2017 07-24 SB Channel
Two different species of baleen whales were seen today, two humpback whales and two Minke whales. In addition, 1,500 long-beaked common dolphins were watched. The day had a high stratus layer but lateral, whale-watching visibility on the ocean surface was great. Captain Eric and his crew took the Condor Express and its guests southeast across the Santa Barbara Channel.
The first of almost countless pods of dolphins found the Condor just outside Santa Barbara harbor. The pods ranged in size from 20 to 200 animals each. There was hardly any time period during today’s excursion when dolphins were not riding our bow and wake waves.
Eric continued southeast and, when we were north of The Lanes and near the eastern end of Santa Cruz Island, two humpback whales came to the boat. It was a mother humpback and her calf that we have seen a few times over the past week or two. The calf has a white tail and white pectoral fins. It has been very active at times. Today the pair mugged the Condor Express, rolled around and generally demonstrated a good portion of their behavioral repertoire. Also in this area we watched two Minke whales, and there were others in the distance.
Continuing east towards Anacapa Island, more dolphins surrounded us and it stayed that way as we crossed the Channel and headed back to the harbor.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
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