Image: Two of the five Orcas seen today. Photo by 2nd Captain Kelly
2023 12-02 SB Channel
There were mostly blue skies and nearly zero winds all day. A light bump from winds to the far northwest rolled through the area. We closely watched 10 California sea lions, 4 humpback whales and……5 Biggs killer whales.
Captain Dave headed to the far western Channel and did not find any wildlife until the Condor Express was southwest of Platform Holly. Here we located and watched our first 2 humpbacks, an adult with a younger/smaller partner. The pair made a few nice passes close to the boat and made everyone happy.
Meanwhile, Capt. Dave and 2nd Capt. Kelly were picked up some activity, and a couple of spyhops using binoculars, about ¾ mile further west, perhaps some dolphins? On the scene, however, it turned out to be 5 of the largest dolphin species: Orcinus orca, aka, killer whales. There were 3 females and 2 calves, and the area was flooded with active seabirds which suggested there may have been a recent feed. The group was moving west and made a few passes alongside and under the Condor.
Just ¼ mile from the Orcas, we watched another pair of humpback whales. They seemed to be in transit mode. Simultaneously, a small group of sealions zoomed past the whales and the Condor at a high speed.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store,
Bob Perry Condor Express, and
It was an amazing day on the ocean. The volunteers were knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do. It made the whale sites even more interesting. The captain did a wonderful job getting (and keeping) us close to the animals. Informative but didn’t talk the whole time. The humpbacks and sea lions were neat to see. My favorite was being so near the group of orcas, while also being so near the sea lions zooming by and the humpbacks all at the same time. It was very exciting to be in the middle of it all. It was like, What’s going to happen next? The volunteers came around after to teach everyone more fun facts, and they did it…
Nice!!!