2021 07-16. SB Channel
Seas were calm and in certain spots the water was crystal clear and ideal for whale and dolphin viewing. Totals for today included: two humpback whales and 2000 long-beaked common dolphins.
We were not too far offshore when the first scattered pods of dolphins located us and they continue to find us throughout the rest of the trip. They were specially abundant around feeding spots where whales were located.
Approximately 7 miles southeast of UCSB we found our first humpback whale surrounded by dolphins. It was a large adult whale and it was busy feeding subsurface. It did show us some nice tail flukes.
At this point Captain Dave moved south along The Lanes and we had some spectacular views of the islands. All four islands were in view due to the wonderful atmospheric conditions.
When we were just North of Prisoners Harbor, and still several miles off, we found a second humpback whale. This was an interesting juvenile whale which, in addition to being small, was quite spotted. And here is where the water clarity paid big dividends as the whale made several close approaches to the boat and we could watch it way down there with great clarity. Wow!
On the way home: more dolphins!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com