The northern face of SCI produces 5 cetacean species.
- Bob Perry
- Jan 24
- 1 min read
Image: 2026 01–24 SB Channel
Today the Condor Express, with Captain Dave at the helm, traversed the Santa Barbara Channel, paid visit to the world famous Painted Cave, and then headed home with 5 different species of cetaceans under its belt: 1 gray whale, 15 offshore bottlenose dolphins, 17 Risso’s dolphins, 1 humpback whale and 6 Dall’s porpoise. Skies were sunny and bright. There was hardly any wind and the ocean surface was lightly ripped. The water color remains fairly clear.
After touring the world famous painted cave, we followed a single gray whale E along the majestic sea cliffs and grotto‘s of Santa Cruz Island. The whale had eight minute downtimes and we had excellent views of it during its migration. The early spring time green hills of the island were spectacular.
Nearby, we found an interesting mixed group of offshore bottlenose dolphins and Risso’s dolphins milling around together and socializing. This is not a rare occurrence, especially this time of year. (Sometimes the 2 species of dolphins also interact with gray whales, when their paths randomly cross, particularly if is a large pod that is also socializing). The good water quality greatly enhanced our views.
On the way home we had a nice interaction with 6 rather shy Dall’s porpoise.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry