Awesome: weather, whales, dolphins, sea lions!

Image: a humpback whale shown upside-down, rolling around while socializing.

2023 10-04 SB Channel

Captain Dave reports clear, sunny skies all day today in the Channel. Seas were flat calm and a light breeze finally started up in the afternoon. Sightings were phenomenal: 17+ humpback whales, 5000 long-beaked common dolphins and 400 California sea lions.

We ended up due south of the harbor and north of The Lanes. Our first stop was for a nice herd of dolphins that were working an area alongside several humpback whales, some sea lions and various predatory sea birds.

Moving further offshore, we found and area, about 2 miles wide, with even more dolphins, whales and sea lions. Everywhere we looked there were more and more spouts…hard to count!

Our final stop was also productive with another 4+ whales. As we followed and watched these whales, a dolphin stampede kicked-off with about 400 individuals moving at and estimated 30 knots. Wow!

Among the humpback activities today we witnessed some breaches, including a double breach, lots of socializing which involved vocalizations and rolling around (see today’s photo for an example), and tail-throwing.

You never know what Mother Nature has in store,

Bob Perry Condor Express, and

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