So much going on today! Please read this report for detail.
- Bob Perry
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 31
2025 07–31 SB Channel
The nearshore patchy fog burned off and things got sunny during the late morning when the wind picked up to a gentle 8 to 10 kn. Conditions were great, especially after It got clear. Sightings for the day: 35 coastal bottlenose dolphins, 2000 common dolphins, 12 humpback whales, 1 ocean sunfish (Mola mola), and 25 California sea lions.
As the Condor Express departed the Harbor, we were immediately surrounded by a large pod of coastal bottlenose dolphins. (35 is a lot for these beach-hugging cetaceans). We followed them west, up the coast, for about a mile. These large dolphins were friendly, per usual, and today’s group had a quite a few VERY small calves. A wonderful sighting!
A second species of dolphin, the common dolphin, was encountered right next to the farm. It was a small group but fairly friendly. This encounter was somewhat limited by the fact that we were in one of those dense fog strands. We continued southwest.
Our next encounter included a mother humpback with her calf in the middle of a pod of common dolphins, with California sea lions and one of several birdados that were seen today. The whales made a couple of close passes, and the little calf was especially curious. It came alongside a couple of times and was a real crowd pleaser among the whale fans on the boat.
Just 3/4 of a mile away, the next whale was a large adult. It had a nice tail which it did not mind showing off on its deeper dives regularly. Nearby was a fourth whale that was more or less milling around. Activity stirred-up by 500 or so dolphins attracted all 4 of the whales that we had seen so far to congregate with the little cetaceans in hopes of finding food together.
When we were a couple of miles south of the farm, Captain Eddy spotted a breach in the distance to the east and headed in that direction. En route, he found tall spouts all around the area, and he went from one to the next until we ended up with an additional 8 humpback whales for the day. The whales were mixed in with dolphins, and inside another birdnado. Most were engaged in searching for food and traveling in random directions.
Near all the action, there was 1 very small, juvenile, ocean sunfish (Mola mola) on the surface. The presence of a 70 foot whale watching vessel did not seem to phase it, and everybody had great looks. (See today’s photo for example of these tiny unusual fish).
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
