TRINIDAD, Calif. — A group of kayakers paddling off the North Coast recently experienced a stunning sight of a whale surfacing near their kayaks — complete with a dramatic geyser-like spout and tail dive — just offshore from Trinidad.
The encounter was captured by Nick Butterfield and took place during a guided tour with Kayak Trinidad, a local adventure company known for offering paddlers close-up views of the region’s rich marine wildlife. The company regularly leads excursions through the bay, where sightings like this one, while not guaranteed, are far from rare.
According to Visit Redwoods, prime whale-watching season in the area runs from September through January, and again from March through June. The best chances for a sighting, they note, are often in the early morning hours.
For those lucky enough to catch a glimpse, it’s a magical reminder of the natural beauty — and surprises — found along California’s North Coast.
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