Humpback whales breached today and more

2017 08-04 SB Channel

The tropical humidity diminished quite a bit today but in its wake it left the ocean surface flat and glassy. Sightings included: 7 humpback whales, 2 Minke whales, 1,800 long-beaked common dolphins. Captain Dave ran across to the Painted Cave and back to gather these impressive sightings.

Groups of dolphins began locating the Condor Express when we were just 5 miles or so out of Santa Barbara harbor and continued all day. North of The Lanes there were two whales about 1 mile apart and were observed following the dolphins. A single large Minke whale was also working this region.

Inside The Lanes we found 2 additional whales, one of which breached 5 times. Dolphins were all around this zone at the time. A light and patchy ground fog began here and worked itself up against the north face of Santa Cruz Island. The Cave was clear and glassy enough for Captain Dave to put the Condor Express into the mouth. A second Minke whale was spotted here.

Outside The Cave, as we began our journey back to Santa Barbara, a single humpback with a completely white tail was observed. The last sightings took place when we encountered 2 more whales 7 or 8 miles south of the harbor. One of the two breached and repeatedly slapped its chin.

You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express