2015 11-18 SB Channel
All the mammals were languid on this summer-like day in the Santa Barbara Channel. We watched 2 different pods of common dolphins, one just outside the Harbor and another much later in the trip, with a total of at least 125 animals. Both pods were logging and milling around on the glassy surface and could be seen clearly in the good visibility of the green-blue offshore water. No dolphin was in a rush.
We also had a close and friendly visit from a small Minke whale, and it moved alongside the Condor Express at a calm speed...no particular rush...and gave us great looks at its two surface intervals.
Captain Dave also steered us into the humpback whale zone which deckhand "ojos del águila" Auggie located through the binoculars. (How does he do it day after day?) There were at least 7 humpback whales today, in groups of two and some swimming solo. All the whales were moving at a slow and steady pace to the east, and there were no tricks or antics in their behavioral repertoire today. One migrated alongside the boat for a while and gave exceptional, but languid, looks.
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Read MoreWe also had a close and friendly visit from a small Minke whale, and it moved alongside the Condor Express at a calm speed...no particular rush...and gave us great looks at its two surface intervals.
Captain Dave also steered us into the humpback whale zone which deckhand "ojos del águila" Auggie located through the binoculars. (How does he do it day after day?) There were at least 7 humpback whales today, in groups of two and some swimming solo. All the whales were moving at a slow and steady pace to the east, and there were no tricks or antics in their behavioral repertoire today. One migrated alongside the boat for a while and gave exceptional, but languid, looks.
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A whispy tall spout of a humpback whale seen in the bright sunlight.
Megaptera novaeangliae 2015 11-18 SB Channel-013
Humpback whale tail flukes
Megaptera novaeangliae 2015 11-18 SB Channel-007
White pectoral fins and a tall spout on a mirror surface
Megaptera novaeangliae 2015 11-18 SB Channel-060
Friendly humpback whale
Megaptera novaeangliae 2015 11-18 SB Channel-032
Minke whale
Balaenoptera acutorostrata 2015 11-18 SB Channel-004
Minke whale
Balaenoptera acutorostrata 2015 11-18 SB Channel-006
