A cool, overcast day yields good results!
- Bob Perry
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
2025 05-02 SB Channel
Two trips left the docks today, a 9am trip with overcast skies and glassy seas, plus a 12p excursion which was also overcast with a light breeze on the water. Water clarity was excellent. Total sightings for the day included: 6 humpback whales and 1 Minke whale. The Channel is still festooned with Velella velella, but not to the extent it was a few weeks ago.
Around 10a, on the morning trip, we got two quick looks at a single humpback whale that quickly disappeared beneath the surface, never to be seen again. As we searched, we did some Velella watching. Captain Dave moved the search westward, and on the return trip we watched another single whale that was more cooperative and fun to see.
It was 1225p, on the afternoon excursion, that we had nice looks at a Minke whale to start things off. It made 3 breathing/dive cycles before we moved on. As we watched for humpbacks, a bottom trawler, Sea Hawk, was dragging its net right through the search zone. A few minutes later, and close to the Sea Hawk, we watched a pair of humpbacks that was joined by a 3rd whale. They made several close approaches for their loving fans. On our way home a 4th whale found us and mugged us by performing high-speed swims along the sides of the Condor Express. (See photo)
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
