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Writer's picture Bob Perry

Spectacular whales, stampeding dolphins, and a tiny blue shark

Updated: 5 days ago

Image: An extremely friendly humpback whale comes in for a close look and stayed for a mugging.


2024 11–09 SB Channel


It was a “bluebird day”, said Captain Dave. (Some of the smoke from the nearby fires has dissipated). The ocean surface was mostly glass with an occasional ripple. Coastal waters were very clear, but outside was another story…brownish green. Massive surface anchovy schools and seabirds were everywhere we went today. Funny though, there were no birdnados! Sightings for the trip included: 1200 common dolphins, 1 blue shark and 12 humpback whales. Per usual, these numbers do not tell the whole story.


Our course heading took us directly south to a point about 5 miles beyond The Kelp Farm. The action began just passed The Farm where we watched a pair of adult humpback whales. Although the 2 did not mug the boat, they made a couple of friendly passes and appeared curious. In the distance we saw a huge disturbance on the water from a megapod of dolphins that was fast moving with occasional periods of stampeding. As we moved 2 miles to witness the dolphins stampede, we passed a total of 5 additional humpback whales scattered about.  The dolphins were fast moving and charging for a 30+ minutes without a rest. There were plenty of anchovy schools and birds feeding along the way. 


After spending quality time watching the dolphins, we made a U-turn and went back to an area that had now 4 additional humpback whales, a trio plus a single. The 4 immediately came to the boat and mugged us relentlessly for an hour. (See today’s photo for an example of this kind of friendly behavior.) 


Captain Dave mentioned that, during this prolong mugging event, the whales were so close to the boat that their spout spray got the best of some of the whale fans on board the Condor Express. While some believe this is a “spiritual blessing”, others are more preoccupied with the “fragrance.”


On the way home, we slowed to watch one more whale and, later, a very small blue shark.  The 4-foot shark was in the clear blue water and cooperated for quite a while by staying on the surface and finning. But, as often happens, something spooked the fish and down it went.


You never know what Mother Nature has in store.


Bob Perry




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