2017 10-25 SB Channel
It was a picture postcard day in the eastern Santa Barbara Channel with glassy seas and superior clarity both above and below the surface. Captain Dave and the crew of the Condor Express closely watched 9+ humpback whales, 1 blue whale, 750 long-beaked common dolphins and 200+ California sea lions today.
There were two whale and dolphin assemblages today. The first was in the southern Flats area near Platforms Gail and Grace and was rich with a total of 6 humpback whales and lots of dolphins. One of the whales was Scarlet who was busy diving and feeding below the surface.
As Dave headed south towards Cavern Point on Santa Cruz Island 3 other whales of the 6 spent some time swimming around the Condor Express, diving under our hulls, and vocalizing a lot. [Captain Dave took the iPhone photograph of 2 of the 3 whales that is attached to this report]. Additional spout were also around in the near distance. In The Lanes a single blue whale came up from long dives a few times and we had great looks. More dolphins were here too. South of The Lanes and north of Cavern additional humpbacks were watched…all with mirror-glass conditions. It was hot and sunny, but the fall conditions in the Santa Barbara Channel provided a moderate natural air conditioning service. If the heat wave on land continues, now you know where to go to escape and also see a lot of wildlife.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
Comments