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1st giant of the summer, friendly humpbacks and record-setting dolphin numbers.

2021 06-12 SB Channel

With sunny skies all day, a glassy ocean surface and blue water Captain Colton and the crew traversed the Santa Barbara Channel as they searched and recorded some amazing wildlife sightings today. Totals for the trip: 10,000 long-beaked common dolphins, 3 humpback whales and 1 giant blue whale.

This is the largest number of dolphins ever reported by the Condor Express and our encounters began only 5 miles out from Santa Barbara Harbor and continued all day. Several super mega pods were observed, some with over 5000 individuals. Colton mentioned the fact that, as they headed towards Santa Cruz Island, two super mega pods merged and there were common dolphins as far as the eye could see for at least 10 miles.

Our first humpback was located north of The Lanes with dolphins. As we watched this whale another mega pod of at least 2000 dolphins passed by in a full high speed stampede. This is always a spectacular sight worthy of NatGeo. This pod was headed west, but we were heading southeast. Inside the northbound lane, and adjacent to Chinese Harbor, we encountered two small humpback whales and they proceeded to MUG THE CONDOR EXPRESS!

After we survived the mugging Colton continued east along the face of the island and near Scorpion Anchorage we had our first giant blue whale encounter of the summer season. It was a very cooperative giant with 10-breath surfacings and 10 minute down times.

On the way home….more dolphins!

You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com

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