2018 05-29 SB Channel
A mill pond flat and glassy day made for wonderful cetacean sightings today. Skies had a high stratus layer except near Santa Cruz Island were patches of blue and sun were found. Sightings today included: 100 long-beaked common dolphins, 1 giant blue whale and 240 offshore bottlenose dolphins.
Just outside the harbor entrance Captain Dave and his crew were located by a spread-out group of around 100 common dolphins. The dolphins were searching for food in groups of 5 or 10 animals, but lots of them could not resist taking some waves created by the bow, sides and stern of the Condor Express.
On the way to beautiful Santa Cruz Island, the first group of offshore bottlenose dolphins had about 40 animals and they were spotted as they rode the gentle, rolling wake of a huge commercial container ship. Lots of leaping and jumping supplemented the surfing.
Near the island a single, very large, blue whale was located. (“Blue skies, blue water and a blue whale”). This giant had long down times and very long surface times which made for wonderful looks.
On the way home a second group of offshore bottlenose was located and this was larger, with a couple hundred members. These large dolphins are always so energetic and acrobatic. It was another wonderful encounter.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com