Image: A hot spot with common dolphins and humpback whales.
2023 05-29 SB Channel
Captain Devin and his crew reported calm-to-glassy seas under a gray marine layer today. Sightings were very good as we, once again, ran a course to the far west (El Capitán), the went offshore from there. Sightings included 6 humpback whales closely watched (at least a dozen in the area), 3500 long-beaked common dolphins and 50 California sea lions.
Near the kelp farm the first pod of dolphins located the boat and we had wonderful looks as we made the turn to head west.
After turning south (offshore) again at El Capitán, we soon found ourselves 6 ½ miles offshore in a wide hot spot area festooned with dolphins and over a dozen whales. (See today’s photograph) There were monster breaches in the distance. Among the 6 we closely watched, there were 2 giants slowly traveling north with the dolphins. A small juvenile, also traveling, did a bit of rolling around. Several instances of trumpet vocalization were heard. Sea lions were also feeding in the zone.
On the way back to the harbor: more dolphins.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com