Nature Cruise January 27
January 26, 2016
An unbelievably beautiful day greeted passengers on board the Bright and Morning
Star Thursday morning. The great Pacific Ocean was as calm as a lake. A mixed
pod of common and Pacific White-sided dolphins appeared as we neared Los
Coronados, along with spouts of gray whales. We all marveled at the 14 gray
whales spotted throughout the day; one pod of five took a deep dive, almost in
unison–spectacular! The hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of sea lions on the
islands often approached the vessel as if we were “Moody’s Lunch Wagon.” Their
dexterity, swimming and climbing ability is awesome. A new elephant seal had
been born within the week, and was spotted nursing at Elephant Seal Cove. Black
Oystercatchers greeted us at three of the islands, and all enjoyed seeing the
many Brown Boobies and their chicks. Whalers Gaynell and Diane, and all the
passengers, were sad to see their day enjoying Los Coronados and the beautiful
Pacific come to an end. It is amazing to have such spectacular scenery, marine
mammals and birds all within a day’s cruise from San Diego!
–Whaler Diane
January 25th, 2016
January 25, 2016
THE CHIEF RETURNED FROM A 1-1/2 DAY TRIP WITH AN AWESOME CATCH OF 62 YELLOWTAIL, 10 BONITO, 52 ROCK COD AND 14 LING COD! THEY ARE SCHEDULED TO DEPART NEXT ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH AND AGAIN ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH.
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
GREAT WHALE WATCHING! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
January 24, 2016
January 24, 2016
The Chief returned from a 1-1/2 day trip with an awesome catch of 62 Yellowtail, 10 Bonito, 52 Rock Cod and 14 Ling Cod! They are scheduled to depart next on Friday, February 5th and again on Friday, February 12th.
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
GREAT WHALE WATCHING! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
January 23rd
January 23, 2016
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
GREAT WHALE WATCHING! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
January 21st, 2016
January 21, 2016
THE CHIEF IS GOING OUT TONIGHT FOR A 1.5 DAY ROCK COD TRIP! DEPARTS AT 7PM BRING YOUR PASSPORT!
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
GREAT WHALE WATCHING! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
Nature Cruises — January 21 and January 22
January 21, 2016
It doesn’t get any better than this for whale watchers off San Diego, venturing
out to Los Coronados Islands. Passengers on Friday’s Nature Cruise were treated
to numerous whale sightings – sometimes seeing spouts in every direction.
Passengers on Saturday‘s cruise were treated to almost as good of a
show….with good sightings of 14 gray whales. Both days hundreds of common
dolphins were seen, both feeding and surfing the wake of the vessel. The
cruisers were also delighted by the Islands’ usual suspects – the hundreds of
sea lions; harbor seals; elephant seals and their pups and numerous seabirds
including Brown Boobies, along with two chicks; and American and Black
Oystercatchers. Calm seas and clear skies made the trips even more
exceptional….how lucky we are to have this opportunity for a fascinating day
trip off the San Diego and Baja coastline!
–Whaler Diane (accompanied by Whaler Laurie on Saturday‘s trip)
January 20th, 2016
January 20, 2016
TODAY’S FISH COUNTS: THE PREMIER ON THEIR EXTENDED 1/2 DAY TRIP FISHING IN MEXICO CAUGHT 81 ROCKCOD, 4 WHITEFISH FOR 10 PASSENGERS AND THE FAITH ON A LOCAL 1/2 DAY CHARTER CAUGHT 8 SAND BASS, 2 CALICO BASS, 2 SCULPIN AND 2 WHITE CROAKER.
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
THE SEA ADVENTURE II IS RUNNING 3/4 DAY TRIPS TO THE CORONADO ISLANDS. THE YELLOWTAIL ARE BITING! PASSPORTS REQUIRED
GREAT WHALE WATCHING! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
January 19th, 2014
January 19, 2016
TODAY’S FISH COUNTS: THE PREMIER ON THEIR EXTENDED 1/2 DAY TRIP FISHING MEXICO CAUGHT, 63 ROCKCOD. THE JIG STRIKE CAUGHT 4 LOBSTERS AND RELEASED 94 SHORTS FOR 6 ANGLERS.
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
THE SEA ADVENTURE II IS RUNNING 3/4 DAY TRIPS TO THE CORONADO ISLANDS. THE YELLOWTAIL ARE BITING! PASSPORTS REQUIRED
GREAT WHALE WATCHING! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
A Day On The Water That Was Just Too Good Not To Share
January 19, 2016
January 16, 2010 was THE most perfect day for a nature, whale watching cruise. MV Bright and Morning Star left the H&M Landing dock at 10:30am with Captain Ben at the wheel and Captain Steve in the galley. Diane and Gaynell were onboard as volunteers from the San Diego Natural History Museum and they were eager to tell the 30 guests making the trip about what they could expect to see on this 6-hour trip through San Diego Bay, out into the Pacific Ocean and offshore to the Los Coronados Islands. It was not very long after we passed the Cabrillo Monument up on the tip of Point Loma and the giant kelp beds just offshore that we noticed a blow on the glassy smooth sea surface. Sure enough, it was our first gray whale sighting of the day. Everyone onboard was on their feet eager to get some good photos. This whale was migrating south, blowing at the surface a few times, fluking and making several shallow dives. We noticed it swim in the direction of the U. S. Navy aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan which was just a little past Buoy One and not moving. Too bad there were only about 3-4 personnel on the carrier deck because all of a sudden the whale breached twice! They may have missed this whale’s version of saying hello, but we certainly didn’t. There were shouts of joy watching this 40-50 foot, 30-40 ton leviathan rise up and splash back down to the surface.
Whew, we’ll say thanks to this whale and continue our journey offshore. Not much longer and what do we see but Common Dolphins leaping and swimming very fast right toward us. Soon we were surrounded by several hundred of them. Many came over to ride the Bright and Morning Star’s bow or to body surf in the wake. They spent a few minutes checking us out before continuing to search for a nice school of fish for their lunch. Another great opportunity to get some great photos of the dolphins, many with small calves.
OK, now we really have to get going, the islands are waiting. As we get closer to South Island we notice how green it looks with the sparse vegetation taking advantage of all of our late December and early January rains. We started seeing cormorants and pelicans flying from rocky outcrops on small bird-occupied islands. The Los Coronados are a Mexico nature reserve where all types of feathered and furred wildlife can be seen. You can fish or dive in the sparkly aquamarine waters around the islands, but as a reserve no one is allowed to anchor and go onshore. Soon we are at a cove where Captain Ben very expertly points our bow toward shore so that we can get some views of numerous pinnepeds. The little harbor seals lift their heads as if to say please don’t disturb us. The California sea lions are all standing up, barking at us just like guard dogs in a backyard. But what are those big brown blobs up onshore that don’t seem to move at all. They are Northern elephant seals taking a rest. We notice one enormous male who is bigger than anything else on the beach. There are also several females tossing sand over their backs; a few of them have small to medium-sized elephant seal pups.
Continuing on our cruise along the shorelines of Middle and North Islands we begin to see just how much bird life there is to see on the islands. We are fortunate today to see both the Black Oystercatcher and the American Oystercatcher making their way along the edges at low tide in search of mussels. The low tide also gives us excellent views of numerous urchins and brightly-colored sea stars all clinging to the rocks until the tide rolls in and they are once again submerged out of view. We see hundreds and hundreds of cormorants, nesting pelicans and gulls and then a really special treat — brown boobies flying out over our heads and then back to their nests where we observe a few fluffy white booby chicks. Even a peregrine falcon put in a special appearance, perched high up a hill. Cameras are just clicking away. Captain Ben told us many pirate stories and some facts about the early history of the islands.
All too soon it was time to start our journey back to San Diego Bay. But, we couldn’t leave the islands without saying adios to four more migrating gray whales, surfacing, blowing and sounding in unison as they continue their journey down to the lagoons on the west coast of Baja. Everybody was ready to kick back, relax, enjoy the light breezes and the beginning of what will certainly be a beautiful sunset. Anyone and everyone, whether a San Diego resident or a welcome visitor, should get out on a cruise, get out in the ocean and see the wondrous wildlife that we are fortunate to have just off our coastline. And get out there NOW. If you only have time for a 3-hour cruise, no problem, the whales are cruising on by. But, if you can manage a 6-hour nature cruise you will be in for a double delight. Happy Whale watching everyone See you out there.
Gaynell
January 18th, 2016
January 18, 2016
HERE ARE THE FISH COUNTS FOR TODAY: THE PREMIER EXTENDED 1/2 DAY TRIP FISHING IN MEXICO, 25 ANGLERS CAUGHT 105 ROCKCOD AND 1 LINGCOD. THE JIG STRIKE LOBSTER HOOPING CAUGHT 14 LOBSTERS, RELEASED 87 SHORT LOBSTERS FOR 10 HOOPERS.
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
THE SEA ADVENTURE II IS RUNNING 3/4 DAY TRIPS TO THE CORONADO ISLANDS. THE YELLOWTAIL ARE BITING! PASSPORTS REQUIRED
GREAT WHALE WATCHING! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
January 17th
January 17, 2016
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
THE SEA ADVENTURE II IS RUNNING 3/4 DAY TRIPS TO THE CORONADO ISLANDS. THE YELLOWTAIL ARE BITING! PASSPORTS REQUIRED
GREAT WHALE WATCHING! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
January 16th
January 16, 2016
THE SEA ADVENTURE 80 REPORTED EPIC WHALE COUNTS ON TODAY’S TRIPS! CAPTAIN SCOTT McDANIELS REPORTS THEY WERE ALMOST CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH!
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
THE SEA ADVENTURE II IS RUNNING 3/4 DAY TRIPS TO THE CORONADO ISLANDS. THE YELLOWTAIL ARE BITING! PASSPORTS REQUIRED
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
January 15, 2016
January 15, 2016
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA. GREAT COUNTS! BOOK NOW!
WHALE WATCHING IS IN FULL SWING AND IT HAS BEEN EXCELLENT, SEEING LOTS OF GRAY WHALES, A FEW HUMPBACKS, DOLPHINS AND SEA LIONS!!!
THE FIRST STRING & THE SEA ADVENTURE 80 REPORTED SEEING LOTS OF WHALES ON TODAY’S TRIP!
THE SEA ADVENTURE II IS RUNNING 3/4 DAY TRIPS TO THE CORONADO ISLANDS. THE YELLOWTAIL ARE BITING! PASSPORTS REQUIRED
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
Nature Cruise, Saturday January 15
January 15, 2016
A wonderful trip on the Bright and Morning Star today. We left the dock around 10 with about 85-90 passengers, the majority being Sierra Club members who had chartered the boat. On board with the Sierra Club was Alicia Retes ( a whaler who lives in the Bay area) and Renee Owens, a biologist who specializes in marine life. The whalers on board today were Debbie Burnette and Judy Peacock.
It was a nice sunny day and as we made our way into the ocean, a small group of common dolphins was spotted. The passengers enjoyed photographing them and seeing them bow ride. As we headed south towards the Coronado Islands we saw “blows” in the distance and our first gray whales were spotted. There were 3 whales heading south, snorkeling and fluking…but not in the usual pattern. They would take a breath, dive…take a breath, dive. After staying with them for awhile we continued south to the islands.
The first island to visit was South Island and we went into the cove below the fishing shacks and where the old casino has once been. The passengers enjoyed seeing the photos of the old casino as it looked in its “hey-day”. Spotted some sea lions and harbor seals resting on the rocks. Over on the other side we went into the cove where the elephant seals and some new pups were, along with the sea lions and harbor seals. Then it was over to Sunset Cove, where more elephant seals and pups were spotted. Then on to Bird Island and the brown boobies and oyster catchers. Great photo opportunities for all. The new brown booby chicks were so cute to see.
Over on Dead Man’s Island we spotted the usual array of Brown Pelicans, sea gulls, cormorants, etc.
As we headed back to San Diego more “blows” in the distance and we were fortunate to have 3 more gray whales snorkeling along in what seemed to be a usual pattern…..they must have felt more comfortable with us. More common dolphins observed along the way also. The gray whales continued to snorkel and dive…As we looked south towards the Coronados (from the stern), a couple of breaches in the distance and 2 really tall blows…could it be those fin whales from the day before??
More blows to the east and west of us as we headed in and it seemed as there were whales everywhere we turned…
All in all, a great time and wonderful trip to the de los Coronados…thanks Captain Ben
Judy Peacock
January 14, 2016
January 14, 2016
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING EXTENDED HALF-DAY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA.
WHALE WATCHING IS IN FULL SWING AND IT HAS BEEN EXCELLENT, SEEING LOTS OF GRAY WHALES, A FEW HUMPBACKS, DOLPHINS AND SEA LIONS!!!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
January 13, 2016
January 13, 2016
Excellent Whale Watching reported by the number 1 Whale Watching boat on the West Coast, the Sea Adventure 80. Captain Scott reports great sightings daily of South bound Grays, hundreds of Dolphin and plenty of Sealions. Take the time and go exploring offshore with the West Coast leader.
January 12, 2016
January 12, 2016
THE PREMIER IS RUNNING FOR SURE ALL NEXT WEEK (WEATHER PERMITTING) MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM -3PM PASSPORTS REQUIRED $85 INCLUDES MEXICAN PERMIT AND TOURIST VISA.
WHALE WATCHING IS IN FULL SWING AND IT HAS BEEN EXCELLENT, SEEING LOTS OF GRAY WHALES, DOLPHINS AND SEA LIONS!!!
2016 PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE PUBLISHED! BOOK EARLY TO SECURE THE PRIME DATE AND TRIP OF CHOICE ON YOUR FAVORITE BOAT!
H&M Landing gets new managing partner
January 12, 2016
SAN DIEGO — H&M Landing has announced Frank Ursitti as the new managing partner of United Sportfishers/H&M Landing in Point Loma.
As managing partner, Ursitti will be handling the day-to-day operations of the West Coast’s largest sportfishing fleet.
When Phil Lobred decided to retire his position of managing partner, which he had held for 36 years, he chose Ursitti as his successor.
“I knew he had the experience, insight, temperament and entrepreneurial spirit to take the business forward,” said Lobred.
Ursitti, 53, has been working in the sportfishing industry since he was a teenager. In the summer of 1977 he began working on sportfishing boats from Channel Islands Harbor and continued to work as a crewman on boats from the CISCO fleet until earning his Masters License in 1981.
He then began operating boats for Channel Islands Sportfishing until February of 1990 when he purchased his first charter boat, Coral Sea, and began spending five months each summer season fishing out of H&M Landing with the balance of the year from Channel Islands Sportfishing in Oxnard.
In 1999 he purchased the first boat he ever worked on, a Ranger 85 to expand and diversify his charter business to include whale watching and eco-tourism adventures in the waters throughout Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. He formed
Channel Islands Whale Watching in 2000 and founded Channel Islands Marine Floating Lab, a tactile marine-science field-trip opportunity for students in 1997.
In San Diego Ursitti is excited to be able to offer a school field-trip opportunity with H&M’s whale-watching program that offers a pre- and post-trip curriculum that meets common core state standards.
Founded in 1935, H&M Landing is the West Coast’s oldest sportfishing company, with the largest commercial passenger fleet. H&M offers fishing year-round, for surface game fish in spring, summer, and fall and rock cod through the winter months.
See more at: The Log – California’s Boating & Fishing News
