Twice as many gray whales spotted

From aboard the Christopher, operated by Capt. Dan Salas of Harbor Breeze Cruises, observers watch gray whales breaching off the coast of Long Beach. Salas says the rise in the number of gray whales has attracted so many whale watchers that he’s had to add more boats to the tour schedule.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

As observers watch from aboard a tour boat, a gray whale splashes into the water.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A gray whale reveals its tail, much to the delight of whale watchers aboard Capt. Dan Salas’ boat, the Christopher.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Whale watchers are surprised by a pod of bottlenose dolphins near the boat. Dan Salas of Harbor Breeze Cruises said the “ocean has just absolutely come alive” this season.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

As observers wait to see gray whales making their annual migration south along the Southern California coast, a bottlenose dolphin leaps from the water.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)