Hot and glassy! Loads of dolphins and good whales too!

2019 06-09 SB Channel

Captain Colton and his crew experienced fantastic sea conditions and bright sunshine in the Santa Barbara Channel throughout a single excursion. Closely watched species included 4 humpback whales and 1500 long-beaked common dolphins. Additionally, 4 nasty Mylar helium balloons were plucked off the ocean surface and put in the trash where they belong. “Happy graduation”?

While heading south across the Channel, the first major sighting of wildlife took place when a small pod of very friendly dolphins located the Condor Express. Lots of great looks were had. The nearby NOAA buoy area produced even more dolphins along with a single whale. The whale was in “travel mode” and heading west.

A bit to the east a pair of whales and a megapod of at least 1000 dolphins were encountered. Fantastic sightings! During this episode, a third whale passed through the area, too. Colton wrapped things up with a nice and informative tour of the oil platforms which are found off the Carpinteria coast.

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