2015 09-26 SB Channel
Humpback, a Mako and some Dolphins
A report from Captain Dave and the crew of the Condor Express tells us that there were ideal wildlife-watching conditions again today in the Santa Barbara Channel. At the start of the excursion, Dave took the boat southwest and ended up approximately mid-Channel and off Platform Holly. Sunny skies, clear cobalt water, no wind…all added up to a great day. There was one humpback whale and about 150 long-beaked common dolphins in the zone. The whale had 14-minute down times on average, and was watched through about 4 breathing cycles.
A squadron of 4 ocean sunfish (Mola mola) were observed imitating the US Navy Blue Angels as they formed a diamond pattern in the blue. Again, great looks were had by all. Next up on the itinerary was Dave’s interpretation of the history, geology and paleontology of Santa Cruz Island which featured a trip inside the mouth of the world-famous Painted Cave.
On the way home a single 6-foot Mako shark was seen in the clear water cruising along the surface. It was a good solid cruise today with a humpback, a Mako and some dolphins.
Upon arriving back at the dock, Dave and the crew had to relax, gargle and put warm towels on their throats in preparation for tonight’s special Condor Express Opera Cruise, the 2nd such cruise this year.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
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