The largest animals in the history of the world have taken some time out from their busy schedules to visit the warm summer waters off the coast of Long Beach, and yesterday Christian Millan was able to snap these gorgeous photos of both blue whales and fin whales, even capturing very rare photos of their flukes (or tails). Neither species normally exposes their flukes.

The whale-watching tour was provided by Harbor Cruises and are available to the public throughout the summer. Other photos below are of common dolphins following the ship, and sea lions sunning on buoys. The ocean is teeming with life during these nutrient-rich times, and the whales feed on abundant sources of krill about five miles off the coast of Long Beach while the gettin’ is good.

A few weeks ago, we told you about the vibrant ocean life that inhabits oil rigs a few miles off the Long Beach coast (click here for that story with photos). Today, we bring you just one more example of the wondrous environment that lies beneath the surface of our very own ocean.

A fin whale breaks the surface before diving for a mouthful of krill.

A blue whale spouts a breath of air 15-20 feet into the air.

Blue whales are the largest animals to ever live and can grow to more than 100 feet in length.

Blue whales are normally spotted by their spouts, which can be seen for miles.

A rare blue whale fluke sighting as it dives to feed.