2019 12-08 SB Channel
Captain Colton and his crew took a grand tour of the middle Channel area today that included Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island and areas near Coal Oil Point on the mainland. There was a moderate breeze and some long period rolling swells from the west. Sightings included 4 humpback whales and 1000 long-beaked common dolphins.
Our first stop was a tour of the northern face of Santa Cruz Island with looks at the steep sea cliffs, coves and caves. Colton took a westerly course from here and ended up past Carrington Point, Santa Rosa Island, in search of cetaceans. After working the island shelf and crossing the Channel once, the Condor Express headed north and ended up about 5 miles south of Platform Holly.
Next, one of the sharp-eyed naturalists, Debbie S, called out that spouts were visible in the distance. After a few miles we found a pair of humpback whales. One breached close to the boat and the other was particularly friendly. All the dolphins were in this area too. An additional pair of whales was also watched, and even more were around in the near distance.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com