This footage was filmed and produced 17 February 2024.

A rare sighting of orcas off the coast of San Miguel Island has left wildlife enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. Ranger Merrill, patrolling the waters near Point Bennett, stumbled upon a pod of killer whales, completely disrupting the usual tranquility of the area.

The majestic creatures, with their distinctive black dorsal fins towering 5 feet above the water, surprised Ranger Merrill as they breached the surface just off his boat. The sight of the huge male orca, followed by six others including a calf, left no doubt as to why the usual occupants of the waters, the elephant seals and sea lions, were nowhere to be found.

Sightings of orcas off the Channel Islands are rare but not unheard of. These apex predators can appear at any time of the year, making them a thrilling sight for lucky observers. Ranger Merrill was fortunate enough to capture the pod on video, providing a rare glimpse of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Killer whales, orcas, are known to live in social groups called pods, sticking with the pod they were born into. These pods can vary in size, ranging from 3 to 20 killer whales. The sighting of this pod off San Miguel Island serves as a reminder of the diverse marine life that inhabits the waters of the Santa Barbara channel.

For those who have witnessed orcas in the Santa Barbara channel, the experience is undoubtedly unforgettable. The video captured by Ranger Merrill showcases the orcas' dorsal fins bobbing in and out of the water against the stunning backdrop of San Miguel Island, a sight that will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of those who were lucky enough to witness it on February 17, 2024.