2019 02-28 SB Coast
Another gorgeous winter-type day prevailed along the coast of Santa Barbara and out into the Channel. Seas were calm and skies had patchy clouds. Sightings today were wonderful with 3 gray whales, 30 Pacific white-sided dolphins and 15 coastal bottlenose dolphins.
Captain Dave and the crew of the Condor Express started the single 12-noon excursion by heading southeast towards the Carpinteria oil rigs. Before reaching the line oil platforms a small herd of white-sided dolphins located the boat. It’s been a while since we’ve had sightings of these striking animals, and great looks were had.
After this visit, Dave slowed near one of the 7 oil platforms and discussed their structure, drilling methods, and history – all up close and personal. Soon we followed a pair of northbound migrating gray whales that had short down times and nice tail flukes.
On the way home to Santa Barbara Harbor, and very close to shore, we found a larger species of dolphin, the coastal bottlenose, and had some wonderful time with a moderately large pod. A third whale was observed heading up the coast as it passed the bottlenose dolphins, and that rounded out a wonderful trip.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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