Finback Whales Swim in Cluster

Filed under: Whale Watching, Environment, Tourism

A larger than normal pod of finback whales has been spotted off Laguna Beach the past two days, giving spectators a rare treat. Dave Anderson, who runs Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Safari, said the pod of finback whales is the largest he’s heard of in 14 years of running charters. Anderson said the whales usually hang out alone or with a few other whales and can be seen sporadically throughout the year, mostly in the summer.

Finback Facts

Size: 45-70 feet

Full-grown adult weight: About 40 tons

Characteristics: Long, thin body; tall, erect dorsal fin

Diet: Small fish, some krill

Range: Finback whales are seen worldwide, with three major populations in the North Atlantic, North Pacific and southern oceans. There may be a year-round resident group in the Sea of Cortez in Mexico.

Status: Estimated to number between 60,000 and 100,000 worldwide; listed on the endangered species list.

Source: www.whalecenter.org

How to See Them