United States - November 10, 2025 Note: Credit: @amberandcophoto / @newportwhales / Davey’s Locker Whale Watching Newport Beach – On the afternoon of November 10, passengers aboard the Ocean Explorer out of Davey’s Locker Whale Watching captured what may be the most incredible candid image from one of our trips. A humpback whale burst completely out of the water right behind a group of friends posing for a photo. Video footage shows the massive animal surfacing just feet away, spraying water onto the boat and stunning everyone onboard. Since November 5, several humpback whales have been feeding daily just off the coast. These whales are part of the North Pacific population that spends summers feeding off Central and Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. As fall arrives, they begin their long migration toward the warm breeding grounds off Mexico and Central America. This year, large schools of anchovies near shore have likely drawn them closer, creating a rare feeding spectacle. While humpbacks migrate through Southern California waters each year, the frequency and intensity of this season’s sightings are remarkable. Calm seas, clear weather, and abundant food have created perfect whale-watching conditions. Experts expect the thrilling displays to continue through the Thanksgiving break.