Southeastern Channel yields nice whales and dolphins.

2021 11-07 SB Channel

Skies were gray from a high stratus layer. Seas were calm. Sightings were good: 1300 long-beaked common dolphins, 6 humpback whales and 1 Minke whale. Captain Dave and the crew ran south to Santa Cruz Island then made a left turn for a long run down east where the main attractions were located.

Seventeen miles from home, and near Platform Gail, we watched a pod of 1000 dolphins with then attracted a group of 4 adult humpback whales. Humpback activities included chasing, rolling and a few tail sweeps. Some close passes near the boat also took place.

After a great viewing session with the group of 4 humpbacks, Dave and the crew moved the boat north through The Flats on a circular search route heading home. Southwest of Platform Habitat a humpback mother and calf were watched as well as an additional 300 dolphins.

Further along the voyage home we had some nice looks at a single Minke whale.

Closer to home Dave stopped to get a close up look at one of the 7 offshore oil platforms located off the Carpinteria coast. He offered a wealth of information about these rigs. Nearby, the crew removed a deflated, floating Mylar helium balloon from the ocean surface.

You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com