'Dolphin Stampede'

A fin-tastic sight: Incredible moment whale watchers capture a 'dolphin stampede' off the coast of California - A group of whale watchers sailing off the coast of California certainly got their money's worth while out on the water on Thursday.
The catamaran tour was sitting off Dana Point in Orange County, which is known as one of the best vantage points in the US for spotting dolphins.

The group were treated to a 'dolphin stampede', which is when hundreds - sometimes thousands - of dolphins rush across the ocean’s surface, as if in a panic.

According to a video of the event that was posted to YouTube: 'This breathtaking behavior can happen at any time and without any apparent cause,' the post stated.

According to the post, 'porpoising is the fastest mode of travel for dolphins because there is less resistance in air than water.'
There are about 450,000 common dolphins that live off the Southern California coastline, according to The Orange County Register.
Pods of up to 10,000 can be seen off the Orange County coast.

However it is rare to see them in large numbers and taking off as if there's a race with a big prize at the finish line.