Gigantic blue whales stun the SoCal coast

Dozens of blue whales have been surfacing recently off the coast of Southern California, giving both tourists and locals one of the rarest spectaculars ever seen on earth.

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

Catching a glimpse of the earth's largest creature is definitely something to brag about. These massive creatures stretch to the length of a basketball court and can weigh as much as eight airplanes.

Spotting a blue whale in the ocean is rare, according to CBS News correspondent Hattie Kauffman.

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

Just how close are these gentle giants getting to the shore?

According to Craig Stanton, of Voyager Excursions, a whale-watching tour company, the whales have been within one to two miles of land.

"We get a few stragglers that get within a few hundred yards of the mouth of the harbor," Stanton said. "It's to the point where we get paddle boarders and kayakers getting alongside of them, which is pretty unique."

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

What brought these beautiful blue beasts here?

The endangered animals are drawn to small shrimp called krill found in a harbor near Los Angeles, Calif.

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

When word got out that the endangered animals were putting on a show, tour boats began filling fast with animal enthusiasts.

Whale-watcher Tim Hammond has been out to see them three times, trying to capture that perfect photo.

"We had four whales at one time, so it was just amazing," he said.

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

Each sighting offers a new surprise, says whale-watcher Tim Hammond.

There's also no shortage of thrills, knowing that you're in the presence of a sea creature that enormous.

On a recent trip, Hammond said, "One went under the boat and scared all of us, but we just had a great time today."

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

CBS News correspondent Hattie Kauffman points out that this is a scene that couldn't have happened just a few years ago. Blue whales were hunted almost to extinction. They are still considered endangered, with only 8,000 to 9,000 in all the oceans of the world.

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

In the exact same spot at the exact same time in 2010, nearly 200 whales surfaced along the Southern California coastline in search of their favorite food, a tiny shrimp called krill. Experts believe colder water temperatures are creating a perfect harbor for krill and, as a result, these gentle giants.

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

Scientists say that blue whales can live up to eight years.

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

One whale watcher said, "It was incredibly amazing. I never thought I'd see a whale in my lifetime. Honestly, it was just breathtaking!"

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

A blue whale nears a body boarder.

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast

A blue whale's dorsal fin can be seen as the immense creature breaks the water's surface.

"Happy Feet" the penguin released into wild
Photos: "Happy Feet" released into wild
Huge blue whales put on show off Calif. coast