Image: A mob of sea lions follow a humpback whale diving and surfacing
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2024 04-02 SB ChannelÂ
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We experienced calm, glassy seas and lots of humpback whales during two trips, at 9a and 12n. Total sightings for the day included: 9 humpback whales and 30 California sea lions. The crew removed one, deflated, floating Mylar balloon from the ocean surface.
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We paid a visit to a hot spot southeast of the Kelp Farm on both excursions today. On the morning cruise we watched 3 individual whales that were engaged in slow motion dives and surface activity. At noon we watched 6 whales (a pair and 4 singles). One of the pair had a pure white tail. Also observed on the noon trip was a mob of sea lions that were diving with the whales, perhaps for sub-surface feeding on the same fish schools. The whales seemed to hold the breath longer, as evidenced by the sea lions coming up (together) a few minutes before the whales. Captain Dave and the crew used the sea lion sentinels to put the Condor Express in good position for seeing the surfacing whales.
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Dave moved east and gave a shore tour of Platform Charlie on the way home.
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You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
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Bob Perry
Condor Express, and