Image: humpback whale in the Santa Barbara Channel
2024 07–21 SB channel
Captain Danny and the crew found sunny skies in The Channel all day. There was a refreshing light breeze and the sea surface remained almost classy. A hefty 5 foot short interval swell however, was rolling through and made driving into it to watch whales a little bit uncomfortable at times, consequently Danny moved east to keep this swell behind us. Totals for the day included: one Minke whale, 1 humpback whale, 1 ocean sunfish (Mola mola), and 3000 common dolphins.
After spending some time watching a shy humpback whale near platform habitat, as mentioned before, we ran east. We passed a single ocean sunfish, and there were scattered dolphins all over the place. Our next whale sighting was off Rincon Point, where we watched a large Minke whale and more dolphins.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and