SEPTEMBER WHALE WATCHING RECAP: THE MONTH OF THE ORCA ON THE OCEANSIDE COAST
If you joined us on the water this September, you already know: this was the month of the orca. Between pods of killer whales hunting right off our coast, endless displays from leaping mobula rays and flying fish, and plenty of playful common dolphins, September gave us some of the most exciting whale watching in Oceanside, CA we’ve had all year. Here’s a look back at the month, plus what we’re expecting as we head into October and the fall season.
Orcas Steal the Show
The biggest story of September, without question, was the orcas. Time and time again, pods of killer whales moved into our waters to hunt, and our guests had front-row seats to some of the most powerful and fascinating behavior in the ocean. Watching orcas work together as a family group, coordinating, chasing, and surfacing all around the boat, is something no one forgets.
What made this month truly special wasn’t just that the orcas showed up, it’s that they stayed. We had several days where the orcas were with us all day long, giving trip after trip the chance to spend time with them. For many of our guests, it was their first time ever seeing a killer whale in the wild, and for our crew, it was a reminder of just how special this stretch of coastline can be.
Mobulas and Flying Fish: Consistent and Endlessly Entertaining
If the orcas were the headliners, the mobula rays and flying fish were the act that never missed a show. Day after day, mobulas launched themselves out of the water, flipping and belly-flopping back down with a splash that never fails to get the whole boat laughing and cheering. Nobody knows exactly why they do it, but they clearly love it, and so do we.
The flying fish were just as reliable. Watching them burst from the surface and glide alongside the boat for what seems like an impossible distance became a highlight of almost every trip. These warm-water visitors have been a constant this month, and they’ve added a whole extra layer of fun to every outing.
Common Dolphins Keep Every Trip Lively
Common dolphins were with us throughout September, racing toward the boat, riding the bow, and leaping through the wake. Whether it was a small group or a big, splashing pod, these energetic dolphins kept the action going and gave our guests plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Sporadic Humpback Sightings
Humpback whales were a bit more hit-or-miss this month than during the summer, but when they did show up, they made it count. These sporadic sightings were a welcome treat, and every encounter with these gentle giants reminded us why they remain such a fan favorite on the water.
October Forecast: Fall Is Shaping Up to Be Something Special
As we move into October and the heart of fall, we’re expecting the orcas to keep coming, and we’re hopeful we’ll see them even more often in the weeks ahead. Fall is a season of transition off the Southern California coast, and that often brings a fresh mix of species through our waters.
That’s exactly what we’re hearing about right now. There have been reports of pilot whales, blue whales, and even whale sharks making their way toward us. Any one of those would make for an incredible day on the water, and we’ll be keeping a close eye out on every trip. With the orcas still in the area and new visitors potentially on the way, this fall could be one to remember.
Ready to see it for yourself? Book a whale watching tour with Oceanside Coastal Expeditions and come find out what all the excitement is about.