2020 07-22 SB Channel
A high, thin marine stratus layer hung around all day over generally flat seas. Captain Dave and the crew of the Condor Express transited the Santa Barbara Channel, ending up south of The Lanes adjacent to Carrington Point, Santa Rosa Island. Sightings included: 10+ giant blue whales, 300 offshore bottlenose dolphins and 200 long-beaked common dolphins.
Scattered small groups of common dolphins were encountered all the way across the Channel. As we approached The Lanes, a large pod of at least 100 offshore bottlenose dolphins were also watched closely. To end the trip on a “high” note, 2 additional large bottlenose pods were engaged on the trip home to Santa Barbara Harbor. I said “high” note in reference to pervasive aerial acrobatics by these dolphins today. There were, indeed, loads of high-flyers.
South of The Lanes (closer to Santa Rosa) giant spouts were seen everywhere. We had ample time to set up and closely watch 10 giant blues, but lots of additional spouts were seen, particularly to the west of our location. As reported on the weekend, the giants had very short dive times and wonderful long surface breathing intervals. Several tail flukes were thrown up to further cement this outstanding day in our memories.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com
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