[CINC] Tuesday, July 3rd

[Laura Shelton]

Sightings

6 Humpbacks
6 Blue Whales
75 + 500  Common Dolphins

The first whale was located by Captain Mat in the fog several miles off Santa Cruz Island in the vicinity of Pelican Bay. This is where whales were seen yesterday and we actually found them 2.5 miles West of yesterday's location.  The first whale ended up turning into many whales which the fog had prevented us from seeing from any distance. The fog that hung around most of the morning and early afternoon finally cleared for the island portion of the trip. Lots of whales  and pretty calm conditions made for a great day of whale watching. Two blue whales surfaced together fairly close to the boat and were one highlight of the trip. Another highlight was tail throws and tail lobs by a humpback calf with its mother and a little later another adult humpback began its own tail lobs and tail throws. Capt Mat recognized the calf by its heavy barnacle load and said it had breached and done tail lobs yesterday as well. Many spouts in the distance. 

A sighting of 500 Common dolphins in the sunshine ended the day for a very enthusiastic group of passengers. 

Crew:
Capt Mat
Dennis
Kelly

CINC
John K (PID)
Marty G and Laura S

Have a great 4th Everyone!!
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