Five Humpback Whales and Sea Lions in the Fog

Our morning run aboard Sanctuary required some patience in the foggy, damp conditions, but we were rewarded with a close look at five humpback whales. Navigating through the wind and chop, we located the whales as they surfaced through the swell, their powerful blows visible even against the low-hanging mist.

Alongside the whales, we observed a small group of twenty-five California sea lions. In these conditions, sea lions often travel in loose rafts, utilizing the chop to conserve energy. The humpbacks appeared to be searching for bait fish, executing shallow dives that kept them near the surface and highly visible despite the challenging weather.

The weather today was undeniably challenging, with a steady southeast wind of 5.8 knots and damp, chilly air hovering around 55 degrees. Finding these animals in the heavy mist is always a test of patience, but our passengers were determined to brave the elements, and their perseverance paid off with some excellent, sustained viewing.

Days like today remind us that the bay is a wild, unpredictable environment. Watching these resilient marine mammals go about their daily routines in rough weather is a testament to their adaptability and strength.