, ‘Look at my screen. Look at my screen. Look how many there are,'” Brodsky said. He added that no matter how many times he witnesses events like this, it never gets old.
Talty described a particularly memorable moment when she stood at the front of the boat and looked down to see several dolphins turning on their sides and staring back at her. She said the dolphins seemed curious and engaged with the boat while continuing to swim and play.
Respecting Marine Life During Close Encounters
Despite the excitement, the Monterey Bay Whale Watch team ensured they followed proper wildlife viewing protocols. They avoided making sudden movements or getting too close to the dolphins to prevent any potential harm.
“You don’t want to make any abrasive maneuvers and potentially injure an animal. That’s of course the last thing you ever want to do,” Brodsky explained. Instead, they simply cruised alongside the pod, allowing the dolphins to interact on their own terms.
Monterey Bay’s History of Incredible Marine Sightings
Monterey Bay Whale Watch has documented several rare marine events in the past. In 2023, the group captured footage of orcas hunting sea lions off the California coast, an event rarely seen in the region. In 2015, they filmed a pure white albino dolphin swimming in the bay, another exceptionally rare sighting.
Other unusual marine sightings have occurred elsewhere as well. In 2023, rare pink dolphins were spotted swimming off the coast of Louisiana, further proving that the ocean still holds many surprises.
The sighting of a super pod of over 1,500 Risso’s dolphins in Carmel Bay was an extraordinary and unforgettable event. While Monterey Bay is well known for its rich marine life, gatherings of this size remain rare.
Thanks to drone technology, researchers and marine enthusiasts were able to fully grasp the scale of the event and witness an incredible moment in nature.
For those lucky enough to be there, it was a reminder of the beauty and mystery of the ocean, where even seasoned experts can still be amazed.