Sperm whales make rare appearance off San Diego coast

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- In a rare and exciting encounter for local whale watchers, a pair of sperm whales was spotted off the coast of San Diego earlier this week, drawing attention from marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts alike.

The massive ocean mammals, known for their block-shaped heads and deep-diving abilities, were seen surfacing several times just a few miles offshore by a group with local tour agency Adventure Whale Watching.

Sperm whales are rarely observed in Southern California waters, as they typically inhabit deeper ocean regions far from the coast -- making the encounter extra special.

"We got to see the deep sea's apex predator -- the largest tooth whale on the planet," said Captain Kyle Hargrave, with the tour agency. " And we not only got to see one but we got to see two sperm whales coming together in what can be described as 'a whale embrace' or maybe a 'whale bromance.'"

The tour operators and boaters were thrilled by the surprise visit. The crew captured video footage (seen at the top of this article) of the creatures as they breached and slowly rolled through the water, leaving onlookers in awe.

So why were they so close to shore?

Experts say the whales may have been searching for food or simply passing through, but sightings like this can help scientists better understand sperm whale movements and behavior.

"Their food lives in deep water, so a typical dive for a sperm whale can go up to 4,000 feet deep and last up to 90 minutes," Captain Hargrave explained. "So the place they prefer is in the deep, deep water."

Explaining further, the local tour operator said here in San Diego, there is "a unique bathymetry," or the contours of the seabed floor, which can get over 3,000 feet deep. He said this is a perfect place for squid -- the favorite food of sperm whales -- which could be why they were spotted.

According to Captain Hargrave, the last sperm whale sighting off San Diego's coast was reported by officials at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 2011.

"We're hoping that we get to see them more and more," he continued.

Though the chance to see a sperm whale off the San Diego coast remains rare, it's not impossible.