Risso's Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's are the most heavily scarred marine mammal on the planet — adults accumulate thousands of crisscross marks from the beaks and suckers of the Humboldt squid they hunt at depths beyond 1,000 feet, fading the skin from charcoal grey to near-white with age. Look for groups of 10–50 logging quietly at the surface off the Channel Islands, especially on calm October and November mornings.

Stats

At a glance

LENGTH
10–13 ft
WEIGHT
660–1,100 lbs
LIFESPAN
30–35 yrs
DIET
Deep-water squid
RARITY
Regular — peak in fall
SEASON
Year-round, peak autumn
How to ID

What to look for

Heavy white scarring on older adults makes them almost entirely white. Blunt rounded head with no beak. Deep-water squid specialists — look for them near the Channel Islands.
BEHAVIORS TO WATCH FOR
Slow surface travel in tight groupsLogging (resting at surface)Associates with Pacific white-sided dolphins
When

Best months to see

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Archive

Last 30 days

Total seen
0
Days active
0/30
Last seen
Not seen
DAILY SIGHTING COUNT HOVER A BAR
TODAY
Book

Operators that often spot this species

NW
Newport Whales
NEWPORT BEACH · Check availability
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DL
Davey's Locker
NEWPORT BEACH · Check availability
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DW
Dana Wharf
DANA POINT · Check availability
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HB
Harbor Breeze
LONG BEACH · Check availability
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FC
Flagship Cruises
SAN DIEGO · Check availability
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P
Paul Grogan
Covers SoCal whale watching, ocean conditions, and the best departure ports on the Southern California coast.