Rough seas bring special sightings.
Image: a robust juvenile humpback whale is shown busting through the oncoming swells with its wonderful white pectoral fins glowing under the water.
2026 08–28 SB Channel
The first half of the trip featured sea conditions that reminded me of that old classic “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.” Skies were partly cloudy, and there was only a light breeze, but the heavy chop from the W persisted until Captain Dave finally turned the boat and headed back towards the E. Water clarity was classic Santa Barbara cobalt. After a slow voyage S we finally found an area with some nice life about 4 miles south of the Mesa. Totals: 2000 common dolphins, 1 Minke whale, 1 humpback whale, and approximately 50 California sea lions.
All of the sightings were framed by the oncoming steep, short interval waves. It was spectacular to watch the dolphins and the humpback whale take advantage of the swells, especially the dolphins that did quite a bit of surfing. Seeing the little whale crashing through the oncoming seas was a little glimpse into the life they lead out here in the ocean when most humans are safely protected by the shore. (See today’s photo of this whale above).
Before we found the humpback whale, we had seen a few fleeting animals in the distance. Out of nowhere, a medium sized Minke came at the bow and then veared off, dove, and we never saw it again. California sea lions were around and seemed to be constantly playing “catch-up,” trying to stay with the whale and the dolphins. There were actually several pods of dolphins mostly numbering in the 50 to 100 individual range. Late in the trip we found a mega pod with at least 1000 dolphins.
The humpback made several close and friendly approaches, which thrilled its fans on board and made them forget about the bumpy ride. It swam off a few times only to return.
On the way home, Captain Dave slowed down and gave us a little tour of offshore Platform Bravo. He talked about the history and status of oil and gas drilling in the Channel, and how a drilling rig actually works. One of the supply boats that keeps the rigs going was seen moving from Platform Alpha to Platform Charlie.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
