Orcas had been reported heading north in Blackney Passage earlier this morning and with this in mind we headed out in the direction of Blackfish Sound. Due to overcast cloud cover with the colour of grey being reflected back on the water the visibility for sighting into the distance was poor. We continued to scan well out into the Queen Charlotte Strait and back towards Malcolm Island sighting a Minke Whale briefly as we travelled further out into the Strait. At one point, in a simple and lucky glance, some fins were seen disappearing from sight and finally when they reappeared it was exciting news that orcas had indeed been sighted in the lower portion of the Queen Charlotte Strait out towards the Penfold Islands. There looked to be two groups of orcas initially and as we drew closer the A34’s were identified as one group while two orcas, a female and a male were further ahead in the lead and another large male was sighted closer to the Penfold Islands. The lead orcas were later identified as A12 travelling with A37 (one of the A36 brothers). It was wonderful seeing A12 again in the near company of her daughter A34 and A34’s off-spring, and also in the company of the A36’s brothers. As we turned to head back, A32 and A46 who had been foraging in the far distance, were seen travelling together making their way towards the groups and it seemed as though a turn back to the east was imminent. On the way home we stopped to view the Stellar Sea Lions numbering 90+ hauled out; it was good viewing them as always. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Red-necked Phalaropes, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Great Blue Herons, California, Glaucous-winged & Herring Gulls.

Today was a great day of viewing, beginning with the sighting of some 90+ Stellar Sea Lions hauled out and a beautiful seascape with the clearing of fog ahead of us and Johnstone Strait emerging clear with good visibility for viewing. Orcas were nearing Cracroft Point along the West Cracroft Island shore when we arrived and we had some wonderful viewing of a mother and calf; the mother was foraging nearby while the calf was interacting with two Pacific White-sided Dolphins; the calf was observed rolling over and was on its back with its pectoral fins high, afterwards it swam off with the dolphins, stopping to play when they did. As it turned out, the I15’s were spread across the Strait, all moving parallel at the same pace, the I16’s and the I35’s on the Vancouver Island shore while the others were on the Hanson Island Shore. Dolphins were present in small groups throughout our viewing of the orcas and Dalls Porpoises were also seen. On our way home a Black Bear on a beach was also sighted. Other species seen today were: Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Red-necked Phalaropes, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers, California, Glaucous-winged & Herring Gulls.

Today a brisk se wind was again blowing in Johnstone Strait when we headed out this early morning. Sightings of Humpback Whales in the Queen Charlotte Strait and Blackfish Sound had been reported and we headed in that direction. We sighted a Minke Whale en route and also watched a Humpback Whale breaching four times in the distance. As it turned out there were four Humpback Whales in the area near Bold Head with numerous herring balls being worked by gulls galore, Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres. It was spectacular and fascinating viewing; the Humpback Whales lunge feeding in the midst of a frenzy of feeding sea birds! The sun was shining brightly and the lighting on the white caps of waves as the birds and whales fed was quite extraordinary especially for those who had never witnessed such a spectacle before. As we headed for home 5 Transient Orcas were reported travelling rapidly to the east in Johnstone Strait and were very quickly east of Blinkhorn in heavy seas. We ended out tour cruising through the Plumper Island waterways; the trees on land were sparkling, as were the underwater kelp forests. The forest was alive with the sound of Belted Kingfishers as they darted back and forth and the Stellar Sea Lion colony had some 50 +individuals hauled out. Other species also seen today were: Harbour Seals, Dalls Porpoises, Bald Eagles, Red-necked Phalaropes+++, Black Oystercatchers, California, Glaucous-winged & Herring Gulls.

When we headed out this afternoon change came today in the shape and form of se winds in Johnstone Strait. It had been reported that a group of orcas were heading to the west opposite the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and so we headed in that direction along the Hanson Island side and encountered them nearing Cracroft Point. Here a small group of orcas were foraging in Blackney Passage while others were opposite on the Vancouver Island side. We believe that they were some of the I15’s, but identification of them was not easy due to wind and wave action. Several Pacific White-sided Dolphins were swimming among the orcas and this no doubt accounted for some long dives that were taken by the orcas. We journeyed home via Blackfish Sound where in contrast to Johnstone Strait, the sea was calm and the sun shining. On our way, we again briefly viewed Stellar Sea Lions where earlier on in the tour there had been some 80 + observed hauled out with many more in the water fishing. They are always fascinating to watch and photograph. Other species also seen today were: Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, California, Glaucous-winged & Herring Gulls.

The beauty of the day was astonishing yesterday and makes one rethink and reflect about taking ones every day surroundings for granted. One cannot do so, the change that occurs in this remarkable coastal region is as dramatic as it is sudden. Sunshine, fog, rain, cloud formations and rainbows all within a few short moments or hours. So are the comings and goings of orcas, dolphins, minke and humpback whales; dramatic and sudden their arrival and also their departure.

What an exciting day it has been! Just moments after leaving the dock in Alert Bay this morning passengers were viewing orcas. Two groups of orcas who were identified as the C6’s and the G25’s. Both pods were travelling very slowly to the west, heading in the direction of Haddington Island when we left them to view other orcas in Cormorant Passage; the D7’s and the I22’s, possibly C10’s were among them. They were resting and we stayed a distance away which made identifying them more difficult. They had travelled via Pearse Passage taking the back route in behind Cormorant Island while the C6’s and the G25’s had carried on past Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. A Minke Whale was also sighted at this time. Travelling back via the Pearse Islands more orcas were sighted in the distance heading out through Weynton Passage, they were likely some of the I33’s who were heading out at this time. On the late afternoon Motor Cruise the weather had changed as had the movement of orcas in Johnstone Strait. Just as we were leaving the dock in Alder Bay the rain cleared and a most beautiful rainbow emerged arching directly across Johnstone Strait. Orcas were sighted travelling east in Johnstone Strait close along the Hanson Island side, they were moving quickly in the flood current, as were some 200+ Pacific White-sided Dolphins centre Strait, other orcas , the I15’s were heading east as well but closer to the Vancouver Island shore. It was amazing viewing, especially when another glorious rainbow emerged arching again across Johnstone Strait and the dolphins were in the middle with white water moving rapidly above them as they swam, a brilliant blue sky above and the brightness of the rainbow; it was a most remarkable and indelible image to have witnessed, with so many dolphins swimming inside of the rainbow. As we neared the south-east end of the Sophia Islands, the I15’s had crossed over, meeting up with the other G-Clan orcas. It is here that we left them and turing back, the seascape had turned to silver and the image of several female orca fins were etched wonderfully in a cloud formation ahead of us, not unlike those of the I15’s! It was an amazing and very special day of viewing. Also seen today were: Stellar Sea Lions ++Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, California & Herring Gulls.

This afternoon when we headed out on tour there had not been any reported sightings of orcas in Johnstone or Queen Charlotte Straits earlier on in the day while Humpback Whales had been sighted. We headed in their direction travelling through the wonderful scenic Plumper Island waterways after viewing hauled out Harbour Seals and a myriad of sea birds on the Stephensen Islands. There were two Humpback Whales in the vicinity of Bold Head, one taking long dives. We spent our time with BCYO177 (Slash) who is often in the area and observed as she made her way in large circles feeding, heading towards concentrations of herring balls as they occurred, due to the presence and hard work of the diving birds: Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres in particular. It is always fascinating viewing these Humpback Whales, especially when they are lunge feeding amongst the herring balls. The large group of Stellar Sea Lions, some hauled out, many were in the water swimming in the flood current at Weynton Passage, they were wonderful to watch and several seemed very curious, swimming over to and around our boat. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes++, Black Oystercatches, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, California Gull, Mew, Herring and Glaucous Winged Gulls.

It was another very beautiful day on the water as we headed out this morning. Making our way through the Plumper Islands we entered into the Queen Charlotte Strait and it was here that a Humpback Whale was sighted in the distance. As we drew closer we could identify it as being BCYO177 (Slash) who is often in this area feeding. The sea was calm and the sun pleasantly warming upon us and it was fascinating to sit back and enjoy the majesty and beauty of the whale as it moved back and forth in large circles feeding. A second Humpback Whale was also sighted close by and watching the two of them surfacing and diving and listening to their blows was mesmerizing. Numerous Gulls and Auklets actively feeding on herring balls were a common target for the whales to head for and lunge feed in the midst of the feeding birds. We headed back home via numerous Stellar Sea Lions hauled out and swimming, a wonderful ending to a most beautiful and enjoyable day on the water. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes++, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, California Gull, Mew, Herring and Glaucous Winged Gulls.

This morning when we headed out the A30”s were reported heading to the west at Lizard Point while other pods: the A23’s, 25’s, A8’s, A24’s and A11’s were heading east at Cracroft Point. We decided to head to the east, it was a beautiful day and one that was worth the waiting for as it turned out! Pacific White-sided Dolphins 100++were seen in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we arrived, as well a small group went by us heading to the west. Orcas were sighted in the estuary of the Bight heading east and we observed them as they went to the beaches at the eastern end. It was nice to simply sit back and observe them; so many at the beaches at one time and then suddenly, they all began heading to the east and out of the eastern end of the Reserve. To see these groups of orcas, the A4’s and the A5’s altogether was wonderful; the A11’s were in the lead with the A24’s right behind with A73, the A8’s, A23’s and A25’s following closer to the Vancouver Island shore and almost parallel to the A5’s. Watching the young calves playing together was a treat: the lighting was superb and the viewing was breathtaking. As we watched the orcas, a flock of some 60 + Sandhill Cranes were observed flying overhead south while en route back home, a Humpback Whale and another flock of 40 + Sandhill Cranes flying south were sighted. It was a great ending to a most spectacular day of viewing in Johnstone Strait. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes++, Pigeon Guillemots, Surf Scoters, Stellar Sea Lions, California Gulls, Mew, Herring and Glaucous-winged Gulls.

We headed out this morning with rain falling gently but soon the rain was behind us and a beautiful rainbow arched across Johnstone Strait directly behind us as we headed east and into the sunshine with some 100++ Pacific White-sided Dolphins who were feeding and travelling as we headed east. It was fantastic viewing seeing the dolphins so spread out and immensely enjoyed by all, especially those who had never seen dolphins in the wild before. The A30’s had been reported entering into Blackney Passage and Blackfish Sound when we sighted orcas on the Vancouver Island shore heading east, as we watched they began crossing Johnstone Strait making their way towards Blackney Passage as well. We identified them as the A8’s but A28 was not among them. 30+ Stellar Sea Lions were sighted hauled out and swimming in the water on our way back. On the afternoon tour we headed towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve where orcas had been reported entering the Reserve from the east. A Humpback Whale was sighted en route to the orcas as were Dalls Porpoises riding at the bow of the boat and more Stellar Sea Lions who were swimming. We sighted orcas near the Pig Ranch on West Cracroft Island, some of the A24’s including A73, more orcas were foraging in the Robson Bight Reserve and more were headed to the west along the Vancouver Island shoreline. The orcas were travelling and foraging, some breaching activity was also observed. The rest of the A24’s were sighted further to the east as we headed home. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Surf Scoters, Belted Kingfishers and California Gulls.

Thursday, August 20th, 2009
Today was a most beautiful calm day in the Queen Charlotte Strait where we spent most of our day viewing Humpback Whales and a large Minke Whale. We began our tour in the morning exploring the scenic beauty and sea life of the Stephenson Islands and then headed into Blackfish Sound, it was at this time that the first Humpback Whale was sighted near Bold Head. As we drew closer the Humpback Whale was identified as Slash (named so for obvious injuries that have left their markings of three slashes on the left side of its body, it also has no dorsal fin due to the injury). While watching this Humpback Whale another was sighted as well as a large Minke Whale, followed by a third Humpback Whale as we were leaving the area. Viewing herring balls up-close as the gulls and Rhinoceros Auklets were feeding was fascinating, especially so when a Humpback Whale suddenly appeared feeding as well. Later on in the tour a smaller fourth Humpback Whale was sighted in Weynton Passage along with 20++ Stellar Sea Lions. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals++, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, Stellar Sea Lions, Black Turnstones, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

Today was a wonderful day of contrast and colour. It was a foggy morning that we headed out in and yet moment by moment the seascape was ever changing as land and forest emerged from the fog, appearing close along the shoreline and suddenly orcas were seen heading towards us. Two orcas were sighted initially, one being a male with a very broad fin leaning to the left and a female, two other orcas were sighted soon after. These orcas were identified as T018, T019, T019B & T019c; Transient Orcas who prey on marine mammals unlike those of the fish feeding Resident Orcas. The Transients headed into Blackfish Sound and we left them at this point, heading west in Johnstone Strait where a group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins were sighted feeding nearby while on our Port side Dalls Porpoises were “rooster tailing” speedily along beside us as we travelled, further along we were joined by more Dalls Porpoises who rode briefly at the bow of the boat. On the afternoon tour we headed east in Johnstone Strait where Resident orcas were reported returning from their journey to the east. We sighted the A24’s, the A23’s and the A25’s who were moving steadily to the west, our first encounter was at the Pig Ranch on West Cracroft Island. The A24’s were in the lead while the A23’s and A25’s were together following very close behind along the West Cracroft Island shoreline. As they all neared Cracroft Point they slowed and began to forage, but still continued moving to the to the west. They were playful at times, breaching, foraging and some resting behaviour was observed. Dalls porpoises again joined us bow-riding on the way home. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals++, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

What an amazing afternoon it was! Just prior to our leaving the dock in Alder Bay the fog lifted revealing a most beautiful day and so it was that we headed out into sunlight. As we entered Weynton Passage orcas were sighted in the distance and as we drew closer they were seen heading in the direction of Blackfish Sound yet turning towards Lulu Island Pass while the A30’s who suddenly appeared off the NW corner of the Plumper Islands, turned also into the less turbulent waters of the Plumper Island Passage. The flood current was maximum and surging in Weynton Passage! We cruised through another beautiful waterway and waited for the orcas entry into Johnstone Strait and what an entry it was. Our entire time spent with the orcas from here-on during the tour was spent sailing using our main sail. It was absolutely exhilarating to move quietly while observing the orcas and their movements. The pods looked to be the same groups that we have encountered the last few weeks but it was not possible to fully identify each family due to keeping a distance away and the glare from sunlight. We did get a good look at the A30’s and the A23’s, the A24’s we believe were there as well as the A25’s. The A8’s were likely there also but we did not get a positive ID on them. A Humpback Whale was sighted also in Weynton Passage, as well as a Minke Whale; it could not have been any better! Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals++, Stellar Sea Lions++, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, 5 Arctic Terns, Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

It was not long after leaving the dock at Alder Bay this morning that orcas were sighted in the distance travelling towards Johnstone Strait in Weynton Passage. As we neared Weynton Island passengers watched as the groups of orcas entered the Strait and began making their way slowly to the east. The A30’s stalled initially on their entry and the young calves were observed spyhopping and three had their tails high in the air making head stands. A38 and A39 had separated from their family and had commenced foraging a distance away. The A23’s were travelling close to the A30’s while the other pods: the A25’s, A8’s and ?A24’s headed over towards the Vancouver Island shore. All were eastbound in the flood current that was pushing them along. Mid-Strait and abeam Blackney Passage, some 100 ++ Pacific White-sided Dolphins appeared suddenly from the east, they could be seen feeding in the flood current and the viewing was quite wonderful; they are always a treat to see especially when they leap high out of the water. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals, one Harbour Porpoise, Bald Eagles in trees and fishing, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

It was a beautiful morning that we headed out into Johnstone Strait and numerous sea birds were already busy working herring balls in Weynton Passage in the flood current. As we entered Blackney Passage a Humpback Whale was sighted feeding nearby and orcas could be seen in the distance further up in Blackfish Sound, as were two other Humpback Whales and a Stellar Sea Lion who was swimming nearby; it was quite an eventful marine encounter! As the orcas drew near they were identified as the A25’s, A24’s, and the A8’s, they were moving steadily with the flood tide and some breaching and tail slapping behaviour was observed. The A30’s with the A25’s followed next and they too gained speed as they neared Blackney Passage, prior to this they had been in a travelling/resting line. Another Humpback Whale was sighted in the distance and 8 Stellar Sea Lions hauled out were also seen. On the afternoon tour the orcas were encountered nearing the Wastell Islets, the A24’s were in the lead, the other pods were spread across Johnstone Strait, the A23’s, A8’s, A25’s and the A30’s were all seen. Cruising through the Plumper Island waterways the surrounding scenic beauty was immense and breathtaking with sunlight sparkling on the kelp forests. Some 20+ Stellar Sea Lions were countered hauled out and swimming. Observing numerous Harbour Seals hauled out on rocks among kelps forests was the finale to a most wonderful day of viewing. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Harlequin Ducks, Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers, Belted Kingfishers, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

This morning the orcas were heading to the east inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but as we travelled in their direction they turned back to the west. Our early sightings of them were from the Reserve Boundary but as they moved further to the west and were outside of the Reserve, we were able to view them more closely and identify them. They were travelling close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, the A23’s appeared in the lead close with the A25’s, the A24’s were behind them followed by the A30’s and back a distance behind them were the A8’s. Some foraging was observed when the pods slowed at Kaikash to feed, they had been travelling at a fast pace prior to this. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Bald Eagles Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

Heading out this afternoon the orcas who were west in Johnstone Strait earlier in the day had turned back and were heading east which is very typical of the pattern that they had been displaying in their movement in the Strait all week long. The pods included the incoming A34’s (A12’s daughter and her family, as well A12 was travelling with them), A30’s, A23’s, A25’s, A8’s and the A24’s. Meanwhile, the A36’s (brothers three) who had been in Blackfish Sound earlier in the morning had disappeared to the west with no sighting of them reported after this. With this in mind we headed to the east as well, hoping that the orcas would turn back as we travelled. They had been moving at a steady pace but then they stalled and as we neared the Ecological Reserve we saw them as they made their way, cutting across the Strait to the rubbing beaches. Keeping outside of the Reserve boundary passengers could only watch from the distance, A39 was foraging intensely, already making his way back to the west and was seen foraging inside the estuary of the Reserve. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, a Harbor Seal, Bald Eagles fishing, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls and two small flocks of unidentified duck species flying high heading south!

AUGUST 12
A late posting for yesterday as our internet was down in Alert Bay last evening:
Shortly after leaving the dock this morning a Black Bear was sighted foraging along the beach, it was a great way to start the tour for all on board but especially so for those who had never seen a bear in the wild before. The orcas that we have seen for the past several days were again in Johnstone Strait today. Our first sighting was of the A23’s followed by the A25’s and they were on the Hanson Island side of the Strait further ahead of the A8’s and A30’s who were on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait. We watched as the A23’s and A25’s turned near Turn Point and commenced travelling back to the east; the A30’s and the A8’s also turned forming resting lines. A38 and A39 had been observed foraging ahead of their family (the A30’s) and when the turn was made, A38 was seen to quickly join in the resting line beside his mother A30, while A39 travelled back to the east, he was separate yet parallel to his family and foraging. Resting, foraging, tail and pectoral slapping behaviour was observed. The A24’s again had travelled up to Beaver Cove and were the last ones to turn back to the east. Continuing on with our tour we passed through some scenic waterways that were sparkling with sunlight, 15 + Stellar Sea Lions were sighted swimming and finally a Humpback Whale who was feeding nearby. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

This morning when we headed out a light fog filled the entire Bay but within moments it began to evaporate leaving just the outer edges of Johnstone Strait obscured and shortly after, Cracroft Point emerged out of the fog as did the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve which only minutes earlier we could not see. It was at the Pig Ranch that the orcas were sighted, the same pods as yesterday and they were travelling slowly towards the west when they turned suddenly and began moving towards the Vancouver Island shore and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Within minutes, most of the orcas were inside the boundary, some were foraging, others were making their way directly to the rubbing beaches. On our afternoon tour we found the leading pod of orcas, the A24’s west of Kaikash Beach, they were travelling fast along the Vancouver Island shoreline but turning back often to forage. Meanwhile, the other pods, the A30’s and the A5’s (A8’s, A25’s and A23’s) had crossed over to the Hanson Island shore and had made it as far west as Big Bay before turning back; they were observed to be foraging and resting. When they turned back they were in resting lines and began heading across the Strait towards the VI shore. It was beautiful viewing and mesmerizing to watch. At this point we turned back and it was up near Bauza Islets that we again sighted the A24’s, they had been foraging in Beaver Cove and had made their turn back to the east some 40 + minutes after the other pods had turned.

This morning when we headed out a light fog filled the entire Bay but within moments it began to evaporate leaving just the outer edges of Johnstone Strait obscured and shortly after, Cracroft Point emerged out of the fog as did the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve which only minutes earlier we could not see. It was at the Pig Ranch that the orcas were sighted, the same pods as yesterday and they were travelling slowly towards the west when they turned suddenly and began moving towards the Vancouver Island shore and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Within minutes, most of the orcas were inside the boundary, some were foraging, others were making their way directly to the rubbing beaches. On our afternoon tour we found the leading pod of orcas, the A24’s west of Kaikash Beach, they were travelling fast along the Vancouver Island shoreline but turning back often to forage. Meanwhile, the other pods, the A30’s and the A5’s (A8’s, A25’s and A23’s) had crossed over to the Hanson Island shore and had made it as far west as Big Bay before turning back; they were observed to be foraging and resting. When they turned back they were in resting lines and began heading across the Strait towards the VI shore. It was beautiful viewing and mesmerizing to watch. At this point we turned back and it was up near Bauza Islets that we again sighted the A24’s, they had been foraging in Beaver Cove and had made their turn back to the east some 40 + minutes after the other pods had turned.

It was a wonderful day for viewing cetaceans in our local waters. Beginning this morning with rain falling gently and a rainbow that followed clearing the sky, we were soon within range of seeing large blows in the distance. This turned out to be four individual Humpback Whales foraging near to Bold Head. The viewing was exciting as everywhere one looked a whale would surface and dive. One of the Humpback Whales was identified as Slash (due to the absence of a dorsal fin and three very noticeable slashes on the upper body). On leaving the area a Minke Whale was sighted and having viewed 12 Stellar Sea Lions hauled out earlier on in the tour, more were sighted swimming in the water. In the afternoon, the orcas who had been further east in the morning had returned rapidly to the west: the A30’s, A5’s and the A24’s. Our first sighting was along the Vancouver Island shoreline west of Kaikash. The pods were spread out, travelling west at a steady rate, foraging as they went. Some pods were also on the Hanson Island side of the Strait just as they had been yesterday afternoon. The A24’s and A23’s foraged near to the Bauza Islets while the A30’s crossed back towards Vancouver Island and with the A8’s and A25’s they stalled west of Blinkhorn waiting for the others to catch up. It was wonderful viewing with multiple spyhopping, tail and pectoral slapping, breaching, porpoising and resting behaviour all being observed. When all of the orcas were close together, they began proceeding rapidly to the east. Heading for home the lighting was beautiful and looking back down Johnstone Strait to the east a Rainbow could be seen. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in its nest, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Red-necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Herring, Glaucous-winged, Mew and California Gulls.

On tour this morning in Blackfish Sound passengers enjoyed watching two Humpback Whales, one was feeding while a smaller one appeared to be travelling east in the Sound. Although the current was ebbing there were a lot of seabirds in the area especially Rhinoceros Aucklets and Gulls, Stellar Sea Lions (10 +) were sighted swimming and numerous Bald Eagles including an Eaglet in its nest. On the afternoon tour the pods of orcas who had been travelling back from the far east all morning in Johnstone Strait were sighted, they were well spread out across the Strait: the A30’s, A24’s and A5’s (A8’s, A23’s and A25’s). We encountered the A30’s near Kaikash, A39 was foraging well ahead of the others. There was a lot of interaction between family members with multiple spyhopping, pectoral and tail slapping, porpoising and resting behaviour being observed. At the Bauza Islets we observed several orcas foraging, some were resting while others moved further west. Where ever one looked, orcas could be seen in the distance and it was nice to sit quietly and listen to their beautiful A-Clan calls. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Red-necked Phalaropes and Pigeon Guillemots.

The fog cleared as we headed down Johnstone Strait this morning enabling good visibility from a distance. The A36’s with A12 were sighted in Johnstone Strait and our encounter with them began at Izumi Rock. A12 and A46 were travelling together tight against the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was foraging nearby and A32 was also foraging further back to the west. Passengers watched until A12 and A46 entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve at the western boundary just as A37 crossed from the north side of the boundary. A32 was further back west foraging steadily off the Baron Reefs near to Cracroft Point. It was at this same location at Cracroft Point that we again sighted the A36 brothers (three) and the A12 matriline on our afternoon tour. A37 was foraging back and forth and was joined by his brother A32 and together they foraged intensely. At one point A37 passed nearby chasing a salmon. We had seen him lunge diving previous to this so to see him pass by the boat close was thrilling for all onboard. A12 who was foraging directly at Cracroft Point suddenly turned back and passed by the boat as it sat idle giving everyone a chance to view the 68 year old female orca. It was a wonderful viewing, exciting and special because of the extraordinary dynamics shared between the four orcas. The flood current surging at Blackney Passage and Weynton Passage this afternoon was remarkable, as was seeing the myriad of gulls and Aucklets feasting on herring balls at the waters surface. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Black Turnstones, Pigeon Guillemots and Black Oystercatchers.

It was another beautiful day to be out on the water enjoying the beauty and majesty of the area. We were again fortunate to have the same pods of orcas as yesterday in Johnstone Strait. They were the A30’s, all of the A5’s and the A24’s. On the morning tour when we headed out the orcas were all travelling to the west and we encountered them at Kaikash Beach. Deploying our hydrophone as soon as we arrived it was wonderful for everyone on board to listen to their beautiful A-Clan calls. The orcas continued to the west, some pods were sighted over on the Hanson Island shoreline. A38 who had been seen earlier travelling with his mother A30 close to the Vancouver Island Shore was seen crossing over towards the Hanson Shore as he foraged, his brother A39 was further to the west also foraging. We headed back via Island waterways viewing hauled out Harbour Seals and numerous seabirds. On the afternoon tour the orcas had turned back to the east, some pods had entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. The A24’s were still outside of the Reserve during our time with them and passengers were delighted, the viewing was superb in the late afternoon sunlight. Travelling, resting breaching and spyhopping behaviour was observed today. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Black Turnstones, and Black Oystercatchers.

The day was a truly amazing one with wonderful viewing of orcas in Johnstone Strait. Today we were able to clearly view and enjoy all of the pods in Johnstone Strait, they were the A30’s, the A24’s and the A5’s. Our first encounter began with sighting the A24’s traveling very close along the shoreline of West Cracroft Island and close to the Baron Reefs near Cracroft Point.
They crossed Blackney Passage and continued to travel west but as we watched from a distance they turned back towards Cracroft Point. Crossing Johnstone Strait we sighted two more groups of orcas moving to the west slowly, the A5’s were altogether in the lead followed by the A30’s. They were at a distance from the Vancouver Island shore and it was beautiful to observe the resting lines of orcas. One male orca, A39 separated from his pod and foraged further west beyond Blinkhorn and while the hydrophone was deployed we heard their A-Clan calls, at this point both groups of orcas turned back to the east and A39 was observed turning back as well, moving quickly to catch up with his pod. The orcas had been relaxed and resting and some spyhops were seen amongst the A24’s that included A73. A Minke Whale was sighted briefly just prior to our leaving the orcas. It was in Weynton Passage that we sighted a Humpback Whale feeding in the flood current where a large herring ball with gulls galore, were feeding at. The sea birds in the area in Weynton Passage were numerous. Continuing on our tour and close to home a second Minke Whale was sighted in Pearse Passage. It was a wonderful ending to a most beautiful day on the water. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Belted Kingfishers, Harlequin Ducks, Surf Scoters and a Great Blue Heron.

The day was indeed a beautiful one as the fog cleared and Johnstone Strait became visible, blue and sparkling. En route to viewing orcas a small group of Dalls Porpoises rode at the bow of the boat delighting everyone with their darting tactics back and forth. The orcas who had been sighted yesterday were well to the east this morning however, the A36 brothers (A37 and A46) were foraging inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but A32, the oldest brother was outside of the Reserve across on the West Cracroft Island side of the Strait foraging. At 45 years old he is of a substanial size and viewing him is always a treat. On the afternoon tour the orcas who had been to the east were returning back to the west at a very rapid rate. It was near Kaikash Beach that we suddenly saw a pod of orcas approaching, moving quickly and very close along the Vancouver Island shore, mothers and their calves. Stopping to deploy the hydrophone it was exciting to hear their A-Clan calls. Scanning across the Strait numerous orcas could be seen in all directions, it was an amazing sight, they were so spread out. The pods were the same as yesterday: A30’s, A5’s, A24’s and A36’s. As the lead groups neared the Bauza Islets they slowed, some were observed resting and foraging while others socialized. The viewing was superb as was the lighting. Just when passengers thought that it could not get any better it did. We had been observing A39 who was foraging alone mid Strait well ahead of us and we had stopped to watch his foraging tactics when suddenly he turned back and then towards us, circling around the entire boat. It was breathtaking and beautiful to see this orca under the water, so large and floating free! It was like magic, over in a moment yet somewhere in all of our minds eye, that powerful image remains vivid. Looking back we could see that the orcas had turned back east and we ourselves were headed home.

As we headed out on tour, passengers and crew alike could not imagine the remarkable orca viewing that lay ahead. Nearing the Sophia Islands we could see orca fins and blows stretched before us across Johnstone Strait, heading west in our direction. It was very exciting to see them speeding by and that was literally what they were doing. Because they were traveling at such a rapid rate and being so spread out, the mothers and their calves close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, it was very difficult to identify the individual orcas and their pods. The orcas that were in the Strait most of the day and this afternoon were the A30’s, A24’s, and the A5’s. The orcas that we were closer to and better able to identify were the A30’s who were also spread out (A54 and her calves and A38), the A25’s and also the A24’s including A73 with her open saddle patch. Stopping at times to deploy the hydrophone, it was wonderful listening to their beautiful A-Clan calls as well, ecolocations as some orcas foraged nearby. Breaching, spyhopping, foraging, pectoral slapping and resting behaviour was observed. Heading back home care was taken to steer clear of numerous orcas who were still heading west behind those who had slowed down and were foraging off the Bauza Islets. It was indeed a very remarkable day for viewing orcas in Johnstone Strait.

Shortly after leaving the dock at Alder Bay this afternoon we were taken by surprise when a Minke Whale surfaced nearby. The angle at which we observed the dorsal fin we thought that it was an orca however when it surfaced again it was most definitely a Minke Whale and it was a great sighting to start our tour on. The A36’s with A12 and the A30’s were inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we neared the western Reserve boundary but as we watched a male orca was making his way back to the west and it looked as though a female was as well. We watched from the distance of the boundary and sailed with our main sail hoisted and while trailing the hydrophone we listened to their A-Clan calls. The male orca when outside of the western boundary began moving across Johnstone Strait and was identified as A38 while the single female orca who had been sighted earlier was not alone and was identified as A54 with her three calves and they were foraging steadily along the Vancouver Island shoreline, westbound as well. A39 was sighted a distance out from the shore, A50 and her calves were further behind while the A36’s and A12 were further across on the West Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.The viewing was wonderful and as we watched, the calves were playful and interacting together. With the hydrophone deployed again, ecolocation could be heard and their A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to. As we headed back it was time to partake of the hot freshly baked scones served with tea all the while drinking in the beautiful seascape that stretched before and around us.

Shortly after leaving the dock at Alder Bay this afternoon we were taken by surprise when a Minke Whale surfaced nearby. The angle at which we observed the dorsal fin we thought that it was an orca however when it surfaced again it was most definitely a Minke Whale and it was a great sighting to start our tour on. The A36’s with A12 and the A30’s were inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we neared the western Reserve boundary but as we watched a male orca was making his way back to the west and it looked as though a female was as well. We watched from the distance of the boundary and sailed with our main sail hoisted and while trailing the hydrophone we listened to their A-Clan calls. The male orca when outside of the western boundary began moving across Johnstone Strait and was identified as A38 while the single female orca who had been sighted earlier was not alone and was identified as A54 with her three calves and they were foraging steadily along the Vancouver Island shoreline, westbound as well. A39 was sighted a distance out from the shore, A50 and her calves were further behind while the A36’s and A12 were further across on the West Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.The viewing was wonderful and as we watched, the calves were playful and interacting together. With the hydrophone deployed again, ecolocation could be heard and their A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to. As we headed back it was time to partake of the hot freshly baked scones served with tea all the while drinking in the beautiful seascape that stretched before and around us.

Today was another wonderful day for viewing orcas in the area. It began this morning with sighting the A36’s and A12 foraging at Cracroft Point. As we watched mezmerized, A12 and A37 began traveling further west along the Hanson Island shore, they were soon joined by A37 and finally A32 who had been foraging steadily back at the Point. We sat and listened to their beautiful A-Clan calls via the hydrophone and then began making our way back towards the west. Looking back we could see some tall dorsal fins, likely A32 and A37 foraging back at Cracroft Point in the flood current; we had lost sight of A12 who had been foraging with A46 nearby only moments ago. Suddenly A46 was seen charging alongside and keeping pace parallel with us as we traveled. We slowed to let him go by and surprising us, he crossed over and was headed for the Bauza Islets on Vancouver Island. We headed in the direction of Weynton Passage and while we were observing some bird activity around a herring ball we were thrilled to see a Humpback Whale emerge feeding in the flood current along with numerous Stellar Sea Lions; it was an amazing sight to see them tumbling all around the whale in the swirling current. Passengers on the afternoon Motor Cruise began their tour with more wonderful viewing of the Humpback Whale and Stellar Sea Lions feeding in the current. Leaving Weynton Passage, two orca pods, the A30’s and A24’s including A73 were sighted foraging off Bold Head. As passengers watched they slowly made their way across Blackfish Sound and then proceeded to pass through the ‘Blowhole’, a narrow waterway that separates Hanson Island from the Plumper Island group. The A30’s were in the lead this afternoon followed by the A24’s, passing through the Blowhole and then the small waterway that separates Little Weynton Island from Hanson Island, entering then into Johnstone Strait. Visually it was a powerfully rich and memorable experience for all onboard to witness. The A30’s navigated this same route in the afternoon on July 31. It was exceptionally beautiful and a wonderful way to make our way home via the scenic island waterways . Other species also seen today: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest, Rhinoceros Auklets ++, Common Murres and Pigeon Guillemots.

Heading out this afternoon it was not long before passengers on both vessels were in sight of orcas east of Blinkhorn. There were two Matrilines and their offspring: the A30’s and the A24’s. The mothers and calves were traveling along Vancouver Island and very close to shore, foraging as they went while A38 and A39 were well spread out, A39 being the greatest distance across the Strait from the others. With the hydrophones deployed it was a treat to sit and listen to their A-Clan calls. The viewing had already been wonderful when we learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were entering Johnstone Strait through Weynton Passage. It was very moving to watch as the four orcas entered the Strait altogether as a family group. As they surfaced together it was wonderful seeing A12 in this manner, surrounded by the boys, her being in the middle and all of them very much at ease. They commenced to travel east down the Strait while the A30’s and the A24’s who had been foraging and resting at the top end of the Strait around the Bauza Islets, also turned and commenced to travel back east. Other species also seen today: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest, Rhinoceros Auklets ++, Common Murres and Gulls++(Mews, California, Herring and Glaucous-Winged.