Dear whalewatchers:
Today we arrived soon after sunrise for light on the colored sandstone cliffs of Isla San Jose. Then we were ashore for a desert walk to see plants and birds. Then a coolish snorkel in a gorgeous cove of underwater boulders. The water was super clear for good visibility of reef fishes.
As soon as we set sail (and Charles tried to serve lunch), we found a fin whale mom and calf to watch. This was a very large fin whale cow, It is great when you can see the right side of the jaw and ho white it is. We had the cow and calf at the surface at the same time to see the jaw of both whales. Just a little to the west of the fin whales we came upon an area of manta rays. They were jumping and there was little packs of 4-8 manta rays together on the surface. The water was clean enough to get great looks at these really cool animals. They had a average wing span of about 6-8 feet.
Then next, we came upon a blue whale mom and calf! This pair was very cooperative and we all had beautiful looks at this magnificent animal and her baby.The calf was a bit curious and came to visit us more than once.
We went west into the San Jose channnel to look for something diffferent. We found a herd of 2000 long beaked common dolphin that was spectacular. We stayed for a while and everyone had great opportunities to view and photograph them.
Headed to Isla Catalina tonight for tomorrow.
More then,
Capt Art
