Passengers on a recent whale-watching trip off Dana Point, Calif., were treated to a spectacle that was beyond the typical sighting: a pod of dolphins numbering in the thousands racing past the boat.
This video shows the “mega-pod” traveling at about 25 mph, according to reports. Dolphins typically cruise at 5 to 7 mph, but can swim as fast as 30 mph.
Click here for the amazing footage.
The video generated 875 comments on YouTube, with people both decrying and applauding the close proximity of the boat to the mammals. The footage was shot aboard the Dana Pride, which is operated by Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching.
A report identifies the pod as short-beaked common dolphins, which grow to about 9 feet and weigh around 440 pounds.
According to the Ocean Institute, these dolphins are commonly found in pods of 5,000 or more.
