2018 08-12 SB Channel
Captain Tasha and the crew of the Condor Express crossed the Santa Barbara Channel in search of wildlife and located 2 humpback whales and 1500 long-beaked common dolphins. Although there was a lite overcast layer at first, it dissipated quickly and the rest of the day was sunny, warm and with calm seas.
Although there was a nice first encounter with dolphins before Tasha reached mid-Channel, the rest of the day was characterized by one dolphin pod after another. Some pods were nearly 150 strong, others were smaller. I know I’ve said this before, but watching these wonderful cetaceans in calm seas is particularly magnificent.
South of The Lanes and north of the western end of Santa Cruz Island, a pair of humpback whales was located. The two split up. One headed west, the other east. Tasha followed the west-bounder first and had great looks. This animal had white pectoral flippers, made several close approaches and started things off by throwing its massive tail.
The Eastbound whale was re-located and provided excellent viewing later in the trip.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com