Wind and seas kicked up a bit today and was a remarkable visual experience.
- Bob Perry
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
2025 07–24 SB Channel
“It was a bit nautical,” said Captain Dave today. The sky was sunny and bright, but once we were a few miles offshore it became moderately windy with corresponding surface cho on top of a small swell. Conditions kept everybody on their toes. It also made the sightings of whales and the dolphins really stand out. Totals for the day: 7000 common dolphins, 200 California sea lions, One Minke whale and 16 humpback whales (We closely watched 10).
We had one of our larger total numbers of common dolphins today and we stayed relatively close to shore, perhaps 8 miles out at the maximum. We were never without dolphins around us, after our first encounter, which was north of the farm. In addition dolphins being actively playful and aerial with the wind and swells, there was quite a bit of upside down feeding going on.
Most of the humpback whales that we saw today were single and they were sub-adults. As has been the case all week, they were not particularly active…perhaps in searching/travel mode. Still, seeing them busting through the on-coming seas a powerful sight.
During our second sighting of humpbacks, we enjoyed a quick pass from a single Minke whale. It was relatively large, and, at first glance some thought it might’ve been a fin.
During our final humpback encounter, we were among another 4 individuals. A very distant whale threw its mighty tail. Very quickly, perhaps in direct response, a whale right next to us also threw its tail. (See today’s photo for an example).
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
