Image: A very friendly humpback whale emits a bubble stream.
2023 6-04 SB Channel
There was a “June Gloom” high stratus layer but the seas were calm and without wind. Captain Devin and the crew took the Condor Express offshore and to the far west, moving south as far as the Separation Zone. Sightings included: 2 humpback whales, 1500 long-beaked common dolphins and 2++ ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
Just ½ mile from the harbor entrance we stopped to watch 2 adult ocean sunfish (Mola mola) feed on purple sailor jellies (Velella velella), among a scattered small pod of dolphins. Devin continues offshore a bit with a few hundred additional dolphins here and there.
Finally, near El Capitán, we were in the Separation Zone and found 2 wonderful adult humpbacks. The pair was moving east and we followed at a safe distance. The whales were not content with us following, and proceeded to spend a considerable amount of time riding alongside us, on both sides of the boat, and passing underneath (see today’s photograph). It was magical!
On the way home we crossed paths with a megapod of 1200 or so dolphins, and there were lots of additional ocean sunfish (Mola mola), that we did not have time to stop on.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com