Beaked Whale

One of the most rarely encountered species of marine mammals around the world, beaked whales are one of the least documented mammals in all the oceans. Not only do they spend their lives far from shore in very deep water but they can also hold their breath for several hours, making them that much more difficult to find since they're not at the surface much. Baird's and Cuvier's beaked whales can both be spotted offshore here but most likely will be found past Catalina and San Clemente Islands where water depths are 4,000-6,000 feet. There are several different types of beaked whales around the world and some can dive to depths of 10,000 feet. Most of the photos online of beaked whales are those that have washed ashore and there is still a lot that is unknown about these animals. They are a type of toothed whale and typically forage for squid or fish down deep. Cuvier's are the most sighted of all the beaked whales but even those are not commonly sighted.

Cuvier's Beaked Whale

Photo by Delaney Trowbridge

Cuvier's Beaked Whale

Baird's Beaked Whales

Drone photo

Baird's Beaked Whales