Eight species of whales, porpoises, and dolphins are regularly observed along California’s Central Coast. The likelihood of observing a particular species hinges primarily on three factors: seasonal abundance, observation effort, and observer skill (and/or luck). The easiest species to observe is the Bottlenose Dolphin, a year-round resident that frequently forages in or near the surf zone.  Common Dolphins, White-sided Dolphins, and Orcas are usually observed further offshore. Harbor Porpoises are less common and seldom rise above the surface to be observed. 

Among the larger whales, Gray and Humpback Whales are the most commonly observed. Gray Whales migrate along the Central Coast in route to winter calving grounds in Baja California, Mexico (November – January), and again when they return to their summer foraging grounds in the Arctic (March – May). Humpback Whales occur along the Central Coast from May through October, spending the winter off the Pacific Coast of Central America. Blue Whales spend the summer off our shores, but occur in small numbers and are always on the move.