Image: A close look at the rostrum and splashguard of a friendly giant blue whale.
2024 06-24 SB Channel
Captain Eddy and the crew once again had marvelous conditions and splendid whale observations today. Seas were mirror glass and skies were sunny and bright. Sightings for the day included: 5 humpback whales, 10+ giant blue whales, 1 fin whale, and 3500 common dolphins. In addition, we had a very friendly encounter with an ocean sunfish (Mola mola) that actually stayed on the surface and swam down the side of the Condor Express.
The number of common dolphins greatly increased in The Channel today. A first group of 50 animals was found right outside The Harbor. As we progressed southward towards Santa Cruz Island, after passing The Kelp Farm, we got surrounded by a megapod of at least 3000 dolphins. All the dolphins were friendly and we had great looks.
We had four distinct interactions with blue whales today. We found 3 just south of The Lanes, 2 more west of that location along with 2 humpbacks. Further west, we found another group of 3 blue whales, this time with a single fin whale. Finally, we had a pair of blue whales in the same area as a mother humpback with her calf. Many more tall spouts were seen all around.
There were lots of blue whale tail flukes, and several close approaches as whales visited the Condor Express.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and