Rare albino dolphin spotted in Monterey Bay

A rare white dolphin was seen in Monterey Bay on Sept. 20, 2018. A rare white dolphin was seen in Monterey Bay on Sept. 20, 2018. Photo: Daniel Bianchetta / Big Sur Photo Photo: Daniel Bianchetta / Big Sur Photo Image 1 of / 33 Caption Close Rare albino dolphin spotted in Monterey Bay 1 / 33 Back to Gallery

On a whale watching trip in Monterey Bay Thursday, the most exciting sight wasn't even a whale.

Sure, the group saw 45 humpback whales, two harbor porpoises and a killer whale, but there was an especially rare creature hiding among the approximately 200 Risso's dolphins they spotted frolicking in the water: an albino dolphin.

Pictures and video show how the albino dolphin's coloring dramatically differs from a typical Risso's dolphin. Its bright white color makes it stand out in the pack.

The albino appeared to be a juvenile, said Nancy Black, marine biologist with Monterey Bay Whale Watch.

ALSO: Video shows humpback whale defending her calf in intense 40-minute standoff

In June 2017, a baby white dolphin was spotted in Monterey Bay, though it appeared to have more yellow tones in its coloring than Thursday's visitor.

The drone video taken by Monterey Bay Whale Watch also shows sea lions munching on a Mola Mola sunfish and humpback whales lunge diving deep underwater.

Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com.

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