2022 05-14 SB Channel
Skies were sunny and there was no wind. A morning bump left from overnight winds offshore subsided mid-trip. Totals for the day included: 1 blue shark, 1 ocean sunfish (Mola mola), 3 humpback whales and 3000 long-beaked common dolphins.
Fish stories: Our first wildlife encounter was with a very calm and surface-dwelling blue shark. It was estimated at 4 ft and was “up” the whole time we watched. Great looks were had by all. A bit further out we spotted and watched a very large ocean sunfish (Mola mola). It, too, was cooperative and a crowd-pleaser.
Mammals: North of The Lanes, near mid-Channel, our first whale was a giant female. It had 4 min up and 6 min down on average, and fluked up regularly. Continuing on to about 2 miles off the west end of beautiful Santa Cruz Island, a second whale was encountered. At the west end, and very close to shore, we spent time with a mega pod of dolphins that stretched over 2 miles. Fantastic to see! Mixed in the pod was another whale. It was on the small side and rather shy.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com
Comments