2012 01-14 SB Channel
Here we get a rare encounter with a southbound Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus), swimming towards the Condor Express, fully upside-down, to the delight of the lucky passengers. The boat was stopped dead in the water and the curious whale came over totally on its own. We stayed put, engines at idle, so as to not spook or injure this wonderful animal.
Picturesque, yes, but a form of man-made pollution that entangles and causes harm to the natural marine life: helium balloons escape the city and blow out to the ocean where they land after the helium escapes. Let's put an end to this problem - ban helium baloons!
A Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) interracting with Risso's Dolphin (Grampus griseus). Rhinoceros auklets (Cerohinca monocerata) can be seen on the water at the top of the photograph.
EschrichtiusrobustusGrampusgriseusCerorhincamonocerata2012Channel048
The EYE of a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) looks directly at the camera. The beast has rolled over on its left side. The tip of the rostrum is just beneath the surface of the water to the right. This is a rare and amazing encounter with an animal that has clearly approached our boat on its own, as we are stopped dead.
1 of 6 more images of the friendly approach by a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) and the nature lovers on board the Condor Express lovin' every minute !
2 of 6 more images of the friendly approach by a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) and the nature lovers on board the Condor Express lovin' every minute !
3 of 6 more images of the friendly approach by a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) and the nature lovers on board the Condor Express lovin' every minute !
4 of 6 more images of the friendly approach by a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) and the nature lovers on board the Condor Express lovin' every minute ! In this photograph the whale is completely upside-down.
5 of 6 more images of the friendly approach by a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) and the nature lovers on board the Condor Express lovin' every minute ! The entire body of the whale can be seen in the crystal blue water.
1 of 6 more images of the friendly approach by a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) and the nature lovers on board the Condor Express lovin' every minute ! ...again, the whole body is visible.
In the distance, a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) rolling around on its side with California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus).
A Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus), left side, with head out of the water.
A Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) moves along the coast of Santa Cruz Island.
Two Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus).
