2020 10-29 SB Channel
Captain Dave described it as a “bluebird day.” This means that the seas were calm and flat plus the skies were sunny and blue. By the way, the water was also very clear and blue. Totals for the trip included 6 humpback whales, 1 giant blue whale, and 2500 long-beaked common dolphins.
The humpback whales were located north of The Lanes and into the northbound shipping lane today. They were mostly found as singles but in a fairly close area. All of them were busy feeding subsurface. A few behaviors were noted including several instances of vocalization, and a couple of tail swipes which were directed at some pesky California sea lions that got too close to the big guys.
The Dolphins were scattered and spread out in small groups starting about 6 miles offshore. They were particularly abundant in the hot spot where the whales were located today. Dolphins were around all day and certainly whenever we saw a humpback whale they were present. We continued to see lots of dolphins on the ride home back to the harbor.
On the way back home to the harbor we also spent time watching one giant blue whale through several breathing cycles. Here, again, the crystal clear Santa Barbara cobalt blue water allowed us to see the glow of the giant as a swim beneath the surface. It made many spines tingle!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos .com
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