A cool, crisp morning, and calm seas, greeted passengers on the Bright and
Morning Star as they headed out to Los Coronados Islands. Not too far out of
the harbor, a juvenile gray whale was spotted. This whale kept everyone
guessing as to where it would surface, and wasn’t yet comfortable in its skin,
as it apparently wanted to maintain a low profile. Heading further out, all
enjoyed the antics of a pod of common dolphin who were enjoying their Thursday
morning brunch. Lots of harbor seals lounged on the shore of Pirates’ Cove, on
South Coronado Island, and passengers enjoyed them, black oystercatchers, and
then the elephant seals and their young on the other side of South Island. More
elephant seals and their pups were viewed on “Sunset Beach” on Middle Island.
Brown boobies and a couple chicks were observed on Bird Rock, and then it was
on to North Coronado Island (Dead Man’s Island). Everyone enjoyed seeing all
the sea lions, some of which jumped off the Island, thinking the vessel to be
“Moody’s Lunch Wagon.” Shortly thereafter was the call, “thar she blows,” – and
a total of six fin whales were observed. All passengers were in awe of these
immense whales and their tall blows! The majority of passengers were from
Canada or Minnesota, and few had ever seen a whale – so they were especially
thrilled. Then it was back to San Diego, all on board tired in a good way from
a wonderful day on the water.
Submitted by Whaler Diane