Dolphins fly high in video shot off Newport Beach

At least 40 bottlenose dolphins were captured on video this week leaping and playing alongside a whale watching boat off the coast of Newport Beach, some jumping 10 feet into the air and providing an impressive display for delighted passengers.

The video was shot Tuesday by Harrison Hewitt, a crew member on the Davey’s Locker Whale Watching boat Newport Legacy.

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Bottlenose dolphins can be 6 to 12 feet long and weigh close to 1,400 pounds when fully grown, according to Jessica Roame, marine education program manager for Newport Landing Whale Watching, which along with Davey’s Locker and Newport Coastal Adventure runs daily trips from Newport Harbor.

“The reason why dolphins jump this high is unknown, but it may be very possible that it’s simply for enjoyment.” Roame said in an email. “Bottlenose dolphins are among the most intelligent animals in the ocean, and to witness them behaving in this way is both wondrous and incredible.”

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