Seafari Tours see Wildlife on the way to Anacapa Island

We departed today under cloudy skies with a light wind from the southwest.
You could feel the sense of excitement as we set our course for the island.
We scanned the horizon with anticipation as miles of water washed under the keel.
When we reached the drop off, as if on cue, we encountered one of the largest pods of common dolphin we have seen in months.

These animals are capable of speeds in excess of 25 miles per hour, yet they slowed their pace and stayed with us, almost guiding us ever further offshore.
Having spent most of my life on the water, an encounter like this never ceases to hold me spellbound as these gentle creatures track along playfully, willingly as if they want to be one with us. There is an old Chumash legend that refers to a rainbow bridge that spanned from the coast to the islands. When one passed from this life to the next and crossed the bridge, those that looked down and fell from the bridge became dolphins…

As we approached the island, we changed course and headed east down the rugged north shore.
Captivating.
The bird sanctuary was teaming with pelicans and the scenery was surreal.
We tracked down the north side to the east end and paused briefly by Arch Rock. Here we observed a colony of California Sea lions and then went around to the south side where we observed several more groups.
The experience was incredible.

I always look in wonder and amazement at the raw beauty of this environment. Every trip is different and poses new experiences each and every day.
I was honored today to have onboard the Ambassador from India. He and his family enjoyed their time on the water and were amazed at the wildlife we encountered.

On our way back across the channel, we came upon even more dolphin as they fed on sardines in deep water.
We look forward to our next adventure offshore and will continue to blog our experiences.
Till then,
Capt. Frank