Two different species of dolphins, and two different species of whales, all of this in dense fog.
- Bob Perry
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
2026 03–21 SB Channel
Our streak of bright and sunny days came to a halt as we experienced dense, zero visibility fog all day, on both the 9A and the 12 N trips. The ocean surface, underneath the fog layer, was glassy, and the water clarity remains amazing. Totals for the day: 1 humpback whale, 2 Minke whales, 75 common dolphins, and 125 Pacific-white sided dolphins.
The morning got started with a quick look at a single Minke whale about a mile S of the Harbor. We continued a short distance and encountered a mixed species group of dolphins. There were approximately 50 common dolphins and 12 pacific white sided dolphins. They came to the boat and were friendly with us and each other.
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In the afternoon Captain Dave and the crew sailed back to locate the mixed species of dolphins. This time there were about 25 commons and 30 white-siders. A very large adult Minke whale came by and we had good looks at the very limits of the fog/visibility.
We had a chance encounter with a single humpback about 5 miles S. We watched 2 surface intervals, with one monster breach between them.
On our way back to the Harbor the common dolphins had disappeared from the location. In their place there were 80 Pacific white-sided the dolphins. Dave ran the Condor Express in a tight circle and the dolphins immediately took advantage of our wonderful wake waves to demonstrate their surfing and aerial skills.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
