SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- In a rare and exciting encounter for local whale watchers, a pair of sperm whales was spotted off the coast of San Diego earlier this week, drawing attention from marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts alike.

The massive ocean mammals, known for their block-shaped heads and deep-diving abilities, were seen surfacing several times just a few miles offshore by a group with local tour agency Adventure Whale Watching.

Sperm whales are rarely observed in Southern California waters, as they typically inhabit deeper ocean regions far from the coast -- making the encounter extra special.

"We got to see the deep sea's apex predator -- the largest tooth whale on the planet," said Captain Kyle Hargrave, with the tour agency. " And we not only got to see one but we got to

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