| SHIPS LOG, COMMENTARY & PHOTOS | ||
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Nature Cruise July 28, 2011 A single bottle nose dolphin was spotted as we neared the tip of Pt. Loma on today's cruise....perhaps one of the Navy's Atlantic bottle nose dolphins in training! Then we were out on the ocean...and seals were spotted.....not marine mammals; several Navy SEALs were parachuting out of a plane in the distance. Splashing was soon seen, and we encountered a pod of common dolphins. Progressing to Los Coronados, we then saw several offshore bottle nose dolphins. At Dead Man's Island, whalers Terry and Doris, as well as the passengers, got to view sea lions and their pups, some harbor seals, and an oyster catcher, in addition to the many cormorants and brown pelicans. We then ventured to Bird Rock and observed the brown boobies and another oyster catcher. Then we tried, and we tried some more, to find some blue whales--unfortunately none were spotted. Other boats a little further north were unable to locate blue whales today as well. We did see lots and lots of common dolphins up close, including moms and calves, and some dolphins exhibiting mating behavior. The water was calm and beautiful--a great day on the water; just one of those days when the rorquals were apparently in a different part of our ocean wilderness.
Submitted by Whaler Diane Nature Cruise July 24, 2011 Bottle nose dolphins greeted the Ocean Odyssey as we headed out of San Diego Bay for "whale canyon," a recent feeding area for the blue whales. No blue whales were seen in this often-frequented location, so we turned north....and what a strange sight we encountered....within a pod of bottle nose dolphins, one large dolphin, mostly pink in color! No one on board; crew, whalers Ida and Terry, or passengers had ever seen anything like it. Really amazing. We believe it to be some kind of albino dolphin with skin discoloration; but we don't know....fortunately it looked very healthy. We then encountered a pod of common dolphins; and finally after a couple sightings of spouts, but no good sighting of a whale, a humpback whale was seen. This whale wasn't in acrobatic mode, so we watched the whale briefly and took off on an eastward course where the captain had heard blue whales had been spotted. Eventually we did see the spouts of blue whales; got to have closer views of approximately six blue whales; a couple of which showed tail flukes when taking deep dives. A few spouts of whales were also seen in the distance. More dolphins were spotted, and it was time for our trip to the dock. Though time did not allow us a view of Los Coronados today, passengers were very happy with the whale sightings, and all were especially intrigued by the very unusual "pink dolphin." Submitted by Whaler Diane Nature Cruise July 21, 2011 Wow! I just returned from the incredible overnight Nature/Blue Whale Cruise to Los Coronados. What a fantastic time was had by all. We observed approximately 20 blue whales on Wednesday, and pods of both Risso's, bottle nose and common dolphins. When the fishing lights came on at night, hundreds of squid showed up, as well as flying fish and other finned creatures, salps and jellyfish. It was fascinating watching the dolphins, sea lions and birds enjoying this feast. I can't recommend this trip enough--please tell your friends and neighbors--it is a very reasonable way to spend a night at sea, eat some delicious food and snacks and enjoy the best of nature. You might remember, I sent the following e-mail in June, and there is a discount Captain Ben has generously offered for whalers: Nature Cruise July 17, 2011 Passengers on today's cruise were in for a very special day! We started the day by encountering some bottle nose dolphins and common dolphins on our journey to "whale canyon," and then the sightings began! A total of at least 12 blue whales, including two mom and calf pairs. The whales amazed passengers, not only by their size, but showing some surface feeding behavior, spy hops, and some their tail flukes before deep dives. A couple of the whales surfaced very close to the vessel giving all the passengers and whalers Karen and Ruth a thrill. Another pod of common dolphins delighted passengers, playing in the midst of all the feeding whales. As we headed to Los Coronados, we got to observe several offshore bottle nose dolphins. As always, everyone enjoyed seeing the sea lions, harbor seals, and black oyster catchers on Dead Man's Island. The brown booby chicks on Bird Rock are starting to feather out, and were observed near their nesting ground. A couple large, yellow jellyfish were seen during the day. Then it was back to San Diego, not without stopping to enjoy viewing a few of the beautiful blue whales we had seen earlier in the day. What a fantastic day spent on the beautiful Pacific Ocean, with the most blue whales we've observed in a day this season! Submitted by Whaler Diane
 
Nature Cruise July 14, 2011 What a day! As we departed San Diego Bay, three bottle nose dolphins were observed as well as some frolicking sea lions--and then we heard from the second captain on board the Bright and Morning Star that he saw a fluke....a fluke in San Diego Bay. Never would have imagined we would see a young gray whale in the harbor at this time of year....it fluked a couple times and we saw a few blows--fortunately a Coast Guard vessel was protecting it from boat traffic in the bay. We headed out to "Whale Canyon," and as we approached a large blow was seen in the distance--by the time all was said and done, the passengers and whalers Patty and Sheila were able enjoy sightings of at least six magnificent blue whales, including a mom and calf pair. Passengers from Germany and Arizona were especially thrilled with the sightings. The group from Arizona had been to Sea World yesterday, and thought this was a much better way to see the animals! We then progressed to Dead Man's Island, checking out the sea lions and their pups, some harbor seals, and observed some black oyster catchers as well as a couple orange sea stars. Two brown booby chicks were observed amongst their elders on Bird Rock. We also had the good fortune to see a small pod of common dolphins. After a quick look at Pirate's Cove, we started our return trip, and noticed some major splashing. Soon we were to discover a pod of feeding Risso's dolphins - and then had a glimpse of a flying fish. We then had another opportunity to look at some of the blue whales we observed earlier--and the mother of the calf treated us to a couple magnificent dives showing her beautiful tail flukes. Ending the trip as we began in San Diego Bay, we once again got a look at the young gray whale, as it showed its tail flukes...we can't help but wish it well! Submitted by Whaler Diane
 Nature Cruise July 10, 2011 It was a bit of a gray day, but it didn't dampen the spirits of passengers and whalers on board the Ocean Odyssey. Whaler Vicky, who had never seen a blue whale before, was first to spot the spout of a magnificent blue whale.....the whale thrilled the passengers as well as whalers Gaynell and Vicky. As we proceeded to Los Coronados we saw four more blue whales, including a mom and calf pair. One blue whale had a scar on its back, probably indicating a ship strike. Another blue whale's tail flukes had the ends turned up on its deep dive....not unlike a jet landing....what a sight (photo attached)! Some of the passengers got to see a mola mola, and everyone enjoyed seeing the sea lions and their pups on Dead Man's Island. Then it was off to Bird Rock to check out the brown boobys. A few small pods of common dolphins swam near the vessel....a sight which always delights passengers and whalers. Lots of people were on today's cruise, fortunate to enjoy the marine life off our coast.
Submitted by Whaler Diane
Nature Cruise July 3, 2011 The blue whales did not disappoint passengers and whalers Sheri and Rosie on Sunday's cruise! Everyone cheered when a couple of the whales raised their impressive 25' wide tail flukes when taking deep dives....something that not all blue whales do. Additionally we got excellent looks at a mom and calf pair, and some feeding behavior. A majority vote of passengers on the vessel dictated that we skip Los Coronados on this cruise and focus on finding more whales and dolphins. A total of four blue whales were observed today. It took some time to find a large pod of common dolphins, but they did not fail to delight everyone on board. Different species of jellyfish were frequently seen, and a mola mola was spotted, probably enjoying the jellyfish, its favorite food. Ocean conditions were quite glassy, and everyone enjoyed another day on the Pacific Ocean observing wildlife off our coast! Nature Cruise June 30, 2011 A beautiful summer day greeted passengers and whalers Alan and Judy. Not only blue skies, but blue whales feeding .... great views of two blue whales, as well as sporadic views of their pectoral fins and baleen as they took their "big gulp" of krill. Lots of krill was seen, which bodes well for the blue whale season off San Diego. As we watched the blue whale feed in the morning, a few common dolphins joined in on the action. After several views of the blue whale, we ventured off to Los Coronados, and on the way viewed a good-sized pod of common dolphin and six to eight Risso's dolphins. Then a mola mola (ocean sunfish) was spotted. Several black oyster catchers were spotted on Dead Man's Island, as well as many sea lion pups. Harbor seals were also seen lounging on the island. After a look at the brown booby's and three of their chicks, we headed back to San Diego, with a couple stops to see more feeding blue whales. Wow--another fantastic day on the water! Submitted by Whaler Diane Nature Cruise June 26, 2011 Feel like shouting it from the rooftops--the Blue Whales are Here! What a show they put on today for passengers and whalers on board the Ocean Odyssey today. Everyone got good looks at lunge feeding--throat grooves, baleen and pectoral fins on six blue whales, including a mom and calf pair. It was definitely a thrilling day for whale watching - one of the best ever. Additionally, we got to see a couple hundred common dolphins, many riding the surge of the vessel and a good-sized mola mola (ocean sunfish). Of course the baby sea lions were another treat, and everyone observed the brown booby's and a couple oyster catchers were spotted. Several jellyfish were seen on today's cruise--probably wetting the mola mola's appetite. Whalers Ida and Fran and all the passengers - and needless to say, Whalers Diane and Judy, were so happy to have experienced this very special day on the water. Submitted by Whaler Diane Nature Cruise June 23, 2011 Newlyweds from Arizona, a Chicagoan who confessed to never seeing a whale on Lake Superior, a passenger from Scandinavia (a bird enthusiast who added to his life bird list) and others with whalers Judy P and Emilia enjoyed another blue whale cruise. A small pod of common dolphins greeted us as we entered the Pacific Ocean. Traveling toward the Los Coronados Islands we came upon 2 blue whales - one who seemed to be feeding. A megapod of common dolphins, seen in the distance, swam our way and gave a great view swimming alongside the boat and, as Captain Rick said, one almost joined us with a big jump right along side of us. New California sea lion pups were at Lobster Cove at Dead Man's Island along with their adult counterparts who seemed to be especially noisy! Brown boobies, a wave from naval personnel on South Island, and a relaxing trip back to San Diego rounded out a great day on the ocean. Whaler Judy L. Nature Cruise June 19, 2011 The cruise on the Bright and Morning Star was off to a great start as we observed some bottle nose dolphins heading in to San Diego Bay. As we headed west, many common dolphins were seen feeding--looked like lots of bait fish for their Sunday brunch! The blue whales apparently took a day off; but as we headed to Los Coronados, spouts were spotted--humpback whales--a mom and calf! Since the mom was protecting her calf, there were no acrobatics; but we did get a good view of the two whales. Passengers and whalers Vicky and Heather enjoyed seeing the sea lions and harbor seals on Dead Man's Island, and all on board enjoyed seeing the colony of brown booby's--including a couple chicks on Bird Rock. On the return trip some of the passengers were treated to some major acrobatics by a dolphin--could this be an escapee from Sea World? The skies cleared early and the sea was calm--everyone on board enjoyed the day in the ocean wilderness off the coast of San Diego! Submitted by Whaler Diane Whale watch Cruise Report - Sunday October 2, 2010 Sea lions playing next to the
Bright and Morning Star greeted passengers this morning. One family decided
against taking the cruise, because they could not be "guaranteed" to see a
blue whale......what a loss for them.
Heading out on very calm waters we came across a large mola mola,
with a Western Gull perched on top of it! Then, a really neat thing
happened: A young mola mola leaped fully out of the water several times!
Heading out towards Los Coronados, we came upon several very large pods of
common dolphins, who put on an incredible performance of jumping, leaping
and tail-slapping for all aboard to enjoy. And the best was yet to
come......there, in the not too far distance, was a tall blow. Not only
one blue whale, but five in the immediate area, and then three humpbacks
made an appearance near the blue whales. We could see the krill they (and
many birds) were feeding on from the boat. Everyone on board was so excited
to see such a terrific show. One blue whale fluked, as did the humpbacks.
After spending a good deal of time taking in the eight whales (and
more spouts were seen in the distance), we headed to Los Coronados, where
everyone enjoyed seeing the sea lions, harbor seals, oyster catchers, brown
boobies, and the overall beauty of the islands. Whale watch Cruise Report - Sunday September 5 2010 Sunday, September 5, 2010, was a great day for whale watching. It was overcast when we left H&M Landing at 10:00 a.m. with a complement of nearly 70 eager whale watchers. We saw a number of Sea Lions on the bait docks as well as swimming in the Pacific Ocean. There were large numbers of sea birds. We encountered two large pods of perhaps 300 to 400 Common Dolphin, with a couple of Pacific White-sided Dolphin in the mix. While we saw no Blue Whales on this trip; one great highlight of the trip was a school of about 15 juvenile Mola Mola. The school of baby sun fish were tightly grouped at the surface and appeared to be feeding on small crustaceans or jellies. We then were fortunate to encounter a pod of perhaps 15 to 25 Risso’s Dolphin which we watched for five to ten minutes. Then we came upon a whale: A sub-adult Humpback Whale that would just not leave us alone. This whale was about 25 to 30 feet long and probably 25 to 30 tons in weight. It was feeding on krill and small fish. We watched the whale engulf his food for over an hour. It even gave us a spectacular water-clearing breach (jump). Because it fed at the surface and approached the boat to within 50 feet on numerous occasions, passengers could observe the dark baleen, the pink tongue and the very pronounced pleats in this rorqual’s throat. It's sloppy feeding behavior that spilled fish from its mouth let passengers observe several sea lions picking up stunned and dead fish cast aside by the Humpback’s feeding as well as the many sea birds that dropped in for a free meal. Often we could predict when and where the whale would rise to the surface as the floating sea birds would lift off the water’s surface (escaping the whale's huge mouth) just before the whale would surface. Time today did not permit a trip to the nearby Los Coronados; however, all agreed, watching the Humpback's feeding behavior was very exciting and memorable. As we returned to San Diego, the weather cleared and passengers, crew and whalers alike were glad to have spent the day on the waters off San Diego. Whalers: Alan, Fran and Diane
Despite the grey weather, we had a sold-out trip. On our way out to the 9-mile bank, we saw a large (800 pound) Mola Mola about 5 miles out. We saw another one near the Coronados but much smaller. We saw a couple of Blue whales that seemed to have been feeding. They were doing their consistent diving and blows (down about 10 minutes with 4-5 breaths between). We even saw the fluke a couple of times of a mighty 70-foot Blue. It wasn’t shy and swam very near the boat. We continued to the Coronados where we saw lots of Brown Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Brandt’s Cormorants, Western Gulls, and their chicks, and a couple of Black Oystercatchers. There were also many California Sea Lions hauled out and several litters of pups. We even got to see some nursing. Some Harbor seals were scattered amongst the rocks on the North Island. There were sightings of about six very large brown jellyfish and a couple of large brightly colored Black sea nettle jellyfish. On Middle Rock, we were lucky enough to see Brown Boobies (about 30) and Blue-footed Boobies (about 6). What a treat. We saw Sooty Shearwaters and Pink-footed Shearwaters gliding low above the surface of the water and in large rafts just off the islands. The return to San Diego was uneventful (with the exception of three rays swimming alongside the boat in the harbor) with no more whale sightings or any dolphins. The highlight of the trip was seeing the Coronados so close and the grandiose of Balaenoptera musculus. A nine-year old boy said, "When my parents said we're going 'whale-watching,' I thought 'b-o-r-i-n-g," but this is great!Kaye and Diane Whale watch Cruise Report - Thursday, June 24, 2010 What a wonderful whale watch cruise on Bright and and Morning Star today. We started off with close-up views of several bottlenose dolphins in the bay. We then proceeded offshore in light breezes and calm seas. We saw 4 blue whales feeding within 5 miles offshore. All the passengers, as well as the whale watch volunteers, were delighted that no matter where you were on the boat you got great views of the blues as they criss-crossed our bow while feeding and showed us their 20-foot tail flukes on their short dives. That ice-blue glow of the blue whale traveling just beneath the surface is always an awesome sight. We even saw a large red-orange patch of blue whale poop!! The blows of possibly 2 more blues were seen in the distance. Next, we headed out to Los Coronados Islands and saw 2 humpbacks as well as probably 1,000 common dolphins. Our boat was surrounded by dolphins, many with small calves. At Los Coronados we saw lots of California sea lions with very young pups onshore as we circled the islands. Brown boobies, even blue-footed boobies, nesting gulls and a pair of Black Oystercatchers with their small chicks were seen along the shoreline. Several local San Diego guests said they were very happy to get an up close look at the islands that they see off in the distance every day. A great day for a whale watch cruise. Gaynell and Alan OH WHAT A DAY!! A glorious day was had today on the Blue Whale watching adventure. It was over the top!! Our expectations were exceeded (I didn’t know what to expect) and I was giddy on the way home. I had no idea what is in our waters only 5-10 miles out. Blue whales (lots), harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins, birds, and more birds AND did you know that you can see a blue footed booby??? Del and the volunteers were most informative and I loved the historical stories from our Captain. I have to say I was hesitant about the time frame, however, the day flew and if you love boating along with site seeing this is the adventure for you. A Great Day and I will be recommending it to people who live here as well as to those visiting as well. In my opinion if you aren’t tummy sensitive to the sea this is a not to be missed memory. The captain did say that today was extraordinary and not always like this but who knows?? I loved it!! Franci | ||
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