Slideshow: The Big Whales are Back – Blue Whales Return to OC

As the gray whale migration comes to an end, the big whales have returned to Orange County!

Blue whales, the largest known animal to have ever lived, and fin whales, the second largest animal in the world, are being seen on a regular basis off the Orange County coast.

Passengers and crew of Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari are thrilled to see so many returning blue whale friends. "Delta" and "Hook" have already made Southern California appearances  this year. And just recently, "Kinko" returned to the region for the third year in a row!

Blue whales are here feeding on krill, a tiny shrimp-like crustacean. They can consume four tons of krill every day. May through October is the best time to see these gentle giants. Fin whales, recognizable by their prominent dorsal fins, are also here feeding on krill and fish. To the delight of Dana Point whale watchers we've had several rare encounters with a fin whale mother and calf!

Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari has trips available every day to see these huge and magnificent animals.

Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari offers daily, year-round, dolphin and whale watching trips from Dana Point, California aboard a hi-tech catamaran sailboat with Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods and LIVE broadcasting from http://www.dolphinsafari.com.

STORY FROM CAPTAIN DAVE'S DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING SAFARI