The habitat of this species includes deep oceanic waters from the outer continental shelf across the temperate North Pacific. They are sometimes seen nearshore, especially where deep water approaches the coast (such as underwater canyons), and apparently prefer "coastal-type" waters in the California Current system (see Jefferson et al. 1994). Ferrero (1998) observed in the central North Pacific that sea surface temperature was the most influential habitat parameter, with L. borealis occupying warmer waters than either Phocoenoides dalli or Lagenorhynchus obliquidens.

Groups of northern right whale dolphins mixed with other marine mammals, especially Pacific-white-sided dolphins (with which they share a nearly identical range) and Risso’s dolphins, are not uncommon (Baird and Stacey 1991).

Although market squid and lanternfish are the major prey items for northern right whale dolphins off southern California, a variety of other species are taken by this species throughout the range. These include various species of cephalopods, hakes, sauries, and several species of surface and midwater fishes.