Image: Common dolphin - underwater stack
2023 11-11 SB Channel
The Channel showed-off its most wonderful self as we spent the day searching and watching wildlife with little-to-no swell, a glassy surface, bright and sunny skies, super clear water and a SpaceX rocket ship overhead. Wildlife sightings included: 5 humpback whales and 1000 long-beaked common dolphins (see today's photo).
Our friend Juan, with his ever-attentive sharp eyes, located spouts about a mile east of our location. On the scene we found 5 humpback whales (2 and 3). We were just east of the kelp farm at the time. The whales seemed to be taking some time off from wild, aerial antics to enjoy the beautiful day. Tail flukes were abundant, as were great looks at these beasts in clear water with clear skies.
After the rocket passed over us around 10:50am, we found about 500 dolphins scattered about over a wide area. They rode alongside the Condor Express and got great looks at US!
After a spectacular trip south to Santa Cruz Island, Captain Dave rendered one of his noted presentations about the geology, history, paleontology and ecology of the island. This was finished off by a trip into the mouth of the world's longest sea cave, the Painted Cave.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com
Humpback Whales offer the most exciting whale watching experiences in showcasing their acrobatics and social interaction The Painted Cave in Santa Cruz Island is a magical experience from the Pigeon Gullemots flying out of the depths, the barking sounds of the California Sea Lions hauled out on the bench beach far inside and the rainbow colors of minerals leaching down the cliff faces. It is a unique and memorable experience to move from brilliant sunshine into the shadows of the overhanging walls in an 80 foot catamaran!