Humpbacks, blue and fin whales, plus more than 1000 common dolphins.
- Bob Perry
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Image: a blue whale is seen underwater as it comes up to the surface close to the bow of the Condor Express in the Santa Barbara Channel.
2026 05–21 SB Channel
Captain Eddy and the crew reported partly sunny skies for the first half of the trip, and lots of dense 1/4 mile visibility fog on the way back from Santa Cruz Island. There was a light bump, and hardly any wind on the water. Totals: 1500 common dolphins, 3 humpback whales, 2 giant blue whales, and 1 big fin whale.
Due to the ship traffic near the mouth of Santa Barbara Harbor, we had quick looks at 5 common dolphins by the entrance buoy. We headed SE towards beautiful Santa Cruz Island.
W of Platform Habitat, a trio of humpback whales were encountered. It was a mother, her calf, and an escort. They practically never left the surface, and never showed their tails. They were moving very quickly, in full travel mode, to the W.
A second group of common dolphins, a megapod of at least 1500 individuals, located the Condor Express just N of the lanes. They never miss a chance to body surf our side, stern, and bow waves. This is the first megapod we have seen in several days!
Tall spouts in the northbound lane revealed 3 giant beasts. The first was a giant blue whale. Unfortunately for us, it featured long, 20 minute downtimes, during which it traveled great distances underwater in seemingly random directions. Luckily, another beast, this time a big fin whale, was nearby and we had some quick looks at it. I say “quick” because the third beast, another blue whale, came up from underneath the boat and made an appearance right off our bow! (See today’s photograph for an example).
As previously mentioned, our trip back to the Harbor was intense fog with very few sunny “ sucker holes.”
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
