2021 06-11 SB Coast –West
The sun shone brightly all day. The coastal sea conditions were good, but not far offshore a prominent wind line warned Captain Dave and his crew to search the coastal realm for marine life. He took the Condor Express west, past Goleta, and into the offshore Gaviota waters. Sightings included 2 humpback whales, 200 offshore bottlenose dolphins, 4000 long-beaked common dolphins and 200 California sea lions.
The common dolphin pods were pervasive and ranged in size from 100 to over 1000 individuals each. Our first encounter was several miles off Leadbetter Beach, and sightings continued all day wherever bait balls were located. Feeding hot spots were visible from a distance due to the activities of hungry sea birds. Sea lions were also present. Much of the action was west of Platform Holly.
Searching the waters offshore from Gaviota, our second captain and searcher, Colton spotted spouts at least 4 miles distant. On the scene we found 2 large adult humpback whales and watched from a respectful distance for over an hour. The pair was in “travel mode,” and no deep dives were observed.
In the same vicinity a large pod of offshore bottlenose dolphins located the Condor Express and rod our bow, side and stern waves. Numerous calves were seen in this long, spread-out aggregation.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
Comments