The young humpback whale was found offshore with purple sailor jellies (Velella velella).
- Bob Perry
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
2026 05–03 SB Channel
Captain Eddy and the crew reported great sea conditions today in our neck of the channel. Although there was some high stratus at the start of the trip, it was mostly sunny later. It was breezy in patches, but mostly calm. There was no swell at all. We had very good looks at a single humpback whale, and also saw 25 common dolphins.
Throughout the day, there were dense concentrations of purple sailors (Velella velella), (see photograph above). Phlaropes were also abundant. Reports are circulating regarding krill on the surface nearby (heads up for the big guys, blues and fins, perhaps coming soon?) we switched over to our 4 1/2 hour trips tomorrow, which should improve our chances when the whales are offshore as they are now.
During our single 12 noon excursion, the Condor Express traveled 15 miles S and well into the lanes. We came upon a single juvenile humpback whale (see ID notes below). It had eight minute dive times with four or five breaths on the surface between them. It fluked up regularly, bringing cheers from its fan club on the boat.
On the way home we encountered scattered common dolphins as we drove by them, arriving late back to the dock.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Note:
Our friend and whale tail expert, Mark O’Brien, identified the juvenile humpback as CRC-22550, and named Rings (from the mini barnacle scars on its tail). His information was determined using happywhale.com This whale has only been recorded seven times since it was first seen in May 2024. It was last recorded in December of last year. It has been seen from Ventura CA to the north, and La Jolla California to the south. Thank you Mark!
