Perfect conditions. 15 humpback whales and thousands of dolphins.
- Bob Perry
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
2026 06–30 SB Channel
It was another day with splendid conditions for wildlife viewing. Hazy sun near the shore, gave way to clear skies offshore. The surface of the ocean was mirror glass. The water was clear. Captain Eddy and the crew worked their way slowly out to the edge of the lanes S of the Harbor. Total sightings: 3000 common dolphins, 15 humpback whales, 25 California sea lions and 1 Minke whale.
A small pod of dolphins located the Condor Express just 2 miles S of the Harbor. They were friendly and we watched them a while before moving on to the SE. We saw a single spout in the distance.
On the scene, we found 2 individual humpback whales. Both of them were feeding subsurface and the only other compliment I can pay is that they were very good at showing their tail flukes. There were a few hundred dolphins feeding sub-surface, as well as 25 sea lions.
We moved W and came up near one sub-adult humpback that we have seen in the past. It was dentifiable because it has propeller scars down its side, and the wounds are still being groomed by “whale lice.” It rarely fluked up, per usual, but again the food was shallow today.
We headed 6 miles SE thanks to a tip from Captain Devin and the crew of the Velella. There were at least 12 humpback whales here. All of them appeared to be feeding sub surface and did not do any deep diving hence…Tail flutes were rare again. One of the Whales we recognize as being “Barley,” (Sea ID information at the end of this report, thanks to deck hand, Isabel.) A different sub adult performed a massive tail throw within a couple dozen feet of our bow. Some people had a change of life experience. This event was followed by a massive breach off the stern of the Condor Express. Unfortunately, everybody was looking at the bow, and all they saw was the huge amount of whitewash left behind.
There were at least 1000 common dolphins in the area as well.
On the way home, we had a rare and wonderful encounter with a small Minke whale. It was very Boat friendly, swam alongside, moved off for a few seconds, and then came right back for a second visit. It was a very special way to end a wonderful trip.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
NOTES
Here are the identification numbers for two of today’s Whales. Courtesy of our deckhand Isabel. Thanks, Isabel! You can use happywhale.com like the rest of us do to find more information about this whale and others.
SEAK-2787
A sub adult, two year-old whale that was born in glacier Bay national Park, Alaska. The only two records for this animal took place in Santa Barbara. One was in August of last year and the other, September of last year.
CRC-11682. Barley.
This animal has been recorded 14 times in the Santa Barbara Channel, out of 30 times overall. Its first record came from July 2003 in Monterey Bay, California, and its last record was November of last year in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico.