Unforgettable moments with Orcas: A once-in-a-lifetime experience

An afternoon with Orcas of the San Clemente Coast line / Dana Wharf Whale watching encountered a pod of five ETP orcas off the coast of San Clemente on Thursday Jan 4 - this pod had a mom calf pair.
These orcas were seen 4 miles outside Dana Point and traveled South off San Clemente.
Eastern tropical Pacific orcas, also known as ETP killer whales or orcas (Orcinus orca), are a specific population of orcas that inhabit the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly in the tropical and subtropical waters off the coasts of Central and South America.
Here are some key characteristics of Eastern tropical Pacific orcas:
Appearance: Eastern tropical Pacific orcas have a similar appearance to other orca populations. They have distinct black and white coloration, with a white underside and a black back. They also have a gray saddle-shaped patch behind their dorsal fin.
Like other orca populations, Eastern tropical Pacific orcas are apex predators and have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on fish, such as tuna and mahi-mahi, as well as squid. They have been observed hunting in groups and using different hunting techniques to catch their prey. And have been know. To hunt dolphin and baby or injured whales .
Eastern tropical Pacific orcas are known for their complex social structure. They live in matrilineal groups called pods, which are led by a matriarch. These pods can consist of multiple generations of related individuals, and each pod has its own unique vocal dialect.
It's important to note that orcas are highly intelligent and social creatures, and each population may have distinct behavioral patterns and adaptations based on their specific habitat. The Eastern tropical Pacific orcas are just one of the many fascinating populations of orcas found around the world. And we hope that they are here to stay in ORANGE COUNTY.
Drone Video was taken by Mark Kalez - Capture Project One