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Newport Beach Killer (Orca) Whale Watching |
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 Southern California Killer (Orca) Whale Description
Killer Whales, or Orca Whales (as they are too known as) are, in reality, the world’s largest dolphins! Ironically, these “dolphins” gained their “killer” name because of their tendency to prey on whales as a food source. A combination of size, strength and marked agility make the Killer Whale an impressive predator. Even at lengths of averaging nearly 8 meters and a staggering 6 tons, this large animal can swim near speeds of 40 mph! Moreover, it has been observed that these whales to have the hunting style of wolves, because like wolves, who hunt in groups called “packs”, Killer Whales, also hunt in groups known as “pods”.
Although they may be classified as dolphins, these Killer Whales have appetites as big as any other whale, eating as much as 500-lbs of sea life in a day!
Killer Whales are universally identified by their patent-leather-black coats and white patch, which is situated just above its eye. Both male and female Killer whales are burley animals with enormous dorsal fins. However, averaging between 19 to 26 feet long and 6 tons, a full-grown male surpasses an average 16- to-23-foot- long, 2–to-4 ton full grown female, both in length and weight. On the other hand, females generally live longer than males. Typically, the lifespan of a Killer Whale will be anywhere from 35 to 40 years. A few have lived to the age of 70. Surprisingly, however, living in captivity appears to shorten the life years of these whales, where they live only up to 25 years.
Southern California Killer Whale Population
The exact number of the Killer Whale population around the world is not known for certain. It is estimated that there are about 100,000 altogether. Three quarters of the population (~75,000 Orcas) is said to live in Antarctica, while the remaining 25,000 others are spread about in coastal Japan, the large-bodied waters of Norway, and the tropical environments of the Pacific, respectively.
Southern California Killer Whale Feeding Habits
The feeding habits of the Killer whales are notably different and largely dependent on what areas of the world they live in. For example, Killer Whales who live in Norway tend to eat herring; but Killer whales that live in the tropical Pacific or along the Japanese coasts eat seals. But to call such feeding behaviors “regional” would be inaccurate.
Many experts have observed that even Killer Whales who live in the same area will display different food preferences. For example, in the Pacific northeast, the region’s Killer Whale population will search only for fatty salmon and consciously swim pass other schools of salmon in the process. To add, Killer Whales in the waters of New Zealand have been known to target the fatty livers of Great White sharks and feast on stingrays, squid, sea turtles, and more than 30 types of fish. And the Southern California Killer Whale seems to live up to its name as the best, devouring either a Minke Whale, a Gray Whale, a Sperm
Whale, or a Blue Whales on any given day. Preying on and eventually killing another whale can take about two hours from start to end. This may explain why the California Sea Lion is often cuisine of choice for the Southern California Killer whale.
Southern California Killer Whale Migratory Patterns
Killer Whales do not have migration patterns as extensive as those of other kinds of whales. Althoough they do live in many different areas around the world, Killer whales prefer coldwater regions. Research has shown that the Killer Whales are densely populated in Pacific Northwest (via Canada to Alaska). California has also seen a consistent growth in its Killer Whale population over the last few decades as more whales began to migrate from Alaska. Strangely, some Killer Whales have been seen traveling through smaller freshwater rivers from time to time. It bears noting that, although it appears that a lot is known about the migration patterns of the Killer Whale population, it frankly, remains a topic of heated discussion in academic circles, as there is still much more to be discovered.
Newport Beach Whale Watching conducts whale and dolphin watching cruises seven days a week with tours at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. It is a good idea to arrive early as these cruises do fill up quickly. Tours usually last from two to two and a half hours. Ticket prices are as follows:
Individual Ticket Prices – Two Hour to 2 ½ Hour Cruise
Adults $30
Seniors (62 and over) $25
Children (11 and under) $18
Children (2 and under) FREE!
Ticket Prices for groups of 25 or more.
Adults $22
Seniors (62 and over) $18
Children (11 and under) $12
Children (2 and under) FREE!
You can order your tickets online by clicking the button, or calling 562-432-4900. If you have a discount coupon, please present it at the ticket booth.
We look forward to seeing you and continuing to make Newport Beach Whale Watching your choice for whale watching in southern California. We offer convenient parking and are located near many area attractions such as The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Lighthouse and Queen Mary as well as excellent shopping and restaurant so you can make a day of it. Whale watching is a wonderful experience regardless of age. We can’t wait to provide the best whale watching in southern California experience possible.
For more information on other Southern California Whales or other Newport Beach Sea Life, please click on the link below:
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