2018 10-20 SB Channel
Sea conditions were off the hook and it was so clear we could see all 4 Channel Islands all day and from Bony Ridge to Point Conception too. “Off the hook” probably best describes our sightings as well. Closely watched cetaceans included 10+ humpback whales and 3000 long-beaked common dolphins. Among the whales was one of our pals, “Scarlet,” also shown in today’s photograph.
Captain Dave says there were between 20 – 25 whales in his visual range, and breaching was seen by whales estimated at a 3 miles or more distance from the boat. As previously mentioned, among the whales that were very close to the Condor Express was “Scarlet,” a female with a strange propeller scar that includes softball-sized tumors and masses of tissue. We’ve been watching her every year for 5 or 6 years. Scarlet had a calf with her and the two made some nice close passes by the boat.
On the way home several massive mega-pods of dolphins rode our bow, side and stern waves.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com