5-26-21 “Active Humpbacks & Abundant Risso’s”

Wednesday was another full value adventure day, as rock-and-roll seas also yielded active Humpback Whales and abundant Risso’s Dolphin. Captain Danny, Deckhand Kevin, and myself (Zay) had little trouble finding the Dolphin early-on this morning, barely a mile out of the gate, and two humpback whales were sighted out by the south edge of the Monterey Submarine Canyon – four miles west of the Monterey Peninsula. At one point, one of the pair exhibited a full breach, close enough to excite even the most battle hardened whale watcher! The second trip found several dozen Risso’s Dolphin early on, like the first trip. As wind speed increased, so too did the sloppy seas. Instead of racing out of the bay, Captain Danny wisely turned the boat north to survey the coastal waters off the town of Marina and Seaside. Low and behold, five humpbacks were sighted, and a group of three gave us great looks until the passengers were ready to go home (some more than others). On our way back, Risso’s Dolphin were sighted again, offering a refreshing “rest stop” on the return journey, and a perfect cap for an adventurous day.