DANA POINT, CA — A pod of common dolphins is hanging out off the Orange County coast, according to local vessels. Those dolphins remained close to shore on Tuesday and were captured on an underwater camera by Dana Wharf Whale Watching.

Several whale watching groups, some out on private charters and others just checking the conditions offshore, were delighted at seeing the dolphins, including Newport Coastal Adventure and Dana Wharf Whale Watching.

Dana Wharf Whale Watching showed a pod of dolphins rounding up a ‘bait ball’ of fish. Dana Wharf Captain Todd Mansur, who captains the Boardroom for Dana Wharf Whale Watching, discussed the 1,000 or so dolphins who have made this part of the coat their home.

“They’re named common dolphins as they are the most commonly seen dolphins,” he said. “Where you see them is where they live since these dolphins don’t migrate. These guys are Orange County residents.”

This vast number of ocean mammals all at once used to be a rarity, according to local whale watching groups, but is becoming a more frequent sight. Recently, dolphins were spotted in the Huntington Beach Harbour marina area by locals taking their boat out for a ride.

Locals have also spotted more seals, sea lions, sea turtles, and other creatures in recent weeks, Patch was told.

While some ocean tour groups are conducting private tours only for family groups during the coronavirus shutdown, others are awaiting orders that they can get back to business as usual.