Nature Cruise April 21, 2011

April 21, 2011

Weather forecasters predicted a rather drizzly day…..they were wrong!  Was a
terrific day out on the water–great visibility, calm seas, and very comfortable
temperature.  Several of the Navy dolphin training boats were spotted, both on
San Diego Bay and in the Pacific….as well as a few of the Atlantic bottle nose
dolphins being trained.  As we headed out into the Pacific, sporadic dolphins
and sea lions were seen…..and then a blow….a fin whale–we got several good
views of the whale and could even see the chevron on the whale’s back.  While
viewing the whale, a pod of dolphins was seen approaching–we got to see a
nursery group of common dolphins…many very small.  In a short while a couple
minke whales, the smallest of the rorquals were spotted…one even breaching in
the distance; and then we got a special bow rider–a very large offshore bottle
nose dolphin.  The sea lions, harbor seals and elephant seals were seen on and
around Los Coronados…as well as the brown boobies, and several other sea-going
birds.  A great day on the ocean had to end, but as we headed into San Diego
Bay, we were able to watch a mom and calf gray whale–as much as everyone
enjoyed seeing them, all were hoping they would exit the busy San Diego Bay very
soon. for their own safety!  Another special day on the water enjoyed by
passengers, crew, and whalers Judy and Diane.

Submitted by Whaler Diane

Nature Cruise Friday, April 15, 2011

April 15, 2011

Passengers joining whalers Jack and Alan really had a spectacular
dolphin-watching day!  Twenty bottlenose dolphins enjoyed bow riding the vessel,
followed by an encounter with a megapod of approximately 2,000 dolphins.  All
enjoyed the many marine mammals and birds residing in and around the Islands,
and on the return trip all enjoyed watching the courting ritual of two humpback
whales!   Everyone on board had a wonderful time.

Saturday, April 16
A small pod of bottlenose dolphins escorted the Bright and Morning Star in and
out of San Diego Bay on Saturday.  Passengers joining whalers Ruth and Diane
were thrilled watching a pod of common dolphins, which included some very young
animals.  Everyone on board enjoyed the many marine mammals and birds on the
Islands.   Pelicans and cormorants were observed feeding their young.  Several
jellyfish were spotted in the water.  On the return trip, the spouts and flukes
of a humpback whale were seen; however this whale was quite elusive as was a
minke whale spotted by one of the passengers and Diane.  A mom and calf gray
whale were then observed….the mom usually only blowing bubbles instead of
spouting, to maintain her low profile in the water–a good mom!  The day was
warm and the Islands beautiful….another terrific day on the water.

Submitted by Whaler Diane

Nature Cruise April 10, 2011

April 10, 2011

Shortly after leaving the dock, passengers joining Museum Whalers Judy and Diane
on board the Bright and Morning Star were able to see a couple of the Navy’s
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on a training exercise in San Diego Bay.  Heading
to the Los Coronados Islands, some young common dolphins were seen enjoying
Sunday morning brunch.  A small school of Mola Mola’s was noted, followed by
sightings of a couple of larger Mola’s.   The blows of whales were soon spotted,
and everyone got to observe three humpback whales.  Soon the whales were chased
by a pod of offshore bottlenose dolphins…..though the whales didn’t breach
this morning, the dolphins certainly did!   All were delighted with the elephant
seals, harbor seals and sea lions which populate three of the four Islands, and
of course the myriad of sea birds.    One couple from the East coast exclaimed
they had been on many whale watches, but they did not compare with the relaxing
nature of this cruise as well as the sightings of all the marine mammals.
Another passenger from Chicago said she would be sure to return to San Diego
and go out on another Nature Cruise.  As always, this was a great day on the
water.

Submitted by Whaler Diane

Nature Cruise April 1 and 2, 2011

April 1, 2011

No foolin’ – it was a very summer-like day on Friday–calm seas, warm
temperatures and lots of whales:  six gray whales, three of them exhibiting
mating behavior; and five fin whales, one of which came very close to the boat
for a little people watching, and one possible blue whale…..a wonderful day!
Saturday‘s temperature wasn’t as kind, but a troop of Girl Scouts from Las
Vegas, and several other passengers joined whalers Judy and Diane for a look at
four or five gray whales and a fin whale, in addition to the usual suspects at
Los Coronados Islands….the sea lions, harbor seals and elephant seals, and
many sea birds.  Passengers enjoyed seeing the difference in size between the
fin whale and gray whales, and enjoyed their tour around the Islands.  Some of
the passengers were repeat visitors, and plan on doing the Nature Cruise again,
as it never fails to delight!

Submitted by Whaler Diane

Nature cruise report- January 16, 2011

January 16, 2011

Passengers on board the Bright and Morning Star were treated to a
picture-perfect day in San Diego–warm temperatures and calm, glassy seas.
Early in the cruise we were treated to a gray whale which fluked following each
breath; and as we moved on, breached two times for a very appreciative audience.
Heading toward the Los Coronados we encountered hundreds of common dolphins,
many surfing in the vessel’s wake, and several doing spectacular jumps.  We
could hear them communicate!  The Islands are still a vibrant green, and as
there was an extremely low tide we saw many orange sea stars in addition to the
hoards of sea lions, harbor seals and birds.  An American Oyster Catcher made a
rare appearance.  There were a few fluffy, white Brown Booby babies flexing
their wings–what a neat sight!  We all enjoyed seeing six elephant seal pups,
and their parents lounging on the only two beaches on Los Coronados.  More gray
whales were seen – including one pod of four gray whales, which seemed to spout
and fluke in unison.  All on board were in awe of the trip; some are anxious to
come back this summer for the overnight trip to the Islands in the summer.

Three couples on board had heard about the trip on Saturday at the Whale Watch
Weekend at Cabrillo Monument!  Spread the word….this is a wonderful
opportunity to get up close and personal with some very amazing creatures!

–Whaler Diane (on board with Whaler Gaynell)

Nature Cruise Report – December 31, 2010

December 31, 2010

Under brisk conditions, passengers on the Bright and Morning Star were treated
to seeing four gray whales, one of which fluked after every breath!  Los
Coronados Islands were a brilliant emerald green, thanks to recent rains; and
also home to four new elephant seal pups, born since Tuesday–a special treat to
see these newborns.  Some of Dead Man’s Island 12,000 brown pelicans were
observed building their nests–the early nesters get top spots on the
island–could it be for the view?  A small pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins
approached the vessel as we headed to the islands; and on the return trip we
were entertained by a couple hundred common dolphins.

Another beautiful day on the water was had by all–hope it won’t be long before
lots more people, tourists and locals alike, enjoy this wonderful experience!

Submitted by Diane