[CINC] 04/22/13 Ranger 85 Channel Islands Whale Watching

[Chuck Carter]

AM Trip:
400 Common
dolphins
1 Ocean sunfish
(Mola-Mola)
PM Trip:
2,500 Common
dolphins
2 Fin whales
3 Blue
whales
Captain Dustin and crew Edward and Chris rewarded the AM
trip with several pods of common dolphins bow-riding and jumping alongside the
boat.   We also saw an ocean sunfish east of oil
platform Gina.  It stayed near the ship
for several minutes.  The seas were calm
and the visibility was about 10 miles. 
The PM trip included improved visibility and smooth
seas.   After leaving the Channel Islands
harbor, we encountered a mega pod (2,500+) of dolphins.  They covered several miles all around the
ship.  The boats full of passengers were
delighted.   We continued out towards
Anacapa and Captain Dustin spotted several large spouts.  As we approached the area, he identified 2
juvenile Fin whales, but pursued a larger spout further east.  We were rewarded with a close sighting of a
Blue whale.  We followed the whale for
about 30 minutes and Captain Dustin noticed that the dorsal fins were
different.  He observed that there were
at least 2 or 3 different Blue whales.  The passengers took several pictures of the Blue whales about 100 yards
from the ship.   Everyone enjoyed an
incredible day!   
Chuck Carter   
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