2017 09-24 SB Channel
Captain Eric and his crew report fantastic interactions with wildlife with sunny skies and calm seas. Totals include: 9* humpback whales, 750 long-beaked common dolphins, 1 blue whale and at least 200 California sea lions.
Dolphin pods were spread out and joined the Condor Express from about 1 mile offshore. There were many pods throughout the day. Most of the dolphins were moving and not busy feeding. Later, near the western end of Santa Cruz Island, we saw *9 humpback whales all together, but only had time to closely watch 6. Dolphins and whales were not together so much today as earlier this week. Among the whales was our old pal “Rope.” She came over to the boat for a quick pass on a couple of occasions.
At one point there was a lone humpback that had been “adopted” by a mob of sea lions. The furry mammals seemed to follow the giant around wherever it went. As we ran west, up the Channel and near the islands, a single giant blue whale was located and we stayed with it at a safe distance for a half-dozen breathing cycles. Great looks were had by all.
On the way home we saw another 3 humpback whales, one of which did a few nice chin-slaps.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
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