Perfect sun and sea results in stupendous sightings!

Image: a blue shark searches for knick-knacks on the surface.

2024 03-17 SB Channel 

Captain Devin and the crew of the Condor Express hosted two trips today with absolutely perfect conditions in the Channel. Total sightings for the day included: 3700 long-beaked common dolphins, 7 gray whales, 3 humpback whales, and 1 blue shark.

The 9 AM trip got started very quickly with a mega pod of common dolphins located just 2 miles off of Ledbetter. We stayed with this lively group for quite a while, then moved north, towards the coast. Here we picked up and followed a single gray whale on its northbound migration. This whale was rather reclusive and in "travel mode" while we watched it. It did have regular, and short, dive cycles which helped. On the way home, a second, but smaller pod, of common dolphins (with a lot of birds) was noted. 

The Condor Express headed south east on the noon trip. Near the Summerland oil rig line, we watched a mega pod of common dolphins. Nearby, there were 2 northbound gray whales that were rolling around and socializing. We also found a very friendly, easy to watch, small blue shark.  

At this point, the boat moved to the west where we found 2 more gray whales and 1 very shy, tough-to-follow, humpback whale. It had long dive times. On the plus side, it did show its tail once or twice. Just a tiny bit further to the west, 2 more humpback whales were very shy; we only had one look at the pair. To the east, a spout in the distance turned out to be 2 large northbound gray Whales. We had good looks and, on the way home, found another mega pod of common dolphins.

You never know what Mother Nature has in store,

Bob Perry

Condor Express, and

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