05-22-2016: Blue Whales Show up In Large Numbers Throughout The Bay, Humpback Whales, Reports of Orcas, Dolphins

Monterey Bay Blue Whale
A blue whale goes down for a dive. A full-sized blue whale’s tail fluke can be 20-feet wide.

The weather has been a challenge over the last week or so. Between the thick fog and heavy winds, it hasn’t been all fun and games. But we’ve managed to find whales and dolphins on days that we’ve been able run.

Moss Landing Gray Whale
This gray whale was photographed from the beach right out in front of the Moss Landing Harbor. Photo: Bob Western.

The blue whales are in the Monterey Bay in numbers that we’ve haven’t seen for a few years.

Moss Landing Puffin
Here is an excellent look at a Tufted Puffin. Photo: Chase Dekker, sanctuarycruises.com

We’ve been able to do most of our morning trips. But even some of the early morning trips have been canceled because of wind and steep swell.

Monterey Bay Risso's Dophin
Here a Risso’s dolphin breaches. Photo: Chase Dekker, sanctuarycruises.com

For the most part we are pretty well into what we would consider a normal Spring weather cycle. That is, somewhat calm conditions in the morning and rough windy conditions in the afternoon.

Moss Landing Sea Lion
Moss Landing sea lion feeds on a nice sized salmon. Photo: Bob Western.

But this windy weather is why we have blue whales in The Bay right now. Blue whales mainly feed on krill. All the wind we’ve been having has been good for productivity and has spawned some massive krill blooms.

Monterey Bay Common Dolphin Calf
Here’s a common dolphin calf trying to keep up with it’s mother. Photo: Bob Western

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