Two excellent fin whales were encountered along with 25 inshore bottlenose sightings and four gray whales on two excursions today. Trips left Santa Barbara Harbor at 9am and noon with excellent sea conditions and very clear, blue Santa Barbara cobalt, water.
The morning trip headed west, up the coast. More than a dozen dolphins greeted the Condor Express near Hope Ranch and everyone on board watched these animals play, roll around and come visit the boat. Continuing to the far west, near Naples Reef, four gray whales were located. The group consisted of 3 large adults and one smaller younger whale.
At noon we were greeted by ten additional bottlenose dolphins near Hendry’s Beach. These animals exhibited similar social behaviors as the morning pod. Captain Dave and his crew continued sailing west in search of whales. At UCSB Dave turned offshore and, about 6 miles out, located two huge fin whales. These beasts were actively feeding on krill below the surface and came close to the Condor Express a few times for fantastic looks.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com