2021 06-07 SB Coast – West
Captain Colton and the crew took advantage of the magnificent sea conditions along the north side of the Channel today and ran at least 35 nautical miles to the west of Santa Barbara Harbor in search of wildlife. Sightings included: 6+ humpback whales, 2 gray whales, 4000 long-beaked common dolphins and 100 California sea lions.
The Condor Express headed offshore about 8 miles then spent the rest of the morning heading west towards the spectacular Gaviota coastline. Common dolphin pods were “common” all along the route and were actively feeding on patches of northern anchovy. About 8 miles south of Naples Reef 2 humpbacks were closely watched and, among other behaviors, they slapped their chins and executed 2 double (simultaneous) breaches.
Continuing our westerly route, about 2 miles east of Platform Hondo a mother humpback with her calf were on the surface and interacting with a mob of sea lions. It was fun to see these two different species of marine mammal “playing” with each other. Moving south of Hondo another humpback was watched with many more spouts to the west towards Point Conception.
NOTE: On the way home, running late due to the great westerly distance we travelled, we passed by a mother gray whale and her calf. If the pair are migrating towards their summer Alaskan feeding grounds, they are certainly much later than the rest of the population! Wow!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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