2021 06-19 SB Channel
Captain Dave and the crew had a “jackpot day,” with lake glass waters all day. Nothing enhances sightings like smooth seas. On a trip across the Channel and a tour of the Santa Cruz Island sea cliffs, we closely watched: 4 humpback whales, 2 Minke whales, 1 giant blue whale and 900 long-beaked common dolphins.
Thus far all week we’ve started our dolphin interactions just 6 miles off Hendry’s Beach and The Mesa. The same held true today and, similarly, we had scattered pods all across the Channel and on the way home, too.
While enjoying the first pods of dolphins a single large humpback whale popped to the surface and we had great looks. Soon, in the same area, we watched an additional pair of humpbacks, then another single. Just to add to the experience at this site, a curious and boat-friendly Minke whale was swimming by the Condor Express then made a U-turn and came right over for a swim-by. This was definitely whelfie (whale selfie) time!
Continuing on our route towards the west end of beautiful Santa Cruz Island, south of The Lanes a larger pod of nearly 700 dolphins were busy feeding and keeping the hungry seabirds busy.
The Captain cruised along the majestic sea cliffs and cave along the north face of the island and then took the boat inside the first chamber of the world famous Painted Cave.
Close to the island and still south of The Lanes, another big Minke whale came by. A few miles further north a giant blue whale came up to the surface and we were able to stay for 2 complete breathing cycles with this giant. It was so beautiful in the clear, glassy water.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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