2017 09-27-SB Channel
Captain Dave reports seeing 5 humpback whales, 1 fin whale, 1000 long-beaked common dolphins, 1000 short-beaked common dolphins, and as a bonus, one nice Mako shark. Skies were clear and sunny. The ocean was mill pond glass and clear. It was another epic day for the Condor Express in the Santa Barbara Channel.
Dolphins were everywhere, most especially the long-beaked species. Things got hot about 6 miles offshore, as reported yesterday as well. Among the dolphins the humpback whales were spread out and fluked-up on almost every dive. There was a mother humpback with a calf also among the five seen.
South of the lanes, a tremendous blow was spotted which turned out to be a giant fin whale. The beast seemed to be feeding below the surface and was soon down again. Dave decided to run west towards the world-famous Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island. A mega-pod of 500 short-beaked common dolphins made their presence known through high-flying leaps, tail-walking, and general pandemonium.
Dave’s tour of the northern sea cliffs, grottos and caves near the western end of Santa Cruz is not to be missed. He’s made a considerable study of the island and has honed a concise, informative and entertaining discourse. The bonus referred to above, an 8-foot Mako shark, was discovered finning on the mirror glass surface. The shark spent a nice period alongside the boat in clear water and everyone had great looks. On the way home, and not far from The Cave, another mega-pod of short-beaked common dolphins found the Condor Express.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express