Grays and Humpbacks and Great Conditions
The Condor Express ran all three trips today. On the 9am excursion, 4 gray whales were watched closely up the coast, west of Santa Barbara Harbor. These were very showy and easy to get great looks with. Along the way there were about 50 common dolphins being shadowed by a pack of young sea lions. On the 12 noon adventure we ran southeast past the oil rigs to an area rich with anchovy schools. Here the dolphins, sea birds, sea lions and humpback whales were feeding actively on the surface. This was quite a show. We closely watched at least 6 humpback, but there were at least 6 more within visual range in the distance. Several humpback made close and friendly approaches to the boat. The dolphins in this hot spot numbered at least 500. The 3pm afternoon soiree took us back to the humpback feeding grounds, but we also found 2 migrating west (north) bound gray whales. The 6 feeding humpback whales were still feeding on the surface and one humpback breached and left foam all over the surface for 100 yards. 300 common dolphins were joining the feeding frenzy.
Seas were calm, the sun was out, and there was a minimal breeze. Conditions are supposed to remain calm tomorrow as well. Hope to see you on board.
Bob Perry Condor Express