[CINC] IP whale watching 1/22/12 in Ventura

[maria ornelas]

Hello Naturalists,

A.M. Trip:
1 Gray whale
2 pods of dolphins, ~ 500 Commons, & ~ 35 Bottle nose + few Commons tag-along 
36 passengers from Reno, England, and many locals,
Crew: Steve, Andrea, myself as Naturalist

P.M. Trip: 
3 Gray whales (one group of two & single Gray)
2 pods: ~ 1000 Common dolphins & 35 Bottle nose
~ 30 passengers from Oregon, Bakersfield, Mexico, Australia, and Ventura

Our departure from the Ventura Harbor aboard the Islander was very dramatic for both trips. Swells of ~ 8-12 feet tested Captain Dave, who did a splendid job commanding the boat, to the delight and apprehension? of many passengers (they applauded). We encountered the Gray at 11:30 am around Eastern end of SCI. It was swimming slowly, just under the surface of the water, and gave us many great sightings of the knuckles along its dorsal ridge, as well as a great fluke/dive. The ~ 500 Common dolphins were very playful and the many children passengers were thrilled. Unfortunately, many adults got pretty motion sick. 

We saw the 2 Gray whales only half hour after leaving the harbor. These Grays were also swimming just below the surface and treated us to their dorsal ridge. One must have been pretty old because of the numerous and large barnacles on its body. We first encountered the small pod of Bottle nose just East of AI. Cptn. Dave treated us to the power of Scorpion Blow-hole, which I had never seen so active. Around 4 p.m., on our way back to harbor we encountered the single Gray, and then the large pod of Commons, which was very spread out. Only a few people got sick this time. Passengers were very grateful spending such a wonderful time out in the SB Channel. Thank you Andrea for your wonderful Narrative :)

Maria G. Ornelas
maria at rasnowpeak.com

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