Fin whales, commons and Risso’s

2019 01-06 SB Channel

This is our last trip for a couple of weeks as it is time for our annual maintenance haul-out and Coast Guard inspection. And the trip was definitely a doosie with 1000 long-beaked common dolphins, 25 Risso’s dolphins and 3 big fin whales, all watched closely. Skies had patches of sun amidst a thin overcast layer, and there was little or no wind on top of a swell that had heavy surf advisories on west-facing beaches. Of course, these swells just roll by out on the open ocean.

Near mid-Channel a large pod of common dolphins located the Condor Express and got their kicks surfing our bow, side and stern waves, until a larger ocean set of swells came by and they took off for the larger size. Fickle surfers! Spouts were seen in the area and Captain Tasha soon located 3 large fin whales. These giants soon became very friendly and made quite a few close approaches to the boat. It’s times like these that we are happy we are not a propeller-driven boat.

On the way home, and not far from the NOAA weather buoy, we had fantastic looks at a herd of about 25 Risso’s dolphins…always great to see!

You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com