Yesterday we explored the west-central or “midriff” section of the Santa Barbara Channel, so today Captain Dave wanted some new territory and new possibilities. He took advantage of the wonderful weather and sea conditions to make a long run to the southeast. This trek took the Condor Express into Anacapa Passage and the nearby Channel waters in search of cetaceans. Sightings today, from the eastern Channel, included 6 humpback whales, 700 long-beaked common dolphins and at least 100 offshore bottlenose dolphins.
The day kicked into gear just outside the city limits of Santa Barbara with some nice, scattered feeding pods of common dolphins. There were continual patches of common dolphins all the way down to the east.
Dave explored Anacapa Passage having heard of possible large whales in that zone, but did not see any today. The Passage did produce yet another epic encounter with very eager offshore bottlenose dolphins. This bottlenose pod had loads of calves and, per usual, was highly animated.
On the way home Dave located six humpback whales. There were great tail fluke sightings, some bright white pectoral fins, and a few small chin slap/head lifts. The humpback whale sightings were the last cetaceans to be seen before we docked…a great excursion all the way around.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
PS Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to our deckhand Steve.