Spectacular conditions for humpback whale viewing, plus dolphins and balloons.
- Bob Perry
- 2 minutes ago
- 1 min read
2026 04–05 SB Channel
Sunny. Glassy. No swell. Clear water. Another day in paradise.
Total sightings for the day: 3 humpback whales, and 6 common dolphins. In addition, our multitalented deckhand, Aspen, removed 6 floating, disintegrated, Mylar balloons from the ocean surface. Two trips left the docs, 9A and 12 N.
After slowing just for a moment so Aspen could use her skills with a gaff to bring her first 4 balloons, Captain Eddy hit the throttle and headed for the S side of the channel. When we were about 3 miles in from the shipping lanes, we had some quick looks at 1 rather shy, juvenile humpback whale.
Aspen got the 12N trip started by scoring an additional 2 balloons. Then, 2 miles S of the Harbor, we spent some time with a small pod of common dolphins before heading out to the lanes. Our friend Adam gave us the coordinates for a pair of whales and we located them in the separation zone. (See photo for an example). These were adults and spent most of their time apparently feeding below the surface. They had long dive times but we did manage to get some really nice looks at them when they came up for air.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
