Eschrichtius robustus & oil rig line 2012 12-31 SB Channel-196
A wide line of traveling short beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis).  The Santa Ynez mountains behind Santa Barbara on the mainland coast is seen in the background behind the container cargo ship.
When two ocean currents come together a glassy "slick" is formed on the surface.  Oceanographers call this an oceanic front.
Long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
Zalophus californianus leaping in line 2011 12-22 SB Channel-013
Guests on board the Condor Express get a close look at the nursery pod leaping over a wave.
Santa Cruz Island fault line.
The "Rig Line" with Platform C in front, then B, A and (not visible) Hillhouse.
A line of Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis).
Eschrichtius robustus & oil rig line 2012 12-31 SB Channel-196
Eschrichtius robustus & oil rig line 2012 12-31 SB Channel-196
Eschrichtius robustus & oil rig line 2012 12-31 SB Channel-196
See photo in original gallery.