Captain records humpback whales approaching boat off California coast

A Santa Barbara captain filmed two humpback whales approaching his boat and spending nearly two hours nearby, and the operator reported seeing more than a dozen humpbacks in the Santa Barbara Channel during an earlier-than-usual return from migration.

A captain in Santa Barbara recorded two humpback whales approaching his tour boat and remaining nearby for nearly two hours. The clip was shared by Santa Barbara Whale Watch and attributed to Captain Devin Hunt. The sighting occurred in early February and was described by the group as an early return from migration. Local organizations say the Santa Barbara Channel is highly productive and attracts whales through its currents and upwelling. Key observations: - The video, shared by Santa Barbara Whale Watch, shows two humpbacks lifting their heads near the boat and "pirouetting" under it for almost two hours, according to the operator. - After the close encounter, the captain reported finding over a dozen humpbacks in the Santa Barbara Channel. - Santa Barbara Whale Watch noted that early February returns are not unheard of but are ahead of the typical peak migration season. - The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area says the channel's currents and upwelling attract whales and other marine life by supporting krill and small fish populations. Summary: The early and close encounters were reported as a sign of strong local food availability and reflect the channel's noted productivity. SBWW said the whales are likely to spread along the eastern Pacific through the year, at times reaching as far north as British Columbia and Washington. Undetermined at this time.