2018 08-04 SB Channel East
Captain Dave ran a boat load of happy Santa Barbara Fiesta whale lovers across the Channel and located loads of marine mammals. Sightings today included 2000 long-beaked common dolphins, 1 Minke whale, and 2 humpback whales. Seas were flat and calm. Skies varied from a high stratus to clear and sunny.
Dave describes the dolphin distribution as being everywhere, all day, especially on the whale grounds. These little cetaceans located the Condor Express in pods of 100 or more, and with calm seas, were especially nice to watch. About half way across to the whales, a single Minke whale came up and we had some nice looks with dolphins all around.
In the far eastern Channel, we had an area of great bio-activity. Dolphins, sea birds, sea lions and 2 humpback whales were feeding on northern anchovies and creating a lot of commotion. The largest anchovy densities seemed to be sub-surface and the humpbacks did kick up their flukes a lot as they sounded on the fish schools. The whales also made a close and friendly pass (or two) next to the Condor…always a thrill!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com