← BACKFIELD GUIDE / SEI WHALE
RARE SIGHTING

Sei whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Like a slim fin whale but symmetrical jaw, blow and dorsal appear together. Often misidentified.

Stats

At a glance

LENGTH
45–60 ft
WEIGHT
20–30 tons
LIFESPAN
50–70 yrs
DIET
Copepods, krill, small fish
RARITY
Very rare — celebrate
SEASON
Sporadic
How to ID

What to look for

Like a slim fin whale but symmetrical jaw, blow and dorsal appear together. Often misidentified.
BEHAVIORS TO WATCH FOR
Blow and dorsal appear togetherShallow skim-feedingRarely shows flukes
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 COUNTHOVER A BAR
TODAY
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Where to go (operators post live sighting data)

Newport & Long Beach operators share daily trip counts — you can see what was spotted before you book. Other operators don't publish daily reports.

NC
Newport Coastal Adventure
3,600 common dolphins · 13 humpback whales · 3 minke whales
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NW
Newport Whales
3,600 common dolphins · 13 humpback whales · 3 minke whales
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DL
Davey's Locker
3,600 common dolphins · 13 humpback whales · 3 minke whales
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HB
Harbor Breeze
2,000 common dolphins · 2 humpback whales
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DW
Dana Wharf
DANA POINT · No sightings reported yet today
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SD
San Diego Whale Watch
200 common dolphins · 5 fin whales
Book Now
P
Paul Grogan
Covers SoCal whale watching, ocean conditions, and the best departure ports on the Southern California coast.