2015 09-02 SB Channel
Our first stop this morning came just as the sun broke through the morning marine layer at 1050 am. Captain Dave found an area with 6 humpback whales and more than 300 long-beaked common dolphins. Most of these whales were very cooperative about fluking-up. After a good long observation of these animals, Dave pointed the Condor Express south towards Santa Cruz Island.
At high noon we found ourselves about 4 miles north of the Island when our good friend Dr. Mark spotted a very tall spout. One spout eventually led to three, and we found ourselves watching three blue whales. The bright sun and exceptionally clear Santa Barbara cobalt water really made these beasts show up so everyone could see their movements near and on the surface. The three blue whales were averaging 10 minutes down, and we watched through several breathing cycles before heading towards the world-famous Painted Cave.
As we drove along the edge of the steep sea cliffs of Santa Cruz Island on our way to the Cave, deck hand (and second captain) Eric spotted a huge bald eagle soaring along the wind rising up along the face of the cliffs. It’s been a while since we crossed paths with one of our endemic home-guard Santa Cruz Island baldies.
Finally, on the way home, around 145 pm, Dave found another humpback whale and we watched it for a while. That rounded-out the cetacean sightings for the day and it was fantastic.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express