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

Transient Orcas, Humpbacks, and Porpoises

This morning we set out to discover 2 Humpback whales foraging not too far away. After watching them for a bit and admiring their flukes when they dove deep we encountered a group of atleast 8 Transient Orcas. We haven't seen these particular animals here before (T100's, 101's, and 102) so it was a lucky sighting for us. We followed them right to Alert Bay just in time for our second trip. Once everyone was aboard the same animals had turned around and practically escorted us down the strait from the time we left the dock. There was a bit of surface activity including some cartwheels and a spyhop while they did some feeding. After a while we set out to the north to see what else we could find. The sun was shining and the water clear and blue so when the Dall's porpoises decided to join us we all had some amazing sightings of them cruising along under the bow. We also saw 2 Stellar Sea lions, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, and a Solitary Sandpiper.

T102

Orcas

The Orcas today were quite relaxed for most of the day making viewing them a treat. They traveled back and forth in the strait slowly making their way through the rip tide, stopping to forage, resting, and socializing. In total we saw over 20 whales from 3 different pods. (The A30's, I15's, & A12's) Pacific White-sided Dolphins were all over the Orcas for most of the day so we also plenty of them as well as Dall's Porpoises too. Another great day to be on the water.

Orcas

Another beautiful day! Our morning began with 5 families of Orcas in the flat calm waters of Queen Charlotte Strait. They were all resting quietly and sometimes laying on the surface absorbing the warmth of the sunlight into their bodies. Each family was seperated from each other by some distance and between seeing the groups individually we could look out into the distance and see dorsal fins scattered here and there in the open water. By afternoon all the whales were still moving slowly to the east but were very social and playful. They had got together in one big group and were rolling over each other, spyhopping, tail lobbing, and generally just goofing off. SV Tuan and MV Cetacea had a wonderful time observing these amazing animals acting so seemingly carefree.

B pod

Superpod

We haven't seen this many whales in years! Today the majority of the whole northern resident killer whale population swam past both the MV Cetacea and SV Tuan on a number of occasions. Everywhere we looked there were Orcas surfacing near and far. Most of the animals were traveling in large extended family groups so we were often seeing 30-40 animals all in a cluster sometimes surfacing all at the same time. There was plenty of surface activity including breaching, spyhopping, tail and pec slapping and to top it all off the vocals were amazing. It was like an underwater chorus getting louder and louder as the whales came towards us and diminishing as the whales went past. It would be hard to give an accurate estimate of the actually number of Orcas we saw today but figure that approximately 140 animals would be a safe guess.

Young Orca swimming upside down


Young Orca playing with kelp in mouth

Humpback & lots of Dolphins

Today a large group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins came in to the area. We found a huge Humpback whale known as BCX0081 and then went over to have a look at them. In total there were well over 50 individuals and at one point they were all under the bow of the SV Tuan. Looking down into the water there were dolphins as far down as one could see and as far over as one could see. It was mesmerizing watching so many of them swim in formation like that through the clear water. This afternoon both MV Cetacea and SV Tuan again had some amazing encounters with the dolphins as well as the beautiful Humpback whale. All day the straits were calm, clear, and slightly misty making for some moody scenery that only the north and central coasts on BC can provide.

Lags under the bow

Lots of Resident Orcas & Transients

What a day! In total Johnstone and Queen Charlotte strait's were home to well over 100 Orcas today. On our first trip we headed out into the mist and found B pod with another group of whales all socializing with each other and resting. There were many spyhops and lots of surface activity. 2 of the individuals in this group are amazing looking animals with their huge dorsal fins wavy, curled, and bent. This afternoon both MV Cetacea and SV Tuan witnessed large groups of G pod whales as well as the A36 pod and a group of Transient eco-type Orcas as well. Each group was engaged in a different behaviour so we all witnessed about as much possible in 1 tour. In addition to all the Orca activity we also viewed Harbor porpoises, Dall's porpoises and Harbor seals.

B pod


Spyhop

A Day of Rarities

The morning started off with 3 strange and rare sightings all at the same time. SV Tuan was cruising through one of our favorite nearby reef systems and low and behold we saw a Sea Otter. This large individual was floating on its back in amongst the kelp and drifting with the tide. This is the first Sea Otter we have ever seen in this area and can only hope that it is a sign of their recovery after being extirpated from this area over 100 years ago by fur traders. At the same time as this was happening a Whimbrel flew by calling its unique call. This is the first one we've seen this year. We looked further up in the sky and saw a Caspian Tern which is an uncommon sighting for this area as well. Then a second Whimbrel flew by. SV Tuan ended up going further in 1 trip than we've gone in years to find the resident Orcas. When we did though we had a wonderful time with them listening to their vocals before they formed a resting line and got quiet. MV Cetacea also had a wonderful trip and ended up seeing over 30 Orcas! On the way home they saw a Bald Eagle swimming to shore with a massive salmon in its talons. Other sightings today were numerous Dall's porpoises and Harbor Seals, Red necked Phalaropes, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Black Oystercatchers, Surfbirds, and Black Turnstones.

The A30's Resting

Transients & Humpbacks

SV Tuan set out to the east this morning and after a little while was viewing the T18 group of transient Killer whales as they made their way to the west. We followed them through the straits and channels up into Blackfish Sound where they had a bite to eat. We suspect their meal was a Harbor seal as afterwards we were able to look at some of the remains as they floated by. We left the transient Orcas to their ways and headed north to find some Humpbacks. MV Cetacea was out and about and traded places with us. The 2 Humpback whales were having a grand time not doing a whole lot. The young calf rolled around on the surface showing us its tail, and pectoral fins and the mother whale even breached twice off in the distance. It was a wonderful encounter. With moderate winds blowing the Tuan set sail and sailed about for a while before taking the starboard tack home. Another highlight of the day was a family of 5 River Otters playing on the dock right before departure.

River Otters


Humpback Pectoral Fin and Half a Tail Fluke


T18

Transient Orcas and a Humpback whale

SV Tuan set out to find a couple Humpback whales this morning. The wind was light but strong enough to put up our mainsail after viewing them. We sailed down wind towards some Transient Orcas that we heard were in the area. We found them skulking through the small islands and ended up following them right around a small islet that had plenty of Harbor seals hauled out on its rocky shore. The 3 Transients then headed off shore and a fourth animal crossed our bow coming from a different direction to join in with them. This afternoon MV Cetacea had some nice encounters with the Transients and then headed off to look at Stellar's sea lions, Harbor seals, and more Humpback whales before cruising through the small island passages on the way home. A delightful day in the straits.

T19B and an adult female from todays transient group

Orcas & a Humpback

First thing after leaving the dock this morning we came across a lone Humpback whale. It passed off our bow and lifted its tail as it dove. What a way to start a great day. The Orcas weren't too much further off. We stopped a distance away and listened to them with our hydrophone. Their calls got louder and louder until they went right by us. We caught up and had another good listen to their beautiful calls before hoisting the main sail. This afternoon near to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve we had some amazing encounters with many of the same animals including the A11 pod while they were foraging and vocalizing back and forth with each other. The little Orca A73 aka Springer decided to swim by us and show us her tail for a moment before doing some cartwheels not too far past us. With whales all around us, amazing vocals, and this one active young whale right next to us it is easy to see why one guest aboard described it as magic.

Springer aka A73


Springer's Tail

Orcas

SV Tuan had a great afternoon watching the A12 family of Orcas and sailing. 6 of the 8 Orcas were sleeping the whole time and with SV Tuan drifting along in the tide and light breeze we were able to keep pace with them on their slow journey to the east. We then put up the mainsail and sailed away from the 6 animals to see the 2 that were up ahead. As we neared where they were they turned, stopped, and waited for the rest of the group to catch up before going around the point of land jutting out in front of them. The Orcas we saw today were apparently being followed by another larger group of Orcas that were quite a few miles behind, and all these Orcas were heading towards another group of Orcas that are further to the east making the area literally riddled with Orcas!

A12