2016 07-13 SB Channel
Seven humpback whales and at least 2,000 long-beaked common dolphins provided near non-stop excitement on a bright sunny day in the Santa Barbara Channel. Once again winds held off until the early afternoon when we were already out in the hot zones of the southern Channel. There were actually several hot zones.
The first hot zone was along the 50-fathom line where the first of the humpback whales was located along with lots of dolphins. Many on board believed this was our old pal “Top Notch” from previous years, especially when The Flats were hot in 2014. At one point Top Notch paid a nice friendly visit to the Condor Express.
Moving further southwest a second area with multiple humpback whales and hundreds of dolphins was located, and finally, near The Lanes, multiple humpback whales including a breacher were seen. Again, hundreds of common dolphins were active with the whales.
Captain Dave gave everyone on board a great run-down regarding the geology, evolution, and prehistoric human civilizations of Santa Cruz Island including a nice penetration of the world-famous Painted Cave. On the way home another single humpback and several hundred additional dolphins were encountered.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
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