‘Sneaky’ sea creature circles boaters off California coast. See the photos

A “sneaky” sea creature held boaters “hostage” off the coast of California, and onlookers thought the moment was one they “can’t beat.”

During a sunset trip in La Jolla Canyon, a pod of 150 long-beaked common dolphins were showing their babies the skills they need to be “agile” hunters, according to a June 29 Facebook post by the San Diego Whale Watch.

Although the hunting lessons made for a “real crowd pleaser,” the group was “surprised by the sneakiest minke whale that popped up seemingly out of nowhere,” onlookers said.

Minke whales are the smallest baleen whale in North American waters and can reach lengths of up to 35 feet and weigh 20,000 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

They usually are spotted alone or in groups of two or three, and use side-lunging as a way of feeding on schools of fish, the NOAA said.

The “oh so curious” whale circled boaters and even swam parallel to the boat before offering bystanders a moment of “belly flashing,” the group said.

They got “good looks at its full face” as it poked its head out of the ocean, the group said.

The whale was up for “antics” as it kept popping up as boaters tried to head back to the harbor making for the “coolest” moment, the group said.

This story was originally published June 30, 2025 at 4:46 PM with the headline "‘Sneaky’ sea creature circles boaters off California coast. See the photos."