Most mornings for the past couple months, several pods of particularly playful dolphins have been spotted in the surf just off the shores of Santa Monica and Venice. I took my camera along this morning to shoot a few quick photos and, sure enough, they did not disappoint. I saw at least two dozen dolphins, all seemingly unfazed by the presence of about 30 triathlon swimmers in training, a couple kayakers, a pair of scullers and dozens of surfers (one of whom was paddle surfing).

For those who are interested: I usually see the dolphins during the first 90 minutes of daylight, about 60 yards out, along the stretch of beach south of the Santa Monica Pier and north of the Venice breakwater opposite the Venice Promenade.

Photo links after the jump ...