Dall's porpoises are commonly seen offshore and inshore from southern California to Alaska. Being a deepwater animal it comes close to shore where there are canyons or deep channels. Sightings are common in Hecate Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait, Juan de Fuca Strait, and exposed seaways like Queen Charlotte Sound, Dixon Entrance and Fitzhugh Sound. This is the fastest swimmer of the cetacean order reaching speeds of up to 35 mph.