Great diversity of sightings and the resident harbor feeding gray whale is still here

2022 03-19 SB Channel

Sea conditions were glassy and without wind. Skies started with a high stratus layer that gave way to sun. A residual swell remained from winds overnight and to the west. Sightings included 8 gray whales (one observed twice), 100 long-beaked common dolphins and a single Minke whale.

The juvenile whale we observed actively bottom feeding in the mouth of Santa Barbara Harbor, as evidenced by plumes of mud rising to the surface, continued its residence today. Each time we exited and entered we slowed to watch it. An adult that was with this juvenile yesterday left and continued on its northbound journey.

Dolphins located the Condor Express on the morning trip when we were about 2½ miles off Hope Ranch. We had wonderful looks as we continued west. A single whale was watched off Coal Oil Point and a group of 5 more were south west of Platform Holly. The larger group maintained its cohesion and synchronized dives. Good tail flukes were seen.

On the noon trip, the resident feeding whale got very friendly with the Condor and did a bit of spy-hopping, rolling around and came close to the hulls. We also encountered a friendly adult Minke whale 5 miles offshore, and watched as it rode some of the aforementioned swells.

You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com