Sailing with a Humpback

Thanks to Arthur Rosenshein for the great photo! This beautiful little Humpback calf waved its huge pectoral fins around for over half an hour as we sailed back and forth nearby. August 2006.

(Sept. 28th) Grand Finale of Orcas and Humpbacks!

What a wonderful note to end our season on! The mist was clearing rapidly when we left the dock and Johnstone Strait was clear as we headed on down to where the two pods of Orcas were, moving west from the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. With the hydrophone down it was wonderful listening to A Clan calls from both the A12 and A30 pods as they moved steadily west in Johnstone Strait, foraging as they went. The two pods were spread out across the strait, intermingling with each other at times and a lot of playful interaction was observed between several of the calves; a lone Pacific White-sided Dolphin was also observed to be traveling with them. After leaving the Orcas we cruised into Blackfish Sound where the blows of four Humpback whales were seen spread out across the top end of the Sound. It was exciting to see the Humpback Whales surface and dive, a surprise for our passengers on board who had not expected to see Humpback Whales. On our return, 85-90 Stellar Sea Lions were seen hauled out and some were swimming in the water. They are amazing to watch and their grunting sounds can be heard from a vast distance away. The sun was shining and the kelp forests sparkled as we made our way back home. We are fully appreciative and grateful for the remarkable beauty and wonder that these waterways hold and have so enjoyed and experienced the season, shared with many who had travelled from all parts of the globe to witness the inspirational majesty of the orcas, humpback whales and more! We wish you all a reflective and purposeful fall and winter; of dreaming, seeking and fulfilling some deepset passions.

(Sept. 27th) Another day of beauty and Orcas!

It was another day of wonder and magic with a waterway obscured for much of the time in a heavy blanket of fog that suddenly disappeared as tree tops and shorelines emerged into a brilliance of glorious sunshine. Shortly after leaving the dock in Alder Bay, the magic began when 4-6 Dall's Porpoises darted back and forth bow riding, delighting all on board and a Great Blue Heron flew overhead. Our first encounter with orcas today was again the sighting of a huge dorsal fin rising into sight before us as we made our way down Johnstone Strait. Even though the fog was dense, the viewing was wonderful and passengers observed traveling, resting, foraging activity and playful interaction between the two young mothers (A50 and A54) and their calves. When we left them, the A30's were traveling steadily east towards the Ecological Reserve; A39 and A30 were in the lead. We turned back making our way towards the welcoming brightness of sunlight, enjoying the sights of Bald Eagles in tree tops and hauled out Harbour Seals on rocks and just as we were nearing Alder Bay, a Stellar Sea Lion was also observed. It was indeed a glorious day!

(Sept. 25th & 26th) Mystical fog, Orcas and Humpbacks!

Sept 25th, The fog appeared to be clearing as we headed out at noon and the way was clear and beautiful when we sighted the first dorsal fins in the distance in the Queen Charlotte Strait, ahead of a looming fog bank. We stopped the boat and listened in wonder to some beautiful A Clan vocals, and as two orcas made their way towards us, we recognized them as A12 and A33, traveling close together, ahead of the rest of the A12 pod. The A30's were also seen traveling in the same direction nearby, making it a total of 17 orcas that were seen. The fog swept back in and when the orcas were again sighted, the A30's were seen grouped together in Blackfish Sound, traveling east, while the A12's had headed into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Passage. The fog had cleared again and looking back out into the Queen Charlotte Strait, vast numbers of birds could be seen in all directions. Common Murre's were diving below the water to feed on herring while large numbers of Gulls gathered to feed in a frenzy on the herring balls that had formed. We enjoyed the viewing of two Humpback Whales and then a third one was also seen as we made our way home. There were several sightings of Stellar Sea Lions during the tour, some swimming and some 25-30, were seen hauled out and with them a few Harbor Seals. More Harbor Seals were seen among the rocks on the islands on our way home, as were 6 Black Oyster Catchers and 5 Canadian Geese. It was a day that makes one fully aware of just how special and wonderful a place it is that we tour in.

Sept. 26th, The fog was still heavy when we headed out at noon but weaving in amongst some islands in our search for the orcas we were rewarded by breathe taking beauty as shafts of light exposed a natural wonderland.
The sounds of Stellar Sea Lions were clearly audible in the stillness of the day and we enjoyed viewing them as they lay hauled out on smooth rocks, even as the fog swirled amongst them. The first orca we encountered was A39, an adult male from the A30 pod. His large black dorsal fin stood tall and stark against the whiteness of the fog and it was surprising and exciting when he breached three times nearby the boat! We had some lovely viewing when A39 was joined by his sister A50 and her two calves and they continued to travel together, separate from the rest of the family.
It was magical, and as the acoustic beauty of the A Clan calls punctuated the still whiteness of our foggy surroundings, one could not help but feel deeply moved by the experience. After leaving the orcas we traveled home via numerous scenic waterways, taking in the glorious sights of sunlight, clear blue skies,
numerous Bald Eagles, Surf Scooters and Harbor Seals!

Transient & Resident Orcas, and a Black Bear

The sun shone all day and the straits were full of whales. SV Tuan headed off early this afternoon and came upon a Black Bear strolling along the beach and soon after some transient Orcas. We followed them along until they met up with another group of transients bumping the number of animals up to 9 in total. They were headed in the opposite direction of the oncoming resident Orcas so we stopped, shut down the engine and were soon surrounded by 17 residents chasing salmon all over the place. The vocals were fantastic and the sea was an aquamarine blue in amongst the rip tide and whirlpools. There wasn't a breath of wind in the air until we were almost home and had finished our afternoon tea.

(Sept 21) Lots of sights

Once underway this morning MV Cetacea was joined by a group of Dall's porpoises surfing in the bow wake. Although the water was choppy the sun was shining and we could see their striking black and white markings as they darted back and forth. Soon after we encountered 2 Humpback whales and then the I11 pod of Orcas foraging. We followed them and the A12 pod down into the more calm waters of Blackfish Sound while they switched their behavior to resting. As they all surfaced together and dove together we were able to have a great look at all the numerous members of the pods. Along the cruise home everyone enjoyed the scenic passages amongst the islands as well as seeing an additional Humpback whale and a group of 5 Stellar sea lions.

Dall's Porpoise

Orcas, a Humpback, Sea lions, and an Osprey

SV Tuan left the dock this morning surrounded by thick fog but by the time we had found our way down the strait a little way the blanket that covered us had began to lift. We explored some small islands and their bird, seal, and sea lion inhabitants and then found a Humpback whale amidst the mist. Further along we began to see Orca dorsal fins popping up here and there. In total we must have seen over 30 animals including the G17 pod which we haven’t seen all year until today. The animals were foraging and vocalizing constantly and even rubbing on the beach making for a wonderful encounter. We also saw an Osprey today which is the first sighting of this species in this area for us as well as a huge flock of Black Scoters.

A34 & A80

Its beginning to feel like Fall

The rain is continuing and the eco-system is grateful for it. We headed out today aboard SV Tuan into the light drizzle and mist to find a lone Humpback whale resting on the surface between long dives feeding. In the distance we could see the blows of another Humpback whale but we choose to spend our time with the first one. After watching it for a while we headed up into the breeze staysail set before exploring the small passages between islands where we saw an abundance of birdlife. There were plenty of Bald Eagles everywhere but between sightings of them we saw a Pacific Golden Plover, a Peregrine Falcon, loads of Harlequin Ducks, lots of Scoters, and a Red-necked Grebe. We also found a big group of Stellar Sea lions on patrol, and harbor Seals hauled out here and there.

Bald Eagle

Trip Cancelled due to Gale Force winds

All day the wind has howled but with it has come some needed rain. Its a nice day to not be on the water.

Orcas & Humpbacks

SV Tuan set out this morning to find the A30 pod of Orcas nearby. These 9 animals were fully engaged with their foraging and from where we watched we could tell that they were quite successful by the amount of seagulls feeding on their fish scraps. As the animals weaved their back and forth up Queen Charlotte strait locating the salmon schools we followed along stopping now and again to hear their beautiful vocals. The strait was flat calm and sunny and once it was time to leave we were passed by a Humpback whale and then another off in the distance. The Stellar Sea lions also seemed to be enjoying the sun as we passed by a group of 20 or so thermo-regulating. Through the islands home we enjoyed afternoon tea while Bald eagles surveyed us from the cliff and tree tops.

A50

Humpback Whales

We enjoyed a sunny and calm September day yet again. After making our way down the strait for a while we headed up into Blackfish Sound and found some marine life. First off we found a few Stellar sea lions and Harbor seals and then came across 3 large Humpback whales. We recognized 1 of these individuals but the other 2 were less common animals. They all swam together for a little while and to us it looked like they were chasing each other round and round because they surfaced single file moving quite quickly. Once they had completed a few circles we made our way south and found yet another Humpback whale as well as seeing a fifth animal off in the distance. Through the small islands on the way home we enjoyed the beautiful coastal scenery and birdlife.

Orcas, Humpbacks, Sea lions, Sails

What a fantastic day! SV Tuan started the morning off looking at 2 Humpback whales not too far from home. This mother and baby were engaged in some restful behaviour, not moving too fast, and taking long breaths at the surface. We even got a great look at both of their tails as they took a deep dive. A few minutes later we found over 25 Stellar Sea lions hauled out on a rock near to where the Humpbacks had just dove. The sounds of these animals roaring was like listening to a pride of lions squable over prey. As the breeze picked up and the sun became partially shrouded by a patch of fog we next encountered a group of 9 Orcas. These animals were spread out foraging for salmon and seemed to be having great success. We hoisted the sails and dropped the hydrophone and while tacking this way and that could hear their intermittent vocalizations to each other and their echo-location click trains which they emit to locate these salmon they were feeding on. As we turned for home the wind suddenly dropped right out of the sails and the afternoon got hot.

(Sept. 12, & 13)

On September 12th MV Cetacea had a great trip with the Orcas. On September 13th we cancelled all trips due to gale force winds and choppy sea.

Tons of Orcas & Humpbacks

SV Tuan came across a large group of Orcas just after leaving the dock this morning. The strait was calm, and clear and the vocals of these 80 or so animals were amazing. They all meandered their way through some reefs and then headed for the open water of Queen Charlotte Strait where we found 5 Humpback whales in addition to all these Orcas. The air was filled with numerous blows at any given second making for quite the sound. This afternoon MV Cetacea saw the same huge group of Orcas and Humpbacks all still in the same area amongst each other as well as over 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins and a group of Stellar Sea lions. The mist came and went all day making for some of the most intriguing scenery.

A32 & A46

Orcas in the Strait

A steady southeast wind blew all day which added some excitement to the trip down the strait. As the SV Tuan rode the rare choppy seas we eagerly awaited our first glimpse of Orcas. Upon arrival near their whereabouts we dropped the hydrophone and were immediately greeted by some beautfiul vocalizations from the I31 pod that was not far away. As they passed by we saw more animals in the distance and could hear them calling as well. With the staysail set we made our way west with the Orcas for some time before they stopped to forage for salmon at which point we headed for home. Along the way we saw some Dall's porpoises zipping around and enjoyed some high tea on the high seas.

(Sept. 9th) Lunge Feeding Humpbacks

Off into the Strait to find atleast 7 lunge feeding Humpback whales! It was a bit breezey so we set the mainsail and tacked back and forth while these magnificent animals swam in circles all around us. We were looking this way and that all the while seeing these animals surface from under huge schools of small fish with their mouths wide open. It was amazing to see such concentrated feeding behaviour in a small localized area. On the way home the breeze leveled off and we spotted 3 Pacific White-sided dolphins.

MV Cetacea & Humpback Whale

Socializing Whales

After months of sun, finally a few drops of rain today. The Sound was calm though and very beautiful. SV Tuan headed out to find 2 pods of resident Orcas, (the I15's, and A30's) in a big clump resting and playing. Some of the younger ones were breaching and spyhopping while the adults seemingly rolled all over each other while surfacing in unison. It was not uncommon to see more than 20 whales at the surface this morning and the vocals were unheard of. It seemed all the individual animals were calling in unison as well. With the mainsail up we headed back to the west after some time and visited with 2 Humpback's that were visiting each other. (BCZ0004, and BCX0081) We then found about a dozen Stellar Sea lions and another Humpback whale on the way home as well as 2 Black-bellied Plovers.

A30's & I15's

Sun and Whales

Today there was not a breath of wind all day. It was flat calm and the Orcas were spread out easy to see and hear from a distance. When we first saw the A30 and I15 pods this morning from SV Tuan they were foraging with some of the young ones engaged in a bit of surface activity such as spyhopping and tail slapping. They were calling over and over again the same vocal sometimes louder and sometimes softer. It was a beautiful encounter. This afternoon MV Cetacea enjoyed some great encounters with the same animals as well. They also saw 2 Humpback whales and the same group of a dozen or so Stellar Sea lions that we saw from the Tuan this morning. Other wildlife seen today was a lone Pacific White-sided dolphin, Dall's porpoises, Surf Scoters, a Pacific Loon, Harlequin Ducks, and loads of other Sea birds.

A30 and son

(Sept. 6th) Orcas, Humpback, Sailing

A beautiful morning spent with 2 pods of resident Orcas in Johnstone Strait. While underway we hoisted the mainsail in the light westerly breeze. Upon arrival the Orcas were spread out foraging here and there. We also saw a Humpback not too far from the Orcas so went over to have a closer look. This is a delightful time of year to be on the water as the wildlife is abundant and the weather just beautiful.

Humpback Tail Wave


Orcas

Killer and Humpback Whales

SV Tuan had the morning tour and into the strait she went. Once with the Orcas all was grand. The A30 pod and the I15 pod both came right past us as we sat quietly listening to their blows, vocals, and clicks. Off in the distance we could see more Orcas and even a Humpback whale. As we continued down the strait with the Orcas we came across a large group of Dall's porpoises, a single Pacific White-sided dolphin and even a large Yellow-eye rockfish floating in the riptide. This afternoon MV Cetacea saw many of the same animals, but also Stellar Sea lions, and an additional Humpback whale. The sun shone all day again and the sea was rippled.

Pectoral Fin Slap

Lots of Orcas

Another hot day! SV Tuan and MV Cetacea headed out to Queen Charlotte Strait today to find a huge group of Orcas spread out all over the place and foraging non-stop. The wide open expanse of this part of the strait affords a tremendous view of the whole area from Vancouver Island to the Coast Mountain range and everything between. In amongst all this openess we floated quietly on the flat calm sea surface literally surrounded by Orcas and their beautiful vocals. Along the way we saw 4 species of Alcid, 3 Pacific Loons, a Red-necked Phalarope and a Red-necked Grebe.

Orca, Strait, Mountains, Glacier

(Sept. 3rd) Orcas, Sun, Sailing, Sea lions, Black Bear, HB

We definitely saw a lot of wildlife today. The sun shone and the animals were abundant. Both SV Tuan and MV Cetacea had wonderful tours. The Orcas were all over Johnstone strait spread out foraging busily but we were saddened to see that B13's dorsal fin has collapsed completely sometime during the last 3 weeks since we saw him last. We can only hope he will be OK. The vocals heard by him and others were an array of calls, whistles, grunts, and clicks at all volumes as there were whales near, far, and everywhere between. This morning everyone aboard was surprised as the Orcas swam right between the shore and a swimming Black Bear. No one had any idea which way to look. As the Ceatcea found a Humpback whale near some of the Orcas this afternoon Tuan set the sail for a gentle sail with the animals as they guided us part way home. On the way back to the Bay there were Sea lions, Seals, a Black Oystercatcher and even 3 fluffy gull chicks not too far from their nests.

B13

Orcas, Orcas

The area was full of Orcas today. All the G clan I pods were in the straits today and we had wonderful times viewing them on this morning's and this afternoon's tours. This morning the whales were spread out foraging all across the strait while this afternoon they spent much of their time resting. Some of the animals made their way amongst or around the islands while others stayed in the deep water of the strait vocalizing through out. This has so far been the dryest and warmest summer we know of and today has been no exception to that trend.

I62

Superpod of Orcas and Humpbacks again

The fog was thick as we left Alert Bay but by the time we made it around the corner it was a beautiful sunny day. We made our way down the strait and soon came upon the sight of blows as far as the eye could see. We stopped and listened and could hear the chorus of vocals that the Orcas were singing. Wave after wave of animals swam past us foraging as they went. By afternoon most the animals were resting in the calm water in large tightly clumped groups. Some were spyhopping and breaching while others were clearly just soaking up the sun on the sea surface. While SV Tuan hoisted the sails once a light westerly breeze came through MV Cetacea left the Orcas behind to see 4 Humpback whales. Both vessels came across more Orcas on the way home. It was a fantastic day had by all.

A12's Resting


5 Simultaneous Spyhops

7 Humpbacks and a baby Minke,

There was not a breath of wind all day and the sun shone through out making this the calmest and warmest day of the season so far. We set out and spotted the huge blow of a Humpback whale in the still morning air. This was the begining of a day full of Humpbacks. Not to long after the first one we spotted another and then 2 others and then another and so on until we had 9 sightings (2 of which we think were animals we had previously seen but in different areas). One large animal breached twice not too far from us while another animal layed on its back and dangled its long pectoral fins in the air. At the end of the day we had a beautiful encounter with a very small and curious Minke whale. Both vessels also had enchanting cruises through the islands and plentiful bird sightings including huge rafts of Alcids and Gulls, a Parasitic Jaeger, a Red-throated Loon, 5 Cassin's Auklets, Black Oystercatchers, a Western Grebe, Pigeon Guillemot, Kingfishers, Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, Black Turnstones, and a Surf Scoter.

Breaching Humpback BCX0022




Young Minke Whale

Superpod of Orcas and Humpbacks

Wow! This morning we meandered our way through some narrow channels and once near the open water of the sound were greated with about 25 Orcas, 8 of which passed right by us to go through the narrow channel we had just come through meeting the others on the other side. The vocals echoing off both sides of the channel as they went through were amazingly loud. These animals continued on and we made our way back through the narrow channels to see another group of atleast 70 whales that were approaching from the west. While we hoisted the main sail 2 Humpback whales popped up between us and the large group of Orcas making our trip complete. This afternoon all the Orcas had come in to Johnstone Strait and we were able to see them spread out for as far as the eye could see. We also saw a Leach's Storm Petrel today and a flock of migrating Teals.

R12

Orcas and other Cetaceans

Most of the G pod was in the strait today and all tours on both vessels had great viewing of these 25 or so killer whales. We also listened to some amazing vocalizations from these animals as they traveled back and forth foraging for salmon. While MV Cetacea spent some time with quite a few different Humpback whales SV Tuan had a splendid encounter with about 15 Dall's porpoises. These little cetaceans came in from all angles to join the Tuan on its journey home while everyone aboard looked down upon them as they swam back and forth right underneath us.

G pod

Calm Seas and Orcas

As the fog lifted early this afternoon we located the whales that were previously hidden amongst it. All the animals were resting and they continued to rest all afternoon. To see about 25 animals all in resting form, surfacing in unison is quite a sight. The sound of it on a flat calm afternoon like this was just as impressive. As the whales continued towards the Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve we headed out to see some Humpback whales. The wind picked up and aboard SV Tuan we put up the stay sail. On the way home both vessels meandered through the islands looking at various other wildlife to make the afternoon's wildlife experience complete.

G pod

Whales & Sails

It is always nice to spend the whole day on the water which is exactly what we did today. We left early and encountered a large group of Killer Whales a short distance from Alert Bay. We recognized some individuals but others were from some of the less common G and I pods that we only occasionally see in this area. They came to a full stop at one point, made some nice vocalizations and rested on the surface a bit. It was a beautiful multi-sensory experience, listening to their blows, and calls, and seeing them right in front of us. We then continued on down the strait with all 25 or so of them and put up the sails once a light breeze picked up. All afternoon the sun shone and the whales continued east.

Relaxed Orca

Over 60 Orcas

In the crisp morning air we were able to see many blows and dorsal fins from a distance. Upon closer inspection we found that 3 new pods of Orcas had joined in with the 7 pods that have been in the area now for a few days. Our best guess for total whales present was 66 altogether. This afternoon MV Cetacea saw all the same animals plus a group of 4 Transient Orcas known as the T18 group while SV Tuan saw the Transients as well as some of the I31 pod foraging nearby. The Orcas were vocal off and on all day long and engaged in relaxed social behaviour and some foraging. Guests aboad Tuan had 2 very unexpected wildlife encounters on the way home, 1 being bowriding Dall's Porpoises, and 2 being another group of Transient Orcas right between our departure points of Alder and Alert Bay. These animals were T2B, and the T60's. Their blows were clearly illuminated against the bright low sun on the calm sea. A beautiful way to end the day.

Many active Orcas & Humpbacks

What a fabulous day! The morning started off with patchy fog and through the whisps at the edge of one bank we spotted the blow of the first Humpback of the day. Soon after we were with over 30 Orcas and the fog had begun to clear. The vocalizations were incredible as the strait was wide open, flat calm, and void of any vessel traffic with engines running. The calls of A clan and G clan vocals made for a nice orchestra of sound as the whales continued west slowly. By afternoon all the whales had turned back to the east and came right past the SV Tuan on the way. As the sun got warm we made our way towards the center of the strait and saw 4 more Humpback whales and noticed that unfortunately one of them has very deep cuts on its back apparently from the propeller of a large sea going vessel. Soon after MV Cetacea saw 2 additional Humpback whales breaching over and over again after their fine encounters with the Orcas. Both vessels made their way home through the scenic island channels.

Orca


Injured Humpback

Orcas & Humpbacks

A fantastic day on the water with Orcas nearby all day long. In total we saw over 30 Orcas from 7 different families. These animals were vocalizing off and on all day long and were engaged in many different behaviours from foraging to resting with even the odd breach happening now and again. Amongst all this wonderful Orca viewing we also saw Humpback whales on 2 of our 3 trips, Dall's Porpoises, and a lone Pacific White-sided Dolphin. The day was bright and sunny all day long with a nice westerly breeze blowing throughout.

Orcas, Humpbacks, and a Minke

This morning we had wonderful sightings of the A12 pod of Orcas. They were not too far from home and traveling along foraging as they went. We also saw the A11 pod of Orcas as well as other A pods spread out in the Strait. When we had the chance to drop our hydrophone on a couple of occasions the vocals were quite nice. We could hear distant calls from the whales on the other side of the Strait as well as the occasional vocal and rapid click trains of Orcas that were closer to us. This afternoon we headed north to have a look at some blleen whales. We saw atleast 3 Humpback whales and a large Minke whale as well. The amount of small schooling fish in the area where these large whales were was amazing. We saw massive schools boiling at the surface and gulls and other seabirds apparently too full to feed on them which is a good sign for plenty of whale activity as it is not uncommon to see Humpbacks and/or Minkes engulf these whole schools of small fish in one mouth full like we saw today and also the other day. On the way home we saw a large Peregrine Falcon (yet another threatened species and the world's fastest animal) stooping on Red-necked Phalaropes. This is the second one we've seen this year and such a great treat to end the day with.

Orcas & Humpbacks

This morning started off with 6 Humpback Whales in Queen Charlotte Strait. They were spread out for as far as the eye can see but we also saw 2 quite close. Once we found the Orcas soon after they were very active on the surface as well as foraging below it. We saw many breaches, tail and pec slaps and other erratic movements as they chased fish here and there. The vocals we heard with our hydrophone were pretty nice as were the intense click trains we heard as the whales detected their prey with echo-location. This afternoon the Orcas had continued west but we did see 5 Humpback whales and a Minke whale. We were able to confirm that 2 of these animals were new to the area by getting great views of their tails as they lifted them into the air while submerging themselves on a long dive. All day the sea was flat calm which made for some very interesting fishy smells in the air where the Humpback whales had been exhaling.

Breach


Tail Slap


HB

Humpback & Killer Whales

Another fine day in the straits. The sun shone all day and the whales were abundant. Both MV Cetacea and SV Tuan set off to find a Humpback whale in Blackfish Sound to start with. This animal made its way right between the 2 vessels towards a huge school of small fish and proceeded to lunge feed on them. As it opened its huge mouth we could see the baleen in its mouth and fish jumping out. This animal continued to forage all around us while on board the Tuan we set the sails and sailed back and forth nearby. Next thing we know there are Transient Orcas not too far away so we get underway to have a look. Once with them we found them to be hunting in one area so we are able to have a good look and confirm that they are T12 and T12A. After the fine encounters with both the Humpback and Killer Whales we all made our way home towards the sun and the moderate westerly breeze.

Lunge Feed


Sailing


X81 with Cetacea

Humpbacks, Transient and Resident Orcas

What a day. We started off the morning with 3 Humpback whales in Blackfish Sound. The water was calm and the blows of these huge animals were quite loud, carrying for some distance. We know these 3 animals quite well (X22, X81, and 22's calf) but were horrified to discover that half of the tail of Houdini's (X22's) calf has been shredded, most likely from the propeller of a vessel or possibly from transient Killer Whales. We can only hope that this young animal will be OK. By this afternoon SV Tuan and MV Cetacea both headed out on the water to find lots of Orcas that had come into the area. The first Orcas that we saw from SV Tuan were Transient's T11 and T11A as they quickly transited the area away from the residents. The Resident Orcas we saw soon after were all busy foraging on salmon and vocalizing with each other. We saw the A12 and A11 pods and many moe in the distance. Both Cetacea and Tuan had very nice encounters with animals before making their way home towards the brightly shining falling sun.

T11 & T11A


BCX0022

a Sail with a Humpback Whale

Guests aboard SV Tuan enjoyed watching a huge Humpback whale and having a great sail today. The afternoon was sunny and warm with a light to moderate westerly wind and en-route to Queen Charlotte Strait we saw both Harbor and Dall's Porpoises. Once we found a Humpback whale we recognized it as BCX0081 who is an adult female animal that has been returning to these waters for the summer for years now. After watching her forage and fluke we set the sails and tacked back and forth across Blackfish Sound before starting up the engine and motor-sailing most of the way home. Amongst the small islands and reefs on the journey back we saw loads of Harbor Seals, and Bald Eagles as well as a Black Oystercatcher and Cassin's Auklet.

Orcas

We viewed the same large group of Orcas today that swam past Alert and Alder Bays yesterday. Both MV Cetacea and SV Tuan enjoyed some wonderful encounters with these amazing animals. In fact guests aboard the SV Tuan were blown away by a particularly curious young whale from the A12 pod. For some time the animals weren't vocalizing because they were resting but near the end of the tour all the animals started to spread out to travel and forage and they began to call quite a bit. While this was happening SV Tuan was under sail and MV Cetacea was floating quietly both enjoying the sounds. There were also plenty of Dall's Porpoises in the Strait today and some were spending their time swimming with the Orcas. It was another perfect day to be on the water.

A33

Humpback & Killer Whales

The day started off overcast and flat calm with 2 Humpbacks in Queen Charlotte Strait. While we were watching them the mother whale did one full breach clear out of the water that surprised everyone. It was quite the sight. By afternoon the sun was shining and about 30 Orcas were making their way into the area. We had a wonderful time watching them do practically everything an Orca can do. We saw everything from breaching to resting, heard lots of vocals, and many people from Alert Bay and Alder Bay watched from shore as they swam right by. Over night the area has been inundated with birdlife and now there are literally thousands of seabirds everywhere. It is a rich eco-system out here.

Whale Tail in front of Alder Bay taken from shore at Alert Bay

Beautiful Afternoon

On the flat calm water early this afternoon we spotted some Pacific White-sided Dolphins. The small group seemed to be pre-occupied with something but they did race over to SV Tuan on a couple of occasions to have a look at us while we all looked down at them. Next on the list were Dall's Porpoises and there were plenty. They were also in small groups but spread out all over the place. Some were moving slowly while others were moving right along kicking up roostertails as they went. By mid afternoon the wind picked up to a fine sailing breeze so we put up the sails and while tacking back and forth in Queen Charlotte Strait spotted the first Minke whale that we've seen so far this month. This elusive animal showed itself a few more times before disappearing all together which was our cue to head for home.

Minke whale

Wildlife Variety

We had a great morning watching a group of 12 Killer Whales (A35's, A51's, & A43's) forage near Robson Bight. They were chasing salmon all over the place while vocalizing and echo-locating constantly. Once they had made their way into the Ecological Reserve we set out to find a Humpback Whale in Blackfish Sound. Our local Humpback population is constantly increasing and once we got a look at this animals tail were able to tell that this may be yet another new animal to the area. Minutes after finding the Humpback we heard that there was more Orcas just around the corner so off we went. It was a group of 5 Transient Orcas that we think may be the T46 group. They were carrying on to the east so after a while we set the sails and sailed home on the nice westerly breeze while enjoying high tea on the high seas. We also had Dall's Porpoises playing with SV Tuan today as well as many Harbor Seal and Bald Eagle sightings as well as the first Long-tailed Jaeger that we have ever seen or heard of in this area as this is a species that is rarely seen anywhere near shore.

Long-tailed Jaeger

Whales & Wind

The morning started off with no whales anywhere nearby but by mid-afternoon a large group had come into the area. The sun was shining and wind blowing and whales were spread out in all directions. We had some unexpected close encounters with these amazing animals as they foraged around us while also swimming quickly to the west. We also saw plenty of Dall's Porpoises and everyone aboard had an awesome time bobbing around in the choppy waves that we don't often encounter here. The odd wave would hit the side of SV Tuan and send salt spray into the air giving the unique feeling that only being on the ocean can provide. As we headed home we were parallel to the whales for most of the journey as the strait was full of them all heading the same way as us.

Lots of Orcas, a Humpback, Porpoises, and Sailing

This morning we saw the A30 pod of Orcas and in the distance the I15 pod. (A total of 24 whales) The A30's were vocalizing beautifully as they foraged back and forth in Johnstone Strait. By this afternoon they had moved off to the north but we were able to enjoy even more Orcas back in Johnstone Strait again. We saw the B's, the A4's, A12's and some of the A5's (over 30 whales in total). Many of them were foraging while some of them were just resting. It was quite a sight when they all came together at the top end of the Strait along with 1 Humpback whale. It was here that we were able to sail in the moderate wind while listening to the Orcas with our hydrophone while watching the Humpback. Quite the experience. On the way home we had Dall's Porpoises escorting us zipping back and forth under our bow.

A52


Fishing boat and whales

Sleepy Orcas

After cruising through the islands on a remarkably low tide this morning we made our way out towards Blackfish Sound where we watched the I15 pod and the A30 pod of Orcas sleep. This may sound kind of uneventful but in actual fact is the best way to see the many individuals in each pod and all at the same time. Photographers on board were filling their frames with as many as 15 different animals as they all surfaced and dove together. Some of the whales were also spyhopping and vocalizing before they made their way towards Johnstone Strait. Once in the strait we hoisted the sails and enjoyed a leisurely cruise home enjoying the fantastic scenery and sunny afternoon.

I15 pod