2018 08-20 SB Channel
Once again the west end of beautiful Santa Cruz Island was producing whales and dolphins today. Captain Tasha and her crew located and closely watched 2 humpback whales and 500 long-beaked common dolphins. Skies had a thin marine layer, a long period (slow-rolling) swell, and just a trace of wind.
The whales were seen several miles apart and each was moving around along with the dolphins as they searched and located sub-surface schools of northern anchovies. According to Tasha, the second whale “acted more like a migrating gray whale.” It had very short and shallow dives followed by 3 – 5 consecutive breaths on the surface. It was definitely an easy whale to watch and everyone had great looks at both whales today. This was enhanced by the nice water clarity.
The dolphins, per usual, took breaks from their feeding and came to the Condor Express to look at their fans on board. They rode our bow, side and stern waves demonstrating once again what 50 million years of evolution will do to improve an animals’ surfing, as compared to perhaps 15,000 to 20,000 years for wave riding humans. All we can do is watch, enjoy and learn!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com