2021 05-10 SB Channel
A single 4½ hour excursion left the docks at 10am. Today was the first trip on our typical late spring – summer public whale watching schedule. Seas were flat and calm and a high stratus layer kept things shady all day. Sightings included 13 humpback whales, 400 long-beaked common dolphins, 400 California sea lions and 75 offshore bottlenose dolphins.
Several hundred common dolphins located the Condor Express as we headed offshore towards Santa Cruz Island. After some nice looks, we located our first whales 4 miles offshore from UCSB. The group was made up of two pairs of whales plus a solo individual and all were adults. Continuing the southerly course towards the island we found an area rich with marine bird activity and sea lions. This spot produced two trios of whales. The first trio included a mother humpback and her calf.
After some quality time with a nice sized pod of offshore bottlenose dolphins (mixed with more common dolphins), Dave conducted a tour of the sea cliffs and caves along the northwest face of Santa Cruz. He also put the boat into the first chamber of the world famous Painted Cave.
On the trip home we saw 2 additional whales but did not have time to stop and study them.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com