2020 07-31 SB Channel
A moderate breeze and swell characterized the southern half of the Santa Barbara Channel today. Sunny skies with whales and dolphins in the wind: what a special sight it was. Captain Dave and his crew headed towards the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island and the following species were watched closely: 2 humpback whales, 6+ giant blue whales, 50 offshore bottlenose dolphins, and 1000 long-beaked common dolphins.
Near the half-way point of our Channel crossing this morning, near the NOAA East Channel buoy, a nice herd of offshore bottlenose dolphins located the Condor Express and rode our waves and the prevailing swells as well. Soon thereafter 2 humpback whales appeared. They were small whales but very vocal and a social with a lot of rolling around. Lucky for us, they were also boat curious.
As we crossed The Lanes on our southern course heading the wind and seas kicked it up a notch. About this time we entered the land of the giants and blue whale spouts were seen wafting in the breeze. Additional spouts were seen in the distance but we had very nice looks at 6 or more giants. One of them was very friendly and we had great looks at the monster in its “natural habitat.”
On the way home two pods of common dolphins found us. The first was larger than the second and both were a wonderful way to bring closure to this fantastic day with the cetaceans that are so abundant in our neck of the Channel right now.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com