We had a fun nautical time with bumpy seas! We set out to the west and just beyond the drop-off, we sighted a fun nursery pod of Short-beaked Common dolphins! At first, they were mellow and going down for dives. The more time we spent with them, we noticed them being more boat friendly! They cruised up to us and began to bow-ride and surf in our wake. So many teeny tiny calves were seen all around us! Many with fetal folds too! We continued pushing out to the west and reached 10-miles from shore! After reaching our turning around point, we were smooth sailing on the way in! We were riding the waves and enjoying the sunshine! Captain Bryan spotted a fast moving feedin pod of ~75 Long-beaked Common dolphins! Some turned around and raced for our bow! We got great looks all around! Terns followed them and dove into the water picking up anchovies. We spotted a juvenile California sea lion and a flying fish along the way too!
The ocean was saucy today! Some good rollin swells and windy but the warmth of summer kept everyone in good spirits. We search until the bitter end tonight- finding a fantastic pod of long- beaked common dolphins just before sunset. The sky was on fire as the dolphins sped through the swells – throwing up orange splays of water catching the last glowing rays of light.
Naturalist,
Vanessa & Alison
