September 28th

Our tour today has to be one of the loveliest tours of the season and especially so for September. Just prior to leaving Alert Bay this morning a large rainbow arched its way across the entire Bay, it was a glorious beginning that promised more; a day of blue skies, calm waters and sunshine, it was a welcome change after many days of unsettled fall weather. First seen and always of interest were 44+ hauled out Stellar Sea Lions, among them were several Harbour Seals who lay relaxed and well camouflaged on the rocks. Within minutes of viewing the Sea Lions a Humpback Whale was seen in the distance, its large fluke disappearing from sight caught everyone's attention and as we drew closer, two Humpback Whales (not one) were observed, they were identified as Houdini and her 2007 calf. The viewing could not have been better, especially so when a third Humpback Whale was sighted very near the other two. It was at this point that orca A-Clan calls were being heard on the Cracroft Point hydrophone and so with much anticipation and excitement we headed in that direction, passing a forth Humpback Whale en route in Blackfish Sound. Entering Johnstone Strait through the scenic waterway of Little Hanson Island, the lighting was superb and the sight of several blows in the distance was surprising and spectacular, showing up as white "seasmoke" against the backdrop of Vancouver Island. Our timing was perfect! It was the A30's, a family of 9 Orcas and they were spread out, foraging to the west, a number of Dalls Porpoises were with them "rooster tailing" racing back and forth while the orcas foraged about. Listening to the A-Clan calls of the orcas and watching them pass nearby was the BEST, it truly was a special experience of awe and wonder and sheer delight! Homeward bound everyone was well contented, the sights and sounds of numerous bird species and herring ball activity further enriched the experience. Other wildlife sightings today included numerous Common Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets and a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel.

September 24th

It was a blustery afternoon when we set out on tour and it was not long before our stay-sail was hoisted, keeping the boat stable even while we were under power. As it turned out the seas were moderate and the wind began dropping off even before we had sighted our first cetacean, a Humpback Whale in the distance that was breaching. The A30 pod ( a family of 9 orcas) were nearby and they were foraging back and forth steadily. We had some wonderful viewing, especially when they turned and headed back in our direction while we were under sail, the sighting of A38 and A30 as they passed nearby was breathtaking! Two Humpback Whales, Houdini and her 2007 calf were also nearby, they were foraging in wide circles as well, some breaching and pectoral waving was also observed. At the end of our viewing they surprised us by coming close, lunge feeding, it was fantastic! Hearing their blows, seeing their blowholes clearly visible and also smelling the oily pungent smell (downwind) was great, a Stellar Sea Lion was also swimming with them that added greatly to the experience. Other sightings: Harbour Seals, Stellar Sea Lions, Common Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets, numerous Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels.

September 21st

We headed out this morning in the rain that was falling gently and then subsided, the ending was a beautiful day full of colour and beauty. Although there were no orcas present in the area today we had a wonderful encounter with Houdini and her 2007 calf ( Humpback Whales) as well as a third Humpback whale who was with them briefly and was likely her 2005 or 2002 calf. They were foraging in large circles and then later from a distance, we saw some breaching activity. We also saw numerous Stellar Sea Lions and Harbour Seals hauled out. Bird species also seen were: Common Murre, Rhinoceros Auklets, Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers and a Pigeon Guillemont.

September 20th

What a fantastic day it was out on the water! We headed out via Weynton Passage and through the Plumper Islands into the top end of Blackfish Sound where two large Humpback Whale blows could be seen off in the distance out in the middle of the Queen Charlotte Strait and another could be seen in Blackfish Sound. A pod of 9 Orcas, the A30's were also making their way towards the west in Blackfish Sound. It was incredible to be within such a short viewing range of so many Humpbacks and Orcas! Seeing the orcas foraging nearby and listening to their A-Clan vocals was a wonderful treat and glancing up every so often and catching sight of a Humpback fluke in the distance and a breach was unbelievable. The two whales who were traveling together were Houdini and her 2007 calf and one could not help but be mesmerised watching as they surfaced and dived. Wind conditions were perfect for hoisting the main sail and we all enjoyed a quiet time of sailing nearby the Humpbacks. On the way home numerous hauled Stellar Sea Lions were seen and among them some Harbour Seals. The day and sightings could not have been more perfect!

September 19th

Today was a glorious fall day out on the water. On the morning tour two humpback whales were sighted, they were taking long dives, feeding in large circles. Making our way into Weynton Passage we encountered a 100+ Pacific White-sided Dolphins, they were traveling very quickly to the west but as they neared Stubbs Island they slowed down and began milling about and feeding. It was exciting watching them, many were leaping clear of the water. Some of them headed in our direction and rode along at the bow of the boat briefly, much to the astonishment and joy those on board. Numerous Stellar Sea Lions were observed hauled out, some of them were seen to have been branded with their numbers/letters correlating to those having been released in Alaska, California and Seattle. On the afternoon tour, with children and parents onboard, they too were keen to see the Dolphins and so it was! The dolphins were still close to where we had left them earlier, they headed back into Johnstone Strait, heading east from where they had come from this morning. It was wonderful and a dream come true for the children to see Dolphins alive and free in the wild. Several dolphins rode at the bow as we traveled along, adding to the excitement. Heading home via Blackfish Sound, two Humpback Whales were sighted along with numerous hauled out Stellar Sea Lions and Harbour Seals. Others sightings today: 100's of Common Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets++, Pacific Loons, Pelagic Cormorants, Belted Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, 2 red-necked Grebes, and a Peregrine Falcon.

September 18th

Today was another blustery day very much like yesterday, the sea conditions greatly increasing in gusto after we were safely back at dock. As we headed out this morning it was a beautiful day and the stay sail was hoisted, off we headed with an excited group of parents and children onboard. It was early on in the tour, like yesterday that four Transient Orcas were sighted, they were the T55 group ( T55, T 55a, T55b and T55c ). They were seen to be foraging, several Harbour Seals were nearby in the water. Two Humpback Whales were seen a distance away, heading into Weynton Passage ahead of our viewing of the Transient Orcas and a juvenile Humpback Whale was sighted closer, it was quite wonderful watching its fluke disappearing neatly into the glistening waters. A large group of Stellar Sea Lions were hauled out and among them were some Harbour Seals. On the way home we cruised through the protected scenic waterways of the Plumper and Pearse Islands, enjoying the calm waters, basking in sunlight. Another day out on the water where the elements of nature, the wind, brings change.

September 17th

It was another blustery day out on the water as we headed out on tour with our stay sail hoisted. A swirling of white water, crisp blue sky and sunshine... it was a glorious day and one that blew away any lingering thought of fog or rain! The G25's ( a family group of four orcas) were reported heading west along the shoreline and so we headed in that direction, passing several hauled out Steller Sea Lions en route. The wind and wave conditions and glare of bright sunlight made sighting fins in such conditions somewhat difficult but the four orcas were sighted, moving with ease through the waves. At one point they turned and headed back to the east before turning again, heading west of the White Cliff Islands. It was in Blackfish Sound that a Humpback Whale was sighted, several blows were seen and then a fluke, and later, while viewing 70 ++ hauled out Stellar Sea Lions and Harbour Seals another Humpback blow was seen. The elements of the day were quite marvellous, reminding us all of the change that wind brings to us all and to an ocean in which live, countless numbers of seabirds and marine mammals.

September 16th

What began as a wet misty still morning ended in a windy clear sunny afternoon! Off we headed into the north-westerly wind with our stay sail up. Crossing Weynton Passage we encountered both Dall's and Harbour porpoises and also a few harbour seals were observed, lying upon some rocky beaches of the Pearse islands. Steller Sea Lions were hauled out on an island and we were soon past them,  moving with the momentum of a fast flowing ebb current. The sight of a blow of a lone humpback whale caught everyone's attention, and then two more blows further over were seen. Our attention was even more heightened by the breaching activity of the  pair of Humpback Whales, a mother and calf. Pectoral fin waving was also seen and as we drew nearer we could also see that some Steller Sea Lions were also with them swimming along, rolling over and to seemingly play with the Humpbacks. It was an exhilarating experience, the seas were swirling, such was the effect of the wind and current, creating waves in which Humpback Whales seem to reveal in and celebrate exuberantly. And so with these vivid images of full breaches by both mother and calf, firmly imprinted in all our minds (passengers and crew) we headed for home via the Sea Lions, enjoying them all the more while relaxing in the sun, partaking in our traditional Devonshire Tea.

September 15th

The Broughton Archipelago has to be one of the most beautiful marine waterways on earth, abundantly blessed with numerous marine mammal and bird species. Today as we headed out on our afternoon tour it was not long before passengers sighted their first cetacean, a small group of Dall's porpoises who were foraging. Shortly after a humpback whale blow was sighted a few hundred metres ahead of us. Next spotted were some Pacific White-sided Dolphins and then a lone Steller Sea Lion swimming, it had a salmon in its mouth and was thrashing it about and biting into it;  hauled out harbour seals were also seen and then a second humpback whale nearby was sighted and almost simultaneously, a baby Minke Whale popped up very close to the boat without warning. Eyes were averted left and right, looking at the Minke whale, the humpback whale and then suddenly a third humpback whale appeared! Numerous Pacific White-sided Dolphins sighted earlier in the tour were again seen, they were racing about intent on feeding, as were several Dalls Porpoises. Weynton Passage was alive with the movement of Cetaceans and seabirds!  Countless birds had gathered and forming herring balls were  Common Murres and Rhinoceros Auklets diving deep, gulls galore were hovering overhead and then in the middle of it all, up popped the little Minke Whale again, its timing was perfect. There were many hauled out Stellar Sea Lions to be seen as well. The tour was indeed a wonderful one, the journey home was a scenic ride allowing time for images of the days exceptional beauty to seep deep within each and everyone on board.

September 14th

It was another amazing day out on the water viewing a myriad of seabird and marine mammal species. First off a few Harbour Porpoises were sighted feeding and soon after, a group of 6 Transient Orcas who were spread out but appeared to be in two groups of three. Long dives were observed and they appeared relaxed and resting, traveling very slowly. The highlight of the day was the viewing of three Humpback Whales, beginning with a glimpse of one in the distance, en route to viewing some 35 + hauled out Stellar Sea Lions and Harbour Seals. As we traveled in the direction of the Humpback Whale we were not prepared for what we saw. It was unbelievable and also rather amusing. Where two Humpback Whales were feeding (Houdini and her 2007 calf) , several Sea Lions had also gathered to feed but it seemed to all of us onboard that they were playing as well, rolling and splashing all around the Humpbacks as if in fun. Suddenly a third whale surfaced beside the other two amidst the splashing Sea Lions, it was identified by its fluke as being Houdini's 2005 calf. A trio of Humpback Whales and many Sea Lions together, it made for some exceptional viewing! The Humpbacks separated, the 2005 calf remained nearby our drifting boat , the other two headed off to the east when suddenly they reappeared having changed direction. Everyone enjoyed the unexpected close encounter as when they had last been sighted, they had been several hundred meters away.  Our boat had been drifting in the current with the engine off for the entire Humpback viewing segment so it was quite a treat to see them as we did, the sight and sound of them as they passed by was breathe-taking!

September 13th

Today was another beautiful day out on the water where the viewing of Humpback Whales could not have been better. The afternoon began warm and sunny as both vessels headed out on tour, the water was glassy calm. Harbour Porpoises were sighted soon after our departure, followed by the sights and sounds of several hauled out Stellar Sea Lions and Harbour Seals. It was after this that the first Humpback Whale was sighted, a majestic sight for sure, with its dark back arching high before it dived, displaying its distinctive fluke. Everywhere one looked, Humpback Whale blows and large dark shapes that kept disappearing from sight could be seen in the distance, it was a brilliant sight. Among the whales counted were Houdini and her calf who were later joined by a third Humpback Whale; Stripe and another adult traveled together in the opposite direction to the west, as well, a lone one was sighted further off in the distance. If that was not enough, two juvenile Humpbacks were also observed by those onboard MV Cetacea who had located them further down in Blackfish Sound, bringing the total count to 8! What was truly amazing was the frenzied pace at which a number of Sea Lions were traveling in close proximity to the Humpback Whales, they were clearly fishing as passengers on board MV Cetacea could see one Sea Lion tearing into the flesh of a salmon it had caught. Houdini and her calf were relaxed and playful, some pectoral waving and slapping was observed, some spyhopping and then some remarkable breaching activity that kept everyone on high alert, waiting in anticipation for a perfect photo of a breach. Traveling back via the island waterways was magical, one could not help but feel well contented and grateful for all that they had seen which included for the first time this year many Pacific Loons.

September 12th

It was a beautiful sunshine day as we headed out on our afternoon tour and as surprising as it seemed, we were suddenly engulfed by a dense mass of fog that cleared as quickly as it arrived. Shortly after, we encountered a fairly large group of Pacific White sided Dolphins who were feeding, several were seen leaping clear of the water much to everyone's delight. Meanwhile, a pod of 9 Orcas, the A30's who had been sighted far east in Johnstone Strait earlier in the day were making their way back to the west. We first sighted the orcas, their dorsal fins glistening in the afternoon light, prior to their entering the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins were traveling with them. Not stopping to rub at the beaches, the orcas were traveling at a brisk pace and were soon crossing the estuary of the Tsitika River, stopping briefly to forage before continuing their westward journey. It was a beautiful sighting, A39 was in the lead followed by his two sisters and their calves and his mother A30; his brother A38 was further behind foraging. With the engine off we were still and quiet while listening to the A-Clan calls of the orcas via the hydrophone. The afternoon sunlight was glorious and accentuated for all to see the exceptional beauty that forms the backdrop of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve; the lush greenness of forest along the shoreline seemed even more green, it was a spectacular sight to see! On the homeward journey, small groups of Dall's Porpoises were seen feeding nearby and towards the very end of the tour, a single Humpback Whale was sighted, a perfect ending to a perfect day of viewing.

September 11th

Johnstone Strait was blanketed in heavy fog as we headed out on tour this morning. Dark shapes along the way became defined as island shorelines as we drew nearer and as gaps of light began filtering through, our range of vision began extending further. It was just after viewing numerous Steller Sea Lions that a Humpback whale was sighted and shortly after, two more adult Humpback Whales suddenly appeared, one of whom was identified as Stripe, a Humpback whale who is regularly seen in the area. It was unbelievable luck to then suddenly glimpse the appearance of a large dorsal fin looming towards the boat, everyone onboard was thrilled, it was a brilliant sighting considering the foggy conditions. The adult male was identified as A38, the oldest surviving son of the Matriarch A30. Other blows were heard and A50 and her two calves were seen foraging, A72 was a distance from her mother and younger sibling. Suddenly, with the blink of an eye, the fog had departed, a curtain had been lifted and other members of the A30's were observed nearby. and as we watched they all made their way towards the entrance of Weynton Passage. We deployed the hydrophone and everyone listened, entranced by the stunning A-Clan calls of the A30's. At this point as they headed on east in Johnstone Strait, we parted company and headed for home, passing two more Humpback Whales on the way, along with hauled out Harbour Seals and a Pied Billed Grebe!. What more could we ask for!

September 9th

The day proved successful in regards to both excellent wildlife viewing and super weather conditions. As we set out in the morning the calm seas rippled fom the bow of the SV Tuan as we made our way east towards not only a humpback whale but also a group of 6 Transient Orcas and a group of over 200 pacific wite sided dolphins. As the Transients approached the dolphins somehow the dolphins realized that their only predator was not far away and exploded into a frenzy of white water in their attempt to flee. The scene was incredible with atleast 50 dolphins airborne at any one time. This afternoon proved similar in the sense that both weather and wildlife were both excellent except that we also were able to launch the mainsail in the light westerly wind that blew from astern on the way home.

September 8th

Today got off to a exciting start with the rare sighting of a elephant seal! All that was seen from the close encounter was a huge body, dark in colour with a few bristles and skin folds. As the animal dove a huge amount of water was displaced, then it vanished without a trace. The rest of the morning was spent with a pair of beautiful adult humpback whales, following them as they foraged in Blackfish Sound. We sat transfixed as the whales dived deep showing off their spectacular tail flukes. The homeward journey was just as exhilarating for we encountered a large group of Pacific white-sided dolphins hunting for herring. The acrobatic display of the dolphins was fantastic, lots of high diving and the occasional back flip along with incredible vocaliztions from the hydrophone.
Other wildlife encountered today included Fork-tailed storm petrels, 6 Cassin's aucklets, a rare light phase Rhinoceros Auklet, over 50 Steller sea lions and Dall's porpoises.

September 7th

We had barley set forth on our adventure down Johnstone Strait when we encountered a pair of Humpback whales foraging. These were the first of eight humpbacks that we were to see during the day, all foraging for krill and the copious amounts of herring in these waters. As we traveled towards Robson Bight we met up with the A30's (one of the families of resident orcas most commonly encountered in this area) and spent the morning with them as the majority of the group rested while individual members foraged for salmon in the nearby vicinity. The A30's were roused from their slumber as they were bombarded by a group of Dall's porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins. The afternoon was spent observing the orcas as they foraged alongside the boat, listened to their stunning vocals via the hydrophone, an encounter made all the more enjoyable for we were the only boat with them and we were sailing. We also spotted 3 Parasitic Jaegers today including an even less common dark morph individual.

September 6th

We started off with a group of transient killer whales soon after they had made a kill, but instead of watching unpredictable "stealth predators" as they continued to forage, we were privileged to get a rare glimpse of their sociable, playful nature! We watched in amazement as the transient killer whales breached, splashed and spy-hoped for over an hour while feeding off the remains of the carcass they had in tow. As if this behaviour itself was not special enough we were also able to listen to the rare vocalizations of the transients, an opportunity that is rarely encountered (unlike frequent calls of the resident killer whales). After leaving the transients in Johnstone Strait we went in search of humpback whales though we were not quite prepared for what we found! In total we encountered 8 individual humpbacks including a couple a juveniles napping, a mother and calf foraging, and the highlight of the trip, 150+ Pacific white-sided dolphins feeding off a herring ball in the company of two humpback whales and a couple of Steller sea lions! The scene in front of us was amazing, a constant boiling mass of fins, flippers, and blubber. Truly unbelievable.

September 4th

This morning got off to a fantastic start for we had not gone far when we caught sight of a lone black bear foraging through piles of washed up bull kelp in search of crabs! A little bit further on we encountered our first group of Dall's porpoises as they charged to the bow of the SV Tuan jostling for front place amongst the surf, their black and white bodies flashing under the water. Excitement grew as we spotted the distant blows of transient orcas as they foraged for seals along the shoreline where we observed a possible kill. There was lots of localized activity, as well as spy hopping and the odd tail slap, all of this overseen by the ever hopeful sea gulls hoping to snatch some free food. We eventually left the transients orcas as we sailed into Blackfish Sound in search of other cetaceans, though we hadn't gone far when we got caught up with a frenzied pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins! There seemed to be excitement everywhere, numerous dolphins were bow riding the SV Tuan, while other individuals were mobbing a pair of foraging humpback whales 100 meters in front of us. Where ever we looked something was happening! The journey home was just as action packed, for no sooner had we left the dolphins and humpback whales we then encountered another group of bow riding Dall's porpoises as well as 80+ hauled out Steller sea lions.

September 3rd

Today was a wonderful day for viewing marine mammals. Shortly after leaving the dock this morning and well ahead of morning tea being served, orca fins were sighted in the distance. As we approached the area we could see that numerous orcas were spread out in the vicinity of Weynton Passage, foraging in their family groups. The stay sail was hoisted and everyone enjoyed the relaxing experience of sailing, while listening to the A & G clan calls of the I15's and A12's via the trailing hydrophone. A humpback whale was also seen feeding along the way amongst the foraging orcas and some 80 + Stellar Sea Lions were observed hauled out while some were swimming nearby. A second humpback whale was sighted in the distance breaching. It was a gentle day after yesterday's storm. The orcas were relaxed and at peace in the calmness of their water world, calling to each other....it was a beautiful day that was profoundly moving.

September 2nd

This morning we had some of the best sailing yet this summer. A strong breeze caught the sail as we headed down Johnstone Strait into Blackfish Sound, the children on board squealing with delight as light spray splashed over the bow heightening the scenes as we searched for whales. The Dall's porpoises were in high spirits as they chased after the SV Tuan, darting and diving in front of the bow their white underbellies glowing under the water. No sooner had the porpoises moved on then we saw our first humpback blow just a few hundred meters in front of us, it could not have been timed better! We watched in awe as the young humpback whale cartwheeled and splashed, making the most of the fun weather. As if all this was not exciting enough we then encountered the A30's, a family group of 9 resident orcas, as they clustered together to rest, diving and surfacing together as they slowly traveled through the islands. The homeward journey was just as exciting as we encountered a second humpback whale and then a large group of Steller sea lions hauled out on a near by island.

September 1st

This afternoon got off to a fantastic start as we watched a mother black bear and her two young cubs foraging for crabs and other tasty titbit's along the shoreline. We made our way down Johnstone Strait towards Robson Bight (the ecological reserve) enjoying the beautiful scenery while spotting Steller seas lions and Dall's porpoises. As we got closer to Robson Bight we could see the distant blows of the resident orcas as they spread out across the strait foraging in our direction. As the whales approached closer we were able to identify the two family groups the A23's and the A11's. The highlight of the encounter was when Springer (a famous orca who was adopted by the A11's after being orphaned in 2002) swam past the boat clearly visible under the surface by those watching on board the Tuan. The underwater vocals as the orcas foraged around us were loud and clear providing the perfect narration to an enchanting encounter.