More than 2000 dolphins came together to form an impressive “superpod” near the coast of California, gliding and jumping in the clear, turquoise waters of Monterey Bay. The superpod included Northern right whale dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, as well as light gray baby calves. The amazing spectacle was captured on video by Evan Brodsky, a captain and videographer with Monterey Bay Whale Watch, who shared it on Facebook, calling it “mind-blowing.”

Brodsky was on a research expedition with the private whale-watching tour company’s survey team when they spotted the dolphins. The company had recently seen thousands of Risso’s dolphins in the same area. According to Monterey Bay Whale Watch, super pods like this are rare, especially for Northern right whale dolphins. During winter, this region is the best place to spot dolphins. Usually, Northern right whale dolphins travel in smaller groups of 100 or 200.

They are the only species of dolphin in the north Pacific region without dorsal fins and are known for their acrobatic swimming, jumping over 20 feet above water. Brodsky described them as “smooth” and compared their jumps to flying eyebrows. He added that the crew was thrilled, trying to contain their emotions at the sight.

Dolphins may gather together to fight off predators or hunt as a group. According to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, pod activities include playing, babysitting, alerting each other to danger, practicing courtship, and hunting.

Monterey Bay, located south of San Francisco, is a popular destination for marine wildlife enthusiasts. The bay is part of a national marine sanctuary that stretches from Marin County in the north to Cambria in the south.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/25/dolphin-superpod-california