2021 07-24 SB Channel
Captain Dave and the crew transected the midriff of the Santa Barbara Channel and documented lots of cetaceans along the way. Skies were light gray all day from a high stratus marine layer. This resulted in zero wind and that, in turn, generated a glassy ocean surface. Sighting included: 3 humpback whales, 1 giant blue whale, 1 Minke whale and 2000 long-beaked common dolphins.
Smaller pods of dolphins located the boat just 4 miles southeast of the harbor, and within the next few miles the pod sizes increased. Again, feeding subsurface seemed to be their prime objective. A mother humpback and her calf were found with this dolphin and seabird hotspot. We had some very nice looks at the pair.
Dave then took everyone on a short narrated tour of the beautiful sea cliffs, grottos and caves that the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island is famous for. (There are 112 named sea caves known to SUP’rs and kayakers on the north shore alone). Conditions being so calm today Dave put the Condor Express into the entry chamber of the world famous Painted Cave.
Exiting the Cave we almost immediately spotted the very tall blow of a giant blue whale. We were able to follow along at a safe distance as it was traveling to the east.
On the way home, along with the continued stream of dolphins, we slowly passed by a single humpback whale and watched a lone Minke whale too.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com