2017 07-17 SB Channel
Skies were covered all day by a high stratus layer, and seas were extremely calm. Captain Eric and his team set-up and got great looks at: 6 humpback whales, 750 long-beaked common dolphins and 1 large Mola mola (ocean sunfish). The excursion today made good sightings on both sides of the Santa Barbara Channel.
The inaugural sightings of the trip included a very active humpback whale and 100 or so dolphins. The action was watched just south of Platform “C.” The whale breached 5 or 6 times, threw its massive tail flukes and slapped its long pectoral flippers. This exhibition was spread over a half-hour or more of exciting looks after which the Condor Express continued on a course to the south.
Along the Channel-crossing part of the trip loads of additional dolphins came to the boat and two additional whales were watched. The pair of whales consisted of a mother humpback and her active calf. The calf became the second whale of the day to breach close to the boat. Sea birds and California sea lions were also abundant and active in this zone.
Near the north end of the Santa Cruz Channel a huge Mola mola was found in some drifting, detached giant kelp debris on the surface. After a few minutes of quality time with the ocean sunfish, several additional whales were discovered and watched.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express