Perfect conditions. 11 humpbacks and 1500 dolphins
- Bob Perry
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Image: A humpback whale, seen from the side, is using slow motion “trap feeding“
2026 07–13 SB Channel
What a day! The seas were glassy all day. Skies were mostly sunny with an occasional puffy cloud. The crystal clear water was Santa Barbara cobalt blue. Captain Eddy and the crew ran a little more to the SE today and found some great life in the lanes. Total sightings for the day: 1500 common dolphins, 11 humpback whales (1 was seen twice), and 200 California sea lions.
When we were 7 miles outside the harbor we ran into a small pod of 200 dolphins and watched them in crystal clear water. Magnificent!
N of the lanes we found 3 individual humpbacks. 2 randomly swam off, and we watched the third one for a while. It made a couple of close passes. All of them were following the aforementioned dolphins.
After moving 1 mile S, we saw another individual humpback whale using a unique feeding method that we’ve only seen once before. Although we were unable to identify this whale today, the feeding behavior is the same as our old pal Dos Equis. Some call it “trap feeding”. Essentially the humpback rolls on its side, makes a half circle, and rises up with his mouth open to trap the food. This is not a lunge. (See photograph above ). Everything is much slower. We would record a second sighting of this animal later when we left the area and headed for home.
In the separation zone we found 6 more whales and at least 1000 additional dolphins. Thanks to the clear water we saw them when they came by and swam under the boat! 25 California sea lions were also present at this location.
The crew retrieve two large clumps or clusters of helium, deflated, mylar balloons from the ocean surface. Many cities have banned these balloons… The sooner the better!
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry