‘Acrobatic’ sea creatures leap from California waters. See them ‘put on a show’

Boaters off the coast of California were able to spot sea creatures participating in some “acrobatic exercise.”

The pods of “happy” and “playful” dolphins were leaping out of the water, making for “favorite” moments among passengers, according to a July 15 Facebook post by the Dana Wharf Whale Watch.

Although boaters saw the dolphins “put on a show” with their “energetic leaps,” the group said the performance isn’t just for “fun.” .

Their “jumping” is also a means of communication and a behavior they exhibit while hunting, the group said.

The performances didn’t end there, as boaters got a chance to see California brown pelicans exhibit “dramatic plunge dives,” as they snagged their lunch, the group said.

Later in the day, among “sunny skies,” groups got the chance to see tiny calves “leaping in every direction” as they showed off their “flushed pink bellies,” onlookers said.

Facebook users rushed to the comments to share their take on the “belly-flopping” babies with one person saying, “Beautiful photography.”

“SO rewarding! Excellent catches!,” another wrote.

Dana Point is about a 70-mile drive southeast from downtown Los Angeles.

This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 4:12 PM with the headline "‘Acrobatic’ sea creatures leap from California waters. See them ‘put on a show’."