All-White Killer Whale Makes Rare SoCal Appearance In South OC

DANA POINT, CA — Another orca sighting off the coast of Southern California has marine enthusiasts hurrying to the coast for a chance at seeing the rare apex predator.

The pod of five orcas were spotted in the waters on April 29, where the pod of orcas was seen off the coast of Newport Beach — including one exceptionally rare all-white orca named "Frosty."

The orca appears as its namesake is all-white except for a few black patches on its body. According to Capt. Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching, Frosty may either be leucistic or possess Chediak-Higashi syndrome — which would explain the white tone of this particular orca.

"Absolutely thrilled to see this pod and especially Frosty," says Gisele Anderson, co-president of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. "To see this beautiful animal thriving brings joy to all of us."

Frosty was originally documented in 2019 and belongs to a pod of Bigg's killer whales that have been seen up and down the west coast of North America, between Canada and Mexico.

Residents can learn more about the tours offered by Capt. Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari by visiting the agency's website.