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Gray Whales Arrive Early and Healthy

Spotters say the mammals are on the move a few weeks ahead of time

Written by KEYT Reporter

Story Created: Dec 28, 2011 at 6:33 PM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 29, 2011 at 9:02 AM PDT

California Gray Whales are on their southbound migration through the Santa Barbara Channel in numbers long time spotters have rarely seen. That's a good sign for the once endangered species.

At the Santa Barbara waterfront, on board the Condor Express, 61 passengers were treated to quite a show on their four and a half hour trip.

"There were two whales, then three more," said Jeff Landers from Boseman, Montana. "Then we saw a huge pod of dolphins." Landers said the dolphins were very close to the boat, and the whales were just about "20 yards out. You could see them. We got to see the tail flukes, it was great," said Landers.

Matt Curto with Condor Express has been showing passengers the whale migration for 18 years. " I'm not sure if it's early or if it's more on track. Last year it was pretty late. One thing we did notice is they not only are a lot of whales but they're looking really healthy this year."

He says visitors are getting a great look at the whales, under very sunny skies and calm seas. Last year, December was a wet month and business was down significantly.

About 20,000 gray whales will take part in the migration, heading south to shallow lagoons in Mexico to give birth. In the spring they will come north and be much closer to shore. At times they will be easily viewed from coastal parks and open space overlooking the ocean.
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