Image: Humpback whales near Platform Holly.
2024 08-22 SB Channel
Captain Dave and the crew reported light bumpy conditions from overnight winds in The Channel. Local winds picked up around noon and made things just a little bit uncomfortable. It was sunny all day and you could see all of the islands. In addition to the island views, we also could watch the Research Vessel Sally Ride, owned by the US Navy and operated by Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UCSD. Sally Ride (named after the first US woman astronaut) was running tight survey transects south of our location. Sightings for the day included 5 humpback whales (we closely watched 4), 3000 common dolphins and one ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
Once again, dolphins were seen throughout the trip. And, as often happens, a handful were seen just out of Santa Barbara Harbor. As we moved west, we saw more dolphins and in larger pods. The largest pods were seen at the hotspots which were full of birdnados, southwest Platform Holly. In the same location, we spotted a large ocean sunfish that was beneath the surface and visible only because the water clarity was so superior. After circling around to relocate this fish, it rose back to the surface and everybody had great looks.
While we were enjoying all the dolphins, our Second Captain Danny spotted a large spout in the distance which turned out to be a single, juvenile, humpback whale. It was an individual we’ve seen a lot lately, and is informally called “the 10 mile whale.“ The nickname was earned because it followed us around one day for at least 10 miles. Throughout the zone we found an additional 4 humpbacks. They were spread out from each other. The last whale was encountered when we were leaving, and starting to head back to The Harbor.… We did not have time to stop and get set up on it.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
Sounds like a wonderful day on the Condor!