Image: A very friendly Minke whale is seen in crystal clear water.
2024 08–17 SB Channel
A thin, high, overcast layer cleared out to sunny, blue skies around noon. Seas were very flat and calm with just a light breeze late in the day. Once again, the water was crystal clear and a Santa Barbara cobalt color. Sightings included: 4 humpback whales, 7 minke whales, 3000 common dolphins and 1 ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
Captain Dave and the crew headed southeast for the far corner of the flats near Platform Gail. Before we got to the Summerland rig line, we saw our first small pod of dolphins. Between the rig line and Platform Habitat there were a lot more dolphins. We also closely watched 3 individual Minke whales. One of them made a close pass by the Condor Express and everybody had great looks due to the water clarity. (See today’s photograph for an example). A small ocean sunfish was also seen in this zone.
As we continued southeast, we came upon 3 more Minke whales that were seen together. One of them left and we watch the two that stayed behind. Again, we had great underwater looks and views of these magnificent baleen whales.
When we were north of The Lanes near Platform Grace, we encountered 4 humpback whales. Two of them came by for a very close inspection of the Condor Express. One of them actually mugged the boat for a short while…again the water clarity greatly enhanced this encounter. The same “mugging whale” also threw its mighty tail.
On the way home, there were more common dolphins. At one point, we saw yet another Minke whale at a bit of a distance. It made a high-speed run towards the boat! You don’t see that every day.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
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