2018 03-24 SB Coast
Two trips left the docks in Santa Barbara Harbor; one left at 9am and the other at 12 noon. A total of 8 gray whales were closely watched, and per usual for this time of year, all whales were on their northbound migration. Four whales were seen on the 9am trip and four more on the 12 noon trip. We expect good numbers of whales next week, too, if the historical record based on census data over the past 10 seasons holds true.
The wind died down before the 9am trip and remained calm until we returned to the harbor at 230 pm. The ocean surface had a slight bump as a result of the over-night winds, but all in all conditions were fine for whale watching today.
The first whale of the morning excursion was located 3 miles south of Leadbetter Beach. We followed it up the coast and had great looks. Off More Mesa a trio of whales was encountered and we followed them as far as Goleta Bay.
Two whales were found, again 3 miles offshore, to get the afternoon trip started. The pair was a bit shy, but we managed to get a good solid sighting period with them. Captain Dave and his crew turned around and headed back to the harbor, but took the “kelp bed superhighway” near the beach. Off Lighthouse Point two additional whales were spotted. These were smaller whales and they spent a lot of time playing in the kelp forest.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express