Image: two humpbacks make a friendly pass by the Condor Express.
2024 05-29 SB Channel
Skies in The Channel were overcast until we reached Santa Cruz Island where things warmed up a bit. This was a good thing since most of our sightings were close to the island. The ocean surface was flat with no wind. Sightings today included: 2 Minke whales, 500 common dolphins, 4 humpback whales, and a very large ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
Two miles south of the harbor we found a Minke whale and got pretty good looks. About that time, we passed slowly by a large ocean sunfish (Mola mola)… always good to see. Nearby we watched some dolphins…very few in number and widely spaced out. Continuing south, when we were 6 miles out we saw another Minke whale.
As we entered the northbound Lanes adjacent to the middle of Santa Cruz Island, we found a much larger group of dolphins, but again, the little cetaceans were quite spread out.
South of The Lanes, we got closer looks at two humpback whales with a third one nearby. We followed the pair closely as they were slowly logging and meandering on the surface. There was some rolling around and a couple of friendly passes (see today’s photograph for an example).
Taking advantage of the beautiful sunshine and wonderful conditions, Captain Dave and the crew took us into Fry’s Harbor for a tour and some wonderful island history.
On the way home we had quick looks at another humpback whale.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry.
Condor Express, and