Strong winds and rough seas gives us an amazing perspective on three different marine mammal species.
- Bob Perry
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
2025 12–17 SB Channel
Captain Dave and the crew reported a rough and windy day in the Channel. Seas were coming from several different directions, and at times, the wind was around 20 kts. Dave did his best to head in directions that would keep the boat from rocking and rolling. On the plus side, it is always good to witness marine mammals in their “natural environment.” Sightings for the day included: 1 humpback whale, 100 California sea lions and 6 Dall’s porpoise. Dave headed SW towards the buoy, then turned SE and moved ahead slowly into the lanes.
Before entering the lanes, we watched a large mob of California sea lions engaged in porpoising behavior and busting through the big swells. It was an amazing Nat Geo moment. Very soon thereafter, we got located on a single juvenile humpback. It appeared to be moving slowly E while making short dives, perhaps feeding sub-surface. It cruised close to the boat quite a bit.
A pod of about 6 Dall’s porpoise zoomed into the area and circled the boat and giving everyone great looks for around 20 minutes. This was an amazing encounter for this species.
The road back to the harbor was a bit bumpy
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
