It was a blue whale day

Image: a tail flukes waterfall from a giant blue whale dive.

2026 05–20 SB Channel

Captain Eddy and the crew encountered ideal conditions in the Santa Barbara channel as they took the Condor Express SE towards beautiful Santa Cruz Island. It was sunny and clear, a tiny swell, with a light breeze. Total sightings: 400 common dolphins and 4 giant blue whales (we closely watched 2).

A mere 3 miles S of the Harbor brought us into a spread-out group of feeding dolphins. There were a few calves in the mix, and lots of diving birds joined the banquet. 

At this point we traversed the entire channel and finally stopped in the southbound lanes where there were plenty of huge, tall, spouts. There was a cooperative pair of giant blue whales. One was absolutely huge, and the second was only slightly smaller. In contrast to the coastal waters, out here by the island water clarity was spectacular and enabled us to watch the bright blue reflection of the whales underwater. (Many experts believe this is how the species got its common name).

These giants had long surface times. Both were also excellent at kicking-up their flukes in preparation for their terminal, or sounding, dive. (See today’s photo for an example). We spent a long time with these 2 individuals. There was a third big, tall spout in the area. Likewise, as we headed home, another individual popped up, and we got great looks on a drive-by basis.

You never know what mother nature has in store.

Bob Perry

condorexpressphotos.com

NOTE: large numbers of the floating purple sailor jelly (Velella velella) are still present in the offshore waters