Visitors off the coast of Newport Beach, California, were treated to a breathtaking sight as a pod of more than 100 dolphins raced and leapt alongside a whale-watching vessel.

The playful display saw the dolphins jumping in unison, creating a spectacle that left passengers cheering and reaching for their cameras. Encounters of this scale are considered rare and highlight the rich marine life that thrives just off Southern California’s coastline.

Marine experts note that large pods of dolphins often gather to feed or travel together, sometimes reaching speeds that allow them to surf alongside boats. For many on board, the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Local tour operators say dolphin sightings are common in the area, but such a massive pod performing high-speed leaps is something truly special—one that passengers won’t soon forget.