Good humpback action and two different species of dolphins.
- Bob Perry
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
2026 04–10 SB Channel
Both the 9A and 12 N excursions had wonderful conditions and great sightings. There was a bit of light rain and drizzle at the beginning of the morning trip, but then it tapered off and skies became partly sunny. The ocean surface was glassy. Total sightings for the day: 22 bottlenose dolphins, 12 humpback whales (8 were close; 4 were distant) and 800 common dolphins.
The morning adventure began with a pod of 12 bottlenose dolphins 3 miles offshore. These were probably the coastal variety and we had some wonderful looks before moving a bit SW. When we were 6 miles off the Mesa we closely watched 3 humpback whales (with 4 more in the distance). One of them was a full grown adult and it got active. We saw it rolling around, swimming on its back, and slapping its monster pectoral flipper. (See today’s photo for an example).
12 N brought us 8 more coastal bottlenose dolphins, this time they were at the mouth of the Harbor. We stayed with them as they moved E, into the Anchorage. A short drive 4 miles offshore put us in the middle of 800 common dolphins. Nearby we watched 10 very enthusiastic offshore bottlenose dolphins. They were both aerial and acrobatic today, especially when Captain Dave accelerated.
We had a great looks at a trio of adult humpbacks after a short trip S. They appeared to be a feeding sub-surface and, as one crew person noted, their breath was extra stinky today. They were busy but there were some random occasions when they popped up next to the Condor Express for some potential whale selfies. Adjacent to the trio was a cow-calf humpback pair. They didn’t show much interest in us except after Captain Dave turned and started to head back to the harbor. Almost immediately the calf breached 3 times in a row. Wow!
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
