A breathtaking “superpod” of over 2,000 dolphins put on a mesmerizing show off California’s Monterey Bay, leaping and gliding through the aquamarine waters like synchronized acrobats. The rare gathering featured Northern right whale dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and even adorable light-grey baby calves.
Evan Brodsky, captain and videographer with Monterey Bay Whale Watch, captured the stunning spectacle, later calling it “mind-blowing” in a video shared on Facebook. He and his team were out conducting a research survey when they stumbled upon the extraordinary scene. “We had the biggest grins from ear to ear,” Brodsky told the Associated Press, struggling to contain his excitement.
Northern right whale dolphins, known for their smooth, finless bodies and astonishing leaps up to 20 feet, usually travel in much smaller groups of 100 to 200. Seeing them in such numbers is incredibly rare, especially in winter – prime dolphin-watching season.
Scientists believe dolphins gather in superpods to socialize, hunt, or fend off predators. Monterey Bay, part of a vast marine sanctuary, is a haven for marine wildlife, drawing nature lovers eager to witness these oceanic wonders in action.
And those Northern right whale dolphins? Brodsky describes them best: “Like flying eyebrows.”
