2019 10-05 SB Channel We left the dock at 8am on a special morning edition whale watch. The morning sun was magical and sea conditions were spectacular. Sightings were as good as it gets: 3 humpback whales, 250 long-beaked common dolphins and 15 killer whales. Our first dolphins were encountered just 3 miles offshore, and we found small groups here …
Captain Dave snapped this excellent photo showing two of the four actively socializing whales today.
Fascinating humpback social behaviors today…and more!
2019 10-04 SB Channel Although the wind that blew all night in the far west created some moderate bumps, there was no wind and skies were sunny. It was ideal for wildlife locating and viewing. We explored a region south and east of mid-Channel with great success. 6 humpback whales and 800 long-beaked common dolphins were watched today. South of …
Whales, common dolphins and 200 offshore bottlenose dolphins
2019 10-03 SB Channel Capt and Dave and the crew found excellent sea conditions… calm and sunny. The sightings today were also wonderful: 3 humpback whales, 1500 long-beaked common dolphins, and 200 offshore bottlenose dolphins. Seeing that many offshore bottlenose is extremely rare and lots of fun. Sightings started about 10 miles offshore we had a group of about 100 dolphins and we …
Another mid-Channel cetacean fest!
2019 10-02 SB Channel It was definitely a mid-Channel Cetacean Fest. With 11+ humpback whales, 250 long-beaked common dolphins and 50 Risso’s dolphins, there was plenty to watch and enjoy. Seas were calm. Skies were sunny and blue. Captain Dave said one could clearly see all 4 islands. The fun began southwest of Habitat with 3 adult whales. A pair …
Wild winds and seas yields wonderful natural looks at a humpback and many hundreds of dolphins.
2019 09-28 SB Channel A fantastic and hearty group of seafaring passengers braved strong winds and rough seas to get great looks at 1 humpback whale and 1000 long-beaked common dolphins. This was not a trip for the meek, as Captain Dave pointed out dockside prior to embarking. Those that did stay seemed to really enjoy the salt spray and …
A trans-Channel trip featured 7 humpbacks, a visit to The Cave, and thousands of dolphins.
2019 09-27 SB Channel Yesterday’s ground fog lifted to a high, all-day stratus layer today. Seas were calm and flat. A trans-Channel trip that included a visit to Santa Cruz Island resulted in the following sightings: 6 humpback whales and 2000 long-beaked common dolphins. On the way across in the morning Captain Dave and the crew first located mammals in …
The Channel midriff produces lots of whales and dolphins.
2019 09-25 SB Channel We worked the mid-Channel region on a day with bright sun and a little wind and chop from the southeast. Totals for the day include: 7+ humpback whales and 2500+ long-beaked common dolphins. A nice hotspot formed just south of the NOAA buoy and moved in and out of The Lanes. We saw lots of big …
Santa Rosa Island heats up with humpbacks and dolphins
2019 09-22 SB Channel Captain Colton and his crew ran out to a hot region north of Santa Rosa Island, near The Lanes. Sightings included: 7+ humpback whales and 3000+ long-beaked common dolphins. The seas were flat. There was no wind. Bright sunny skies kept us warm and made spotting wildlife a dream. The fun began as we approached The …
Gorgeous weather yields 3 different species of dolphins, and a Minke whale.
2019 09-21 SB Channel The Channel was nice, calm, and without wind. It was sunny all day. All 4 islands could be discerned in the haze, but there was no fog. Sightings included: 30 Risso’s dolphins, 1 Minke whale, 2500 short-beaked common dolphins, and 1500 long-beaked common dolphins. There were nearly zero time periods without marine wildlife around us. Not …
A Stellar sea lion, 2 Minke whales and loads of dolphins
2019 09-19 SB Channel It was another beautiful day in the Santa Barbara Channel. Sightings for the day included one Stellar sea lion, 2000 long-beaked common dolphins, t2 Minke whales, and 100 California sea lions. It was clear and sunny all day. There was quite a bit of a residual bump from the winds that blue during the night. As we …
