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)