Trip Report: Naturalists Roger Harris and Peter Winch

Naturalist Gail Broesder  reported exceptional whale sightings.  First a small group harbor porpoises was sighted near the Golden Gate Bridge. Two miles from the Farallon Islands whale watchers came upon our first blue whale sightings of the season; two adults that appeared to be feeding. Everyone onboard had great views of the largest animals the world has ever known.

Shortly after passing under the Golden Gate Bridge, our boat encountered up to 20 harbor porpoises. On our way to the Farallones, we came upon short-finned pilot whales, and right after that whale watchers were able to have great observations of 20 Risso's dolphins and 15 Pacific white-sided dolphins. Six miles south of the Farallones, we encountered three humpback whales that were apparently deep-dive feeding as they rose to the surface, replenished their air, then dived for longer periods of time. At the Farallones, we sighted a mother gray whale with her calf.

Saturday's trip started with a sighting of about 50 harbor porpoises under the Golden Gate Bridge. About 4 miles SE of the Farallones, a gray whale surfaced about 5 yards from the boat and did a slow and complete circle around the vessel. Everyone onboard got a great view.

Trip Report:

A fantastic weekend for all trips: beautiful weather, calm seas, and incredible wildlife sightings.