2018 08-27 SB Channel Outstanding wildlife sightings were experienced today with 1500 long-beaked common dolphins, 700 California sea lions, 100 offshore bottlenose dolphins and 4 humpback whales. The big news was that our little friend, the humpback calf and its mother were back with us today and very active. Skies were overcast until the sun broke through in the late … Read More
Surface lunge feeding
2018 08-23 SB Channel There were great sightings north of Santa Rosa Island today! Humpback whale surface lunge feeding was happening today. Captain Dave and his crew scoured the usual hot spots and ended up further south and to the west of the previous activity this week. Totals included 4 humpback whales, 1800 long-beaked common dolphins, 200 California sea lions … Read More
Four different species of cetaceans today
2018 08-08 SB Channel – Far West Captain Dave and his crew explored a fresh territory and located four different species of cetaceans in the far western Santa Barbara Channel. After several days of working the opposite end of the Channel, Dave changed things up, and had a spectacular trip to waters we do not often frequent. Whereas Anacapa Island … Read More
Blue whales, fin whales, offshore bottlenose and common dolphins
2018 07-09 SB Channel There is still a residual amount of heat in town as the tail end of a multi-day heat wave passes through. Hot in town, but moderate and nice out in the Santa Barbara Channel where the following species were closely watched: 7+ blue whales, 2 fin whales, 75 offshore bottlenose dolphins, and 200 long-beaked common dolphins. … Read More
Six different cetacean species
2018 07-03 SB Channel – West Captain Dave and his crew traversed the Santa Barbara Channel and ended up in the middle of the north coast of beautiful Santa Rosa Island. It has been a while since we last visited our second largest southern California island. Sightings for the day were phenomenal with 6 different species of cetaceans. Total numbers … Read More
Giant blue whale bonanza lives on!
2018 06-19 SB Channel Glassy seas in the mid Santa Barbara Channel gave way to a tiny bit of chop as the morning became the afternoon. Along with this, the stratus layer burned off and it was mostly sunny out at the Santa Cruz Island giant whale bonanza. Captain Dave, with 2nd Captain Colton at the helm, steered a direct … Read More
Ideal ocean conditions for finding wildlife.
2017 07-16 SB Channel It was a hot and hazy day with ideal ocean conditions for finding wildlife. Captain Eric took command of the Condor Express and his team located the following: 10 humpback whales, 75 offshore bottlenose whales, and 1,200 long-beaked common dolphins. A single humpback whale was watched, alongside several dozen common dolphins, about 2 miles out from … Read More
Sightings today were phenomenal
2017 07-15 SB Channel There was a late burn-off for the high stratus layer today, and a moderate breeze kicked up some action out near the islands. These conditions, in fact, not only did not deter the ability of the Condor Express crew to locate wildlife, but actually enhanced it. Sightings today were phenomenal and included the following: 6 humpback … Read More
blue whales Saturday, humpbacks on Sunday
Sunday, August 28, 2016 – A quick note regarding Saturday’s all-day, annual American Cetacean Society excursion. Sightings included a couple of humpback whales in the Santa Barbara Channel, several hundred pelagic bottlenose dolphins, thousands of both short- and long-beaked common dolphins, and, the Pièce de résistance, 8 or 10 giant blue whales located in pelagic waters well south of San … Read More
August 3, 2016 – Santa Barbara Channel –
Yesterday we explored the west-central or “midriff” section of the Santa Barbara Channel, so today Captain Dave wanted some new territory and new possibilities. He took advantage of the wonderful weather and sea conditions to make a long run to the southeast. This trek took the Condor Express into Anacapa Passage and the nearby Channel waters in search of cetaceans. … Read More