The Condor Express was just south of The Lanes when the first marine mammals were sighted. It was 2 humpback whales with short bottom times and plenty of nice tail flukes. Great looks were had before Captain Dave proceeded on a southwesterly course.
Near the east end of Santa Rosa Island and a few miles north a couple of large mobs of 200 – 300 California sea lions were in a tight and active formation on the surface. Soon a third humpback whale was attracted to the area. The third whale had much longer down times but nice looks were there for the taking.
Having run far to the west, Dave took an angle back home that was aimed at UCSB. A few miles offshore of this location a large herd of 500 long-beaked common dolphins came to the boat. It was our only dolphin pod of the trip, but it was a good one.
The day was nice with moderate air temperatures and winds, but not much swell. Totals for the day included 4 humpback whales, 500 dolphins and 300 or so California sea lions.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express