Image: A bunch of humpbacks are seen rolling around and exhaling spout spray on their fans aboard the Condor Express.
2024 10-26 SB Channel
Captain Dave and the crew reported a near record-breaking mugging that lasted over 1½ hours non-stop. Although the first part of the trip we dealt with dense fog, things improved later in a big way. Totals for today included: 2500 common dolphins and 8 humpback whales.
South of The Farm scattered, small pods of dolphins located the Condor Express. Larger pods would show up later and give us great looks.
Two separate individual whales were watched briefly southeast of The Farm. Both seemed to be feeding subsurface so we continued on our southeasterly heading. Before long, we hit the jackpot with 5 closely bonded whales. In the mix we watched a mother with her calf and 3 large adults. It was this five-some that would not stray more that a few feet from our twin hulls for the aforementioned long mugging event. Whales were moving up and down our sides, passing under us, and kept everyone glued to their antics. On a few occasions, whales spy hopped and held their vertical position for a long time, seemingly watching the people. Others rolled around, and one swam around slowly while upside down. (See today’s photograph for an example of these behaviors). Nearby, another spout was seen but it never joined the mugging.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
My husband and I were lucky to be on this trip. The whales were unbelievable! We have never experienced anything like that!
Thank you Condor Express!!!
Outstanding!