It was an incredibly beautiful day beginning with dense fog and ending with the brightness of a calm fall day that made everyone on board feel alive and so appreciative of the abundance of marine life in the area and the natural beauty that our local waterways provide. Little by little the fog began to clear and suddenly our first humpback whale was sighted, and so began the sighting of several more whales as the fog cleared further and we began to see far out into the Queen Charlotte Strait and across to the BC Mainland and Coast Range Mountains; the view-scape was and is magnificent, but on a day such as today, it truly was breathtaking with blue calm waters stretching far off into the distance and upon it a myriad of bird species gathered to feed while humpback whales could be seen in every direction. At one time, three whales were sighted surfacing and feeding together, another whale breached nearby twice, pectoral fins could be seen raised high and sunlight glistening on bull kelp as a whale surfaced from underneath the kelp, all of it was phenomenal! Because the whales were constantly moving about in the strong ebb current it was difficult to keep track of and count them all, with more seen further down in Blackfish Sound and far off to the west in the Queen Charlotte Strait and even as we made our way home through the Plumper Islands, another was sighted, some 8++ whales were sighted today! Bird watching was fabulous with large numbers of sooty shearwaters arriving to feed, often landing and diving simultaneously, their wing beat and gliding movement of flight just inches above the water was spellbinding to watch, as were the common murres, watching them dive deep down and disappear through the crystal clear waters was magic in the making. It was a blissful day of astonishing beauty and brilliant sightings. Other sightings included: harbour seals, stellar sea lions, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, sooty shearwaters, red-necked phalaropes, pelagic cormorants, white-winged scoters, surf scoters and great blue herons.

It was an incredible day for viewing orcas despite the fog that lingered in Queen Charlotte Strait and Blackfish Sound while burning off rapidly in Johnstone Strait on our return. Soon after we departed from Alder Bay orcas had already been located in Blackfish Sound and travelling through Weynton Passage we encountered one just north of Stubbs Island. The sighting took us by surprise when one of our passengers pointed back, having glimpsed at first one orca, followed by more in the heavy fog. It was exciting, especially so when the engine was cut and we could listen to their blows and loud vocals (G & A-Clan calls) and ecolocations via our hydrophone. They were spread out in their small family groups: mothers and their calves foraging together in the ebb current while mature males and older orcas were foraging nearby but on their own. Because of the fog we could not scan far off in the distance to keep track of all of the orcas who were in the area today but even so, the viewing of those orcas nearby was brilliant! The orcas we sighted were a mix of the A30, A8 and I15 matrilines. For those passengers who carried on to Alert Bay a single dalls porpoise joined us riding at the bow of the boat, almost all the way into Alert Bay which was a wonderful way to end the tour on. Other sightings included: dall’s porpoises, stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, oyster catchers and pelagic cormorants.

What an extraordinary day it was, the sights and sounds were unbelievable and breathtaking! Leaving this morning our tour took us out through Weynton Passage and the scenic Island waterways of the Plumper Islands into the top end of Blackfish Sound where the fins and blows of orcas could be seen spread out across to Swanson Island. We made our way, part way across and with our main sail hoisted we cut the engine and sailed quietly along with our hydrophone trailing and listened to the wonderful G-Clan calls initially from the I15’s but mostly A-Clan calls from the A30’s and A8’s. The I15’s were travelling along the Swanson shoreline and further out off Bold Head, seemingly in the lead while the A30’s, although they were also well spread out, they too were foraging but more into the centre of Blackfish Sound with the flood current moving some of them across towards Donegal Head and then out into the Queen Charlotte Strait. On our arrival, the orcas had been taking long dives and it was not long before we realized the reason why when several pacific white-sided dolphins were seen surfacing and swimming in their midst, they were playful especially with the A50 and A54 calves, A72 in particular. We enjoyed observing the A50’s and A54’s foraging nearby and listening to their loud vocalizations and ecolocation as they foraged back and forth and then watched in amazement as the A8’s commenced foraging alongside the hull of the boat, circling back and forth of their own accord as they had done so yesterday, and several passengers watched in astonishment as two very large salmon swam by, followed by an orca who was chasing them. We continued listening to their calls even as they all moved further north and it was wonderful to sit in the sunshine on such a beautiful day listening to their calls, their blows and also the blows of numerous humpback whales who could be seen near and far away in all directions! Leaving the orcas we turned our attention towards the humpback whales and enjoyed viewing them as they worked back and forth, it was easy to lose count as they were circling around in the flood current, there were some 7 ++ whales sighted. Tail lobbing was seen a distance away but one whale breached twice very close to the boat which was exciting to see, as was some active lunge feeding with two whales in the midst of a herring ball. The sooty shearwaters were again sighted in large numbers, gathering further out in the Queen Charlotte Strait where other birds were also feeding on herring balls. Other sightings included: harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, stellar sea lions, glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and pelagic cormorants.

It was surprising to awaken to a beautiful clear morning in Alert Bay and discover later on, fog descending mid-way as we were crossing over to Alder Bay. At the dock in Alder Bay we enjoyed some wonderful viewing of a mother river otter and her two kits as they played along the dock and boardwalk. With their heads peeping out from behind a plank, and them looking at us as though they thought we could not see them, it was a comical moment for us before they went about their business, playing along the boardwalk. We travelled out through Pearse Passage into Cormorant Channel where we had our first sighting of a humpback whale foraging through what remained of a herring ball, the fog had cleared off and the visibility was good at the time of our viewing. As we neared Donegal Head the fog had closed in again and we cut the engine to listen for blows and possible vocalizations. As we listened, we could hear both orca and humpback whale blows and also G-Clan orca vocalizations via our hydrophone. Stopping frequently to listen and working together with other boats of the whale watching community we caught up to a large group of orcas who were well spread out and foraging in the flood current in the Queen Charlotte Strait passing a second humpback whale along the way. The fog had cleared and the viewing was fantastic, as were the A & G-Clan vocalizations that we listened to while drifting in the current. There was mixing of family groups with orcas being spread far across, foraging back and forth with A30, A8, A25 & I15 matrilines, and possibly A23’s were among them as well and as we observed, two more humpback whales were sighted travelling east close along the Malcolm Island shoreline, parallel to where we were viewing from. It was especially exciting having A30, A38 and A39 forage nearby and the A8’s foraging at the stern of the boat having chased salmon alongside the hull, the vocals at that time were phenomenal! It was exciting today to see once again the familiar flight and sight of the sooty shearwaters making their way from their Alaskan feeding grounds, passing through on their migration to Islands in the Pacific Ocean off New Zealand, Australia, Chile & the Falklands where they will breed and feed. Making our way back home, two more humpback whales were sighted! Also seen: harbour seals, stellar sea lions, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, red-necked phalaropes, glaucous-winged gulls & bald eagles & marbled murrelets.

The weather today was gorgeous and the scenery stunning with the Coast Range Mountains forming a beautiful backdrop for the calm blue waters of Blackfish Sound and Queen Charlotte Strait and while the I15’s were reported being inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve at the time of our departure this morning, two groups of Bigg’s (Transient) orcas were reported down off Blackney Passage. We made our way through the Plumper Islands into Blackfish Sound, passing a humpback whale en route and sighting both orca and humpback whale blows down near Parsons Light. The orcas were made up of two different groups and had already been identified as the T55’s (a matriarch T55 & her three off-spring: T55A, T55B & T55 C) and the T59’s ( a matriarch T59 and her daughter T59A and her two calves T59A1 & T59A2). At our arrival, the groups were, and seemed to stay separate from one another moving constantly in the strong flood current in Blackney Passage and eventually they all made their way into Johnstone Strait travelling slowly east in the flood current. Meanwhile, the two humpback whales who had also been sighted in Blackney Passage at the same time as the transient orcas, they travelled in the opposite direction into Blackfish Sound. With a light SE wind blowing we hoisted our main sail and spent time sailing while we were with the orcas in Blackfish Sound and Blackney Passage. At our leaving at Cracroft Point we made our way west into Johnstone Strait and then into Weynton Passage. While viewing hauled out stellar sea lions a humpback whale was sighted breaching a distance away and we caught up to it in Cormorant Channel and enjoyed watching its dive sequence immensely. Other sightings included: harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, red-necked phalaropes, glaucous-winged gulls and bald eagles.

This morning we began our tour cruising first through Pearse Passage and then Cormorant Channel sighting several humpback whales en route as we made our way towards Blackfish Sound where transient orcas were reported travelling slowly west along the Hanson Island shoreline. The three orcas had already been identified as the T10’s, they were moving steadily, taking long dives as is usual for transient orcas but as they went by us at one point, we observed several stellar sea lions swimming in the water and waited until the orcas surfaced a distance away, they were not interested in hunting and carried on. With a light NW wind blowing we enjoyed time sailing in Weynton Passage with the orcas and as they moved on to the west we continued sailing in Weynton Passage where four or more humpback whales continued to feed, circling back and forth as we sailed along. The viewing was fabulous and with the sun shinning bright, it was an incredibly beautiful and relaxing day for all on board. Other sightings included: harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes++, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, belted kingfishers and great blue herons.

Shortly after departing from Alder Bay this morning a friend called to report that a humpback whale was nearby and foraging close along the Pearse Islands in Johnstone Strait. That sighting was the beginning of what was to become an amazing day of viewing with so many cetaceans being in close proximity of the top end of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. It was a day of close encounters with sights and sounds of numerous orca blows and also of humpback whales, an incredible viewing, acoustically wonderful and so good to simply sit back and observe beauty as it unfolded around us, moment by precious moment; especially when we were under sail in the light SE wind that was blowing at the time and while trailing our hydrophone when sailing quietly along, listening to both A & G-Clan vocalizations! When we arrived at Blackney Passage, the A30 matriline had already made their way into Blackfish Sound while other orcas (I15’s) were milling around the entrance to the Sound, making their way slowly against the flooding current, some taking the back eddie route along “the wall” and eventually along the Swanson Island shoreline, others continued into the Sound mid-way (A8’s and I15’s), very slowly, they were well spread out. The orcas we observed were taking long dives and we soon realized the reason why when numerous pacific white-sided dolphins were observed foraging amongst them and mobbing them when they came to the surface to breathe. As we ourselves left Blackney Passage, looking back into Johnstone Strait two large dorsal fins could still be seen travelling slowly east, they were later reported as being the A36 brothers (A37 & A46) who had arrived in the area overnight. The A30’s had stopped to forage midway in Blackfish Sound ahead of the other orcas and we observed as they foraged back and forth, observing while the A8’s and some of the I15’s caught them up, the viewing was fantastic and made all the more special because of the silence that surrounded all of us. With no boat noise or traffic, blow by blow the orcas could be heard, the sound of which punctuated the silence, it is hard to explain but was utterly profound to our listening ears. Leaving the orcas behind we made our way into Weynton Passage and while partaking of our Devonshire teas, all on board enjoyed the brilliance of five humpback whales foraging steadily, working the area, they circled back and forth. The lighting was superb and the humpback whales filled any gaps still needing to be filled in our fabulous day of viewing. What more could we ask for? Yet still, a single whale, continuing on further to the west, making its way towards the Pearse Island shoreline from Weynton Passage, the lasting image of a humpback whale; arriving back at our starting point this morning, just as we had begun with our first sighting of the day. Other sightings included: stellar sea lions, dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew & glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, great blue herons & belted kingfishers.

What an amazing day with the fog bank clearing within minutes of our departure from Alder Bay revealing a beautiful calm, clear and sunny Johnstone Strait! We encountered the A30 matriline as they headed to the west near the Baron Reefs and close to Cracroft Point. It was a surprise to see them as we had thought they were headed east as were the I15’s who were parrallel to them but across on the Vancouver Island shoreline, making their way towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. There were numerous pacific white-sided dolphins with the I15’s, a possible reason for the A30’s to move to the west and away from the pesky dolphins! The A30’s were strikingly beautiful today, perhaps because of the brightness of the day and the way in which they organized themselves, effortlessly it seemed with A30 and A38 close together with A39 well in the lead foraging up towards Hanson Island, A50 and A54 not far behind with their off-spring and then their orchestrated turn into Blakney Passage towards the end of the flood current and making way, far across Blackfish Sound A50 & A54 and calves on the Swanson Island shoreline with A30 travelling mid-Strait between her sons A38 & A39, a profound and beautiful image they formed, the three of them together. At this point we left the A30’s and began heading for home via several humpback whale sightings ahead of us, three of them nearby and one a distance away, followed by some wonderful viewing of hauled out stellar sea lions and kelp forests glistening in the sunlight, harbour seals and bald eagles; all of it amazing and unforgettable. Other sightings included: dall’s porpoises, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes++, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, great blue herons and belted kingfishers.

Heading out this morning the fog was clearing just ahead of us providing good visibility as we travelled in Johnstone Strait. The orcas (I15’s & A30’s) who were reported in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve earlier this morning were reported heading east at Adams River/ Broken Islands and still easting on the last of the flood current. We turned into Blackfish Sound and were soon in sight of two humpback whales, both of them were circling near Parsons Light before they began making their way west along the Swanson Island shoreline. Crossing the Sound we made our way to Double Bay where three more humpback whales were sighted in the near vicinity, another was sighted near Stubbs Island prior to our entering Weynton Passage. At Lewis Point on our way home, some 200+ pacific white-sided dolphins were sighted and it was fabulous watching as they passed us by heading to the east, some could be seen leaping clear out of the water and young calves were observed being close beside their mothers; it was exciting viewing and a memorable finale to a beautiful day on the water. Other sightings included: dall’s porpoises (and one bow-riding), stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes++, glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and a newly fledged eaglet, white-winged scoters, great blue herons and pelagic cormorants.

We were underway a short time only this morning when we sighted our first humpback whale, followed by two more, it was an incredible beginning to a spectacular day! The blows of humpback whales could be seen in every direction and the lighting was sharp and bright making it easy to detect their blows when dall’s porpoises were suddenly riding at the bow of our boat, exciting all on board. While orcas were reported spread out and travelling to the west in Blackfish Sound on the ebb current others were reported being in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and we continued on our way through Weynton Passage out into Blackfish Sound. The first orca we sighted was A38 followed by A30 his mother and the A54’s ( of the A30 matriline). A39 was over in the distance foraging off Bold Head and the A50’s were also in the direction of A39 having made their way west along the Swanson Island shoreline. Pacific white-sided dolphins were everywhere, travelling in off Bold Head they made their way over and were soon amongst the A30’s who were silent and taking long dives in their presence; the dolphins were alongside our boat some leaping clear out of the water, it was an amazing spectacle to watch. Leaving the A30’s off Donegal Head we made our way back towards Weynton Passage passing several humpback whales along the way while scanning for orcas who had been making their way west in Johnston Strait. Seeing small groups of fins and blows first across on the Vancouver Island shoreline we soon sighted some orcas off Weynton Island who were making their way towards us and as they passed nearby in Weynton Passage we identified them as the I27’s from the I15 matriline, other I15’s followed in the fast flowing ebb current, some going far across towards the Pearse Islands before being swept further out into Weynton Passage. As we drifted in the Passage while serving devonshire tea and celebrating a passengers birthday, the last group of orcas surfaced off the stern of our boat surprising everyone. It was a wonderful finale to a remarkable close encounter with so many cetaceans all in a relatively small body of water. Other sightings included: harbour seals, stellar sea lions, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes++, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, fork-tailed storm petrels, bald eagles and a recently fledged eaglet sitting high on a treetop.

It was a fabulous day to be out on the water and while there was a fall nip in the air, the day was warm and sunny on the water. We began our tour this morning, uncertain of the whereabouts of the A30 matriline who had been sighted heading west of Kaikash Beach around 7:45 a.m.. With there being no blows in sight when scanning down Johnstone Strait we made our way out through Weynton Passage and continued scanning with our binoculars out into the Queen Charlotte Strait and Blackfish Sound passing five humpback whales en route when suddenly the blows of orcas were in our sights! It was an exciting discovery and we made our way towards Swanson Island where we could see the blows and dorsal fins of several orcas moving west along the shoreline in the fast flowing ebb current. The first orca(s) we sighted was A38 followed by his mother A30 (A30 matriline) and suddenly while we were watching the other orcas making their way along the Swanson Island shoreline, a small group of possibly four orcas came from behind taking us by surprise followed by another two orcas whose fins at a glance resembled the A25’s. These groups were spread out and might well have been the A23’s and the A25’s but we cannot confirm this. It all happened so quickly when suddenly the fin of A66 appeared beside A79 and A42 was also sighted confirming the A8’s travelling close beside the A54’s and the A50’s (daughters of A30 and their calves) a small distance separated. The viewing was brilliant and close with the orcas swimming nearby, them having moved well out from the shoreline at the top end of Blackfish Sound while we sat drifting in the current, our engine cut listening to their beautiful A-Clan calls via our hydrophone. It was a special and moving experience for everyone onboard, especially for those who had never seen an orca or whale before. With so many humpback whales in the near vicinity, we changed course, moving away from the orcas (who continued on to the west passing Donegal Head), over towards Bold Head enjoying the viewing of several of them, some were tail-lobbing, others were breaching, the viewing was phenomenal! Making our way home crossing Blackfish Sound, Weynton Passage and finally Cormorant Channel there were several humpback whales breaching and one very close to the boat that nobody managed to photograph. It was amazing to see so much activity including bubble netting, which we all watched in excited amazement, spellbound! Other sightings included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, stellar sea lions, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, red-necked phalaropes++, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls and bald eagles.

It was a gorgeous day spent out in the Queen Charlotte Strait on the north side of Malcolm Island, a beautiful place to find ourselves on the first day of September! The water was calm and blue and the sky also with a crisp feel to the day and the orcas had a head start and a fast flowing ebb current enabling them to be well ahead. En route we sighted two humpback whales and rounding Donegal Head we could see orcas off in the distance, they were moving steadily to the west and were spread from Lizard Point to the Foster Islands in small groups and some could be seen porpoising ahead. They were foraging as they made way and we caught up to some of the I15’s, two of whom turned back to the east as did some of the others momentarily, at this point a humpback whale surfaced nearby and we enjoyed some wonderful viewing before it continued on its way east and we to the west. It was a beautiful sight seeing so many orcas spread out across to the mainland with the Coast Range Mountains looming behind as a majestic backdrop! Turning back we sighted several humpback whales off Bold Head and down into Blackfish Sound and making our way back around Donegal Head we sighted one across at the Plumper Islands and another off the north east end of the Pearse Islands. It was in Cormorant Channel that one, followed by another, surfaced suddenly nearby. Watching closely as they surfaced and dived, it was a grand finale to a beautiful day of viewing. Other sightings included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes++, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, fork-tailed storm-petrals and double-crested cormorants.

In the words of several of our passengers today, “it was a magical trip,” made so by the ever present fog that was never far away. The fog began to clear as we headed out this morning returning then clearing off intermittently bringing our attention to focus more often on smaller species, beautiful images that are often overlooked on a clear day such as gulls resting on logs, the flight of a fork-tailed storm petrel passing by and rhinoceros auklets disappearing from sight when diving under the water. The orcas (A23’s & A25’s) we encountered at Izumi Rock as they emerged from the fog, A61 was on his own and in the lead while behind him A86 could be seen closer to the Vancouver Island shore with A60 nearby. They appeared to be taking long dives and when several pacific white-sided dolphins were sighted swimming amongst them it explained the reason why. With dolphins interacting and mobbing them at the surface, the orcas usually dive and stay under the water longer than is usual; A86 in particular could be seen flanked by several dolphins who were rolling around and interacting alongside of A86, the dolphins then porpoising to catch up. The rest of the A23’s were ahead and close to the shoreline and with the hydrophone deployed A-Clan calls could be heard, all of the orcas were moving at a steady pace intent on foraging. The fog closed in and then abated allowing us to glimpse a black bear foraging along one of the beaches near Little Kaikash, it was observed rolling boulders about in search of food, at the same time a humpback whale was sighted behind us, angling across towards Hanson Island it too was headed west. Other orcas: the A30's, and I15's were in the area but further east. The tour was a magical one with the sun beaming down and piercing through the fog brightly at times, it added greatly to the atmosphere and beauty of the day. Other sightings included: dall’s porpoises, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, black turnstones and fork-tailed storm-petrals.

The day started off as a foggy one that began clearing as we made our way towards Weynton Passage and Weynton Island where orcas had been reported and suddenly in a moment, Johnstone Strait was clear revealing a beautiful day and orcas surfacing nearby! We encountered the I15’s resting and taking their time, some were foraging but mostly they were resting and drifting in the current slowly making their way out through Weynton Passage. It was thrilling to sit and drift ourselves with the engine off and the hydrophone deployed, listening to their G-Clan calls and watching the playful antics of the calves resting alongside their mothers but playful as well and also to observe pacific white-sided dolphins amongst them, playful also, at times they could be seen leaping clear out of the water. Making our way into Weynton Passage the fog closed in again obscuring the orcas and we carried on in the hope of seeing a humpback whale and within minutes one was sighted close-by, a second humpback whale was sighted near Stubbs Island on the edge of the fog line. Crossing over towards Donegal Head on our way home, we encountered the I15’s once again as they stalled before making the turn back to the east, meanwhile we made our way through light fog conditions in Cormorant Channel where we had the good fortune to sight four more humpback whales. There were numerous sea birds gathered and a herring ball and it was absolutely wonderful sighting the whales with sunlight beaming in through the fog! Other sightings today included: stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre++, red-necked phalaropes++, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and pigeon guillemots.

The orcas were nearing the Sophia Islands when we encountered them and numerous dolphins this morning: the A30 matriline with A30, A50, A54 and calves together in a resting line while A38 & A39 were spread apart foraging. All of them were taking long dives because of the pacific white-sided dolphins who were interacting with and swimming amongst them and passengers also enjoyed viewing the dolphins as they travelled alongside and rode at the bow of the boat. We observed as A38 raced towards his mother and two sisters and calves and catching up with them, joined them as they made their way slowly further east, mid Strait, angling over in the direction of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Leaving the area we made our way west and nearing Weynton Passage the blows of several humpback whales could be seen; spread apart the whales were intent on feeding in the fast flowing flood current. We countered six whales feeding in the relatively small area of Weynton Passage including one nearing Cormorant Channel and another westing mid Strait in Johnstone Strait; it was wonderful watching them in the fast flowing waters. We carried on our way home, crossing the Strait making our way over to Alder Bay and enjoying the viewing of a humpback whale when suddenly a minke whale was beside us, it was also making its way to the west and it was breathtaking to watch both of them surfacing and diving simultaneously nearby, a fabulous ending to an exciting day! Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and a newly fledged eaglet, oyster catchers, harlequin ducks, black turnstones and pigeon guillemots.

An incredibly exciting day beginning with our crossing over to Alder Bay this morning when our passengers onboard smelt the breathe of a minke whale which we did not sight until we were nearing the dock in Alder Bay, it was foraging close along the shoreline of Cormorant Island and watching its movement it continued on out through Pearse Passage. Meanwhile on departing from Alder Bay we sighted the blow of a humpback whale and following along slowly behind, we observed as it also made its way into Pearse Passage realizing as we watched that there were two whales and not one, a mother and her calf! It was wonderful watching the pair as they made their way slowly along and into Cormorant Channel, the calf travelling close beside its mother, meanwhile the minke whale was sighted travelling west along the Cormorant Island shoreline nearing Sandyville. As we scanned the area we could see several more humpback whale blows and were soon up to a count of eight and counting! It was amazing to find so many whales in the confined area of Cormorant Channel and as the day progressed, we encountered three more, plus other humpback whales could be sighted off into the far distance of Bold Head. Throughout the tour we were never out of sight of a whale as just when we thought we were, another one or two would appear. We encountered whales lunge feeding, a stellar sea lion and humpback whale interacting together, at one point one of the whales breached, it was phenomenal viewing. Increasing numbers of common murres and large flocks of phalaropes were observed in the area, as well, there were numerous ‘ribbons’ of migrating birds sighted flying high in the sky on their way south. Nearing Alder Bay a minke whale was again sighted and when crossing back over to Alert Bay, the strong smelling breathe of a minke whale was again in the air. Of added interest, transient orcas, T11 and T11A were sighted passing by Alert Bay/Alder Bay at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon. Other sightings today included: stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre++, red-necked phalaropes++, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, fork-tailed storm-petrals and pigeon guillemots.

The current was flooding when we set out this morning and the orcas who had been reported at Blinkhorn, spread out across Johnstone Strait, had turned back to the east. We began sighting blows near Cracroft Point, the sun was shinning bright and we found it difficult looking into the glare on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait. We found the A30’s spread out in the vicinity of Cracroft Point and observed the A54’s foraging back and forth wth pacific white-sided dolphins interacting with the younger calves. The rest of the family: A30, A39 and A38 were further to the west mid strait while the A50’s were resting further east, just past the Baron Reefs. The A25’s were also nearby and we enjoyed close viewing of them while sailing. A light wind was blowing at the time enabling us to sail along quietly with our hydrophone trailing while listening to their wonderful A-Clan calls. Leaving the orcas we made our way into Blackfish Sound and soon encountered a large group of several hundred dolphins, they were on a mission and continued swimming past us at a rapid rate, the viewing was amazing and enjoyed immensely by all! The final gifts as we neared Weynton Passage was a humpback whale sighting and soon after, numerous stellar sea lions who were hauled out with several swimming nearby. It was such a beautiful day with so much to see and enjoy! Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and fork-tailed storm-petrals.

We were hearing and seeing whales well ahead of our tour even beginning this morning, with loud blows initially being heard from deep inside the Alert Bay breakwater main dock and then the sighting of two humpback whales, a mother and calf were sighted, matching the blows heard moments earlier, from our kitchen window. The two whales were making their way east in Broughton Strait passing the Nimpkish River but by the time we were departing from Alder Bay the humpbacks had disappeared but a minke whale was sighted, it had been passing by close to the dock prior to our loading of passengers. We made our way over to Weynton Passage where we sighted the first of many humpback whale sightings, with 10 or more being sighted (there were 13 reported in the area) but because there were so many whales moving about in all directions and in various distances away, it was not an easy task to keep track of the number we encountered. The day was an engrossing one as it unfolded, we passed several hundred dolphins intent on feeding as we made our way over to Bold Head, the dolphins while interacting around the boat continued to feed as we went by. The whales were active with several of them tail lobbing simultaneously nearby the boat and waving about their pectoral fins, breaching was also observed by numerous passengers looking in the right direction at the right time! It truly was an amazing day being surrounded by so many whales throughout the tour that even when we headed home we encountered and enjoyed some close viewing of three more whales! Other sightings today included: stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and fork-tailed storm-petrals.

We got off to a good start this morning when soon after leaving the dock in Alder Bay a black bear was sighted foraging along a beach searching under boulders for food, it was a great sighting for those who had never seen a bear in the wild before. Continuing on we came upon two humpback whales, a mother and her calf who were lunge feeding close along the shoreline near to Lewis Point. It may have been Chunky and her calf but as the mother did not fluke we were unable to accurately identify the whales. The viewing was absolutely spell bounding and as passengers and crew watched the two whales working the shoreline, small shiny fish could be seen jumping at the surface of the water. It was interesting watching not only the mother lunge feed but also observing the calf doing so alongside of its mother. We continued on, travelling east in Johnstone Strait where we encountered orcas (I15’s) moving towards us from the Sophia Islets, they were well spread out and via our hydrophone we were able to listen to some G-Clan calls of the I15 matriline. Some blows could be seen across on the Vancouver Island shoreline but most of the orcas continued close to and along Cracroft Island side. We enjoyed observing as a juvenile stopped to forage around the Baron Reefs near Cracroft Point while the rest of the family were parallel along the shoreline. There were numerous pacific white-sided dolphins swimming among the orcas who in turn were at times taking long dives as though attempting to get away from the playful antics of the dolphins. We observed a mature bald eagle sitting on a log that it shared with a crow, both of whom were looking down at the orcas below them. We also observed the I27’s swimming near Cracroft Point and along Hanson Island shoreline, at one point I77 crossed by our vessel coming alongside then moving further out to forage and it was a wonderful opportunity to see him in such a manner and for many it was the highlight of the tour. Nearing the top end of Hanson Island several orcas could be seen resting, some were drifting out with the ebb current and were well into Weynton Passage and it was here that we left them as we headed for home. As we were nearing Alder Bay it was a final treat to see once again two humpback whales, a mother and her calf, passing by close to the shore, this time they were making their way slowly east and towards a gathering of auklets and gulls who were feeding on a herring ball; they were likely the same mother and calf that we had seen earlier on in our tour. It was a day of brilliant viewing and awe-inspiring beauty leaving all of us more appreciative of the natural world in which we live in. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, black turnstones and fork-tailed storm-petrals.

It was another incredible day of viewing cetaceans, the sightings of which continued to amaze us throughout the tour. Shortly after leaving the dock this morning we were in the midst of hundreds of Pacific white-sided dolphins (300+) as they made their way slowly to the west, moving back and forth. The sound of them swimming above the water and via the hydrophone below the water was phenomenal! Watching some leaping clear out of the water, observing mothers with their calves close beside them and watching them all swimming tightly gathered, it was an amazing sighting and one not often seen. Finally, leaving the dolphins behind we made our way into Weynton Passage where we sighted our first humpback whale of the day, it was feeding in the fast flowing ebb current and we identified it as ‘Argonaut’. Making our way over to Bold Head we caught sight of another humpback whale working an area near the Wedge Island Light at the mouth of Knight Inlet and soon we were surrounded by three whales working the area, one of whom caught our attention by tail lobbing extensively and waving about its pectoral fin which was incredible to watch. Following this, two other humpback whales passed back and forth where seabirds had gathered and were lunge feeding simultaneously which was extremely exciting and fabulous to watch. Because the whales were moving about so much (you could see them off in the far distance as well as close by) it was difficult to count the number of whales in the area today, there were at least seven not including the mother and calf that we encountered on our way home. It truly was an incredible day of viewing! Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, fork-tailed storm-petrals and pigeon guillemots.

Just when you think that it cannot not get any better, it does! Even before we left the dock in Alder Bay this morning everyone enjoyed viewing a mother river otter and her two kits playing together on the dock and catching fish amongst a drying reef nearby and it seemed that everywhere we went and looked today we would see a fin or blow appear. Beginning shortly after departing from Alder Bay we were in the midst of a large group of pacific white-sided dolphins who would ride the bow of the boat as we travelled along and at times they could be seen leaping clear out of the water and they headed away towards Weynton Passage while we continued on our way down Johnstone Strait. We encountered the A30 matriline who were spread out travelling to the west, A50 and A54 and their calves travelling close along the Vancouver Island shoreline while A38 and A30 were parallel a distance out, A39 was not travelling with his family. We observed as they turned and began making their way across the Strait towards Blackney Pass and in doing so noticed more blows in the Pass itself. There was a heavy ebb current running and we crossed over the strait, entering Blackfish Sound via the pass at Little Hanson Island, losing sight of the A30’s behind us but picking up blows of orcas ahead mid-strait in Blackfish Sound and also that of a humpback whale. Meanwhile in the distance at the top end of Swanson Island several more orca dorsal fins could be seen when a passenger pointed out the blow of a second humpback whale close along the Swanson Island shoreline. There were several orcas swimming mid strait, the A23’s with A39 (from the A30’s) and other orcas who had been identified as the I16’s, followed by the A25’s (A61 & A85) and we could not believe it when A85 suddenly changed course and swam towards our boat and proceeded to circle around it, close in alongside the hull while passengers and crew looked down speechless, unbelievably the seven year old orca circled around and alongside once more before swimming off to join its uncle. Looking back we could see the A30’s following behind with the I4’s and arriving at the top end of Swanson Island, the orcas waiting there were the I27’s; they were lined up in a resting line and made a beautiful sight. Departing from the area, the blows of two more humpback could be seen past the rock at Bold Head and the orcas still arriving from Blackfish Sound were clearly visible. All the while with our hydrophone deployed, the A & G-Clan vocalizations were absolutely wonderful to listen to! On the way home near the Pearse Reefs the fins of two orcas were glimpsed before they disappeared around a shoreline followed by the surfacing of a humpback whale who fluked nearby. While we did not get to sight the orcas again, we believe they were the same Transient orcas who were seen making their way east along the Pearse Islands (Johnstone Strait side) towards Weynton Passage. Other sightings today included: stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles belted kingfishers, fork-tailed storm-petrals and common mergansers.

As we departed on tour this morning it was reported that the I15’ s (who had arrived in the area in the early hours of the morning) were already on their way back out to the west and were westing past Haddington Island on the fast flowing ebb current while the A30’s and A5’s were thought to have gone back to the east in Johnstone Strait. We began our tour heading east but catching sight of a humpback whale blow in Weynton Passage we made our way in that direction observing as the whale foraged in the current, dall’s porpoises were feeding nearby and the sight and sound of stellar sea lions moved us along in their direction as well. It was astonishing to observe the variety of species feeding including numerous sea birds in Weynton Passage. While watching the sea lions another humpback whale was sighted and soon after numerous pacific white-sided dolphins came into view who were intent on feeding and passing by near to the boat and when we moved off some travelled along, riding at the bow of the boat delighting all onboard. While the dolphins continued moving west, arriving off Bold Head, two more humpback whales were sighted with a third one making its way from Blackfish Sound. It was a day of incredible humpback whale viewing when on our way back through Weynton Passage, another humpback whale suddenly surfaced alongside of the boat. Other sightings today included: harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and a newly fledged eaglet, oyster catchers and black turnstones. Other notes: The I15’s were reported to have turned back to the east at the Pultney Point Lighthouse and picking up speed on the flood current, passed by Alert Bay & Alder Bay at 3:00 pm. this afternoon!

While the orcas were well east in Johnstone Strait when we headed out this morning, passengers onboard enjoyed an extraordinary day of viewing other species. Shortly after departing from Alder Bay this morning a minke whale was sighted nearby along with a small group of pacific white-sided dolphins, both species were intent on feeding while we watched. We continued on and while fog surrounded us on both sides, in Johnstone Strait itself it was initially clear and at Weynton Island two humpback whales suddenly appeared side by side and disappeared for several minutes and when they reappeared we could see that it was a mother humpback and her calf. Although the mother seldom fluked, luckily at one time we glimpsed the fluke and were able to identify her as Chunky with her new calf. We turned back and cruising through the Plumper Islands we made our way into Blackfish Sound where a small group of dall’s porpoises joined us riding at the bow of the boat riding along, darting back and forth for quite some time. Again we turned back and nearing Weynton Passage we sighted some 70 + Stellar Sea Lions (hauled out and some swimming in the water) and then crossing Weynton Passage another humpback whale was sighted. As we drew near we could see that it was lunge feeding and with our engine cut and our boat drifting we were all treated to some amazing lunge feeding with spectacular viewing! Never before have we ourselves witnessed such a close encounter with the whale appearing to work krill towards the hull of our boat and commence to lunge feed right beside us. It was an astonishing and marvellous sight! To sit and watch, all the while listening to the roar of stellar sea lions in the distance and the cry of gulls feeding on a herring ball close by, it was an utterly remarkable close encounter. Other sightings today included: harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and a newly fledged eaglet, belted kingfishers, harlequin ducks and pigeon guillemots.

It was a very foggy day when we headed out this morning and while A-Clan calls had been heard and reported as being in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve early this morning, when leaving the dock we did not know where the orcas might be. Because the whale watching community all work together and share sightings, we were fortunate in locating a single orca that had been sighted in thick fog which turned out to be A30 followed by her son A38 and then hearing other blows nearby, soon we could make out the rest of the A30 matriline, minus A39 (A30’s youngest son), a total of 11 orcas. A39 was travelling with another group of six orcas who were already in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, the A23’s and A25’s, they were well ahead of the A30’s but the three groups have been travelling together or in close proximity for several days now. As we observed, the A30’s were grouped together in a synchronized line and continued travelling to the east, the sight of them all in their surfacing and diving sequence, surrounded by fog was beautiful and wonderful to watch. Nearing Izumi Rock and still in heavy fog, we turned back crossing over to the Cracroft shoreline which was clear of fog and it was good to be in daylight once more! As we were nearing Alder Bay on our return we sighted a minke whale and enjoyed some excellent viewing and while we were docking passengers reported seeing a second minke whale, both of them were seen heading in the direction of Pearse Passage. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, a stellar sea lion, rhinoceros auklets, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and a fork-tailed storm petral.

The day was a glorious one with the sun shinning brightly throughout. The orcas were well on their way back to the east in Johnstone Strait when we headed out on tour this morning and we made our way in their direction meeting up with them at Kaikash Beach where we observed them travelling steadily east at a fast pace. There were 18 orcas made up of three matrilines: the A30’s, A23’s and A25’s, all of whom have been travelling together for the past several days. The A23’s and A39 were in the lead ahead of most of the A30’s and A25’s (A61 & A85). Ahead of the orcas entering the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve passengers were able to listen briefly to their A-Clan vocalizations via the hydrophone. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and a newly fledged eaglet, belted kingfishers, oyster catchers and pigeon guillemots.

Fog hung low over the water as we set off on tour this morning and made our way towards Weynton Passage and Weynton Island where we encountered a small group of dall’s porpoises who were feeding and continued to feed as we sat nearby watching, observing as one porpoise fished back and forth alongside of the hull of the boat delighting everyone on board and as the fog began burning off in Johnstone Strait blue sky appeared overhead and the sun was shinning bright. We entered Blackfish Sound and as we did so we encountered a group of 8 or more stellar sea lions swimming along the Hanson Island shoreline while large flocks of seabirds were gathered close to Parsons Light where we sighted a humpback whale feeding. With the fog lifting further in Blackfish Sound a second humpback whale was sighted and it was wonderful to watch and anticipate as it surfaced and dived. Other sightings today included: several small groups of dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, black turnstones, fork-tailed storm-petrals and pigeon guillemots.

Orcas were reported travelling west from the west end boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and we headed in that direction encountering them foraging west of Little Kaikash Beach. The A30 matriline and the A25’s (A61 & A85) went furtherest west and turned ahead of the A23’s and A39 (from the A30’s); all of them began heading back to the east with the A23’s and A39 in the lead, all were very close along the Vancouver Island shoreline. We turned back as they were nearing Izumi Rock on their way back to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. While Johnstone Strait was clear of fog, it was heavy as we went by Weynton Passage on our way home, drifting out from Blackfish Sound and the Queen Charlotte Strait. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, fork-tailed storm-petrals, and pigeon guillemots.

Today was a day of humpback whale watching while sailing with at least 8 humpback whales being reported in the area. Our first sighting of one of them was in Weynton Passage with several more sighted in Blackfish Sound and Bold Head and on the way home we observed two more, one of whom we observed was lunge feeding through a large herring ball with sea birds gathered and feeding as well! Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and a newly fledged eaglet, black turnstones, fork-tailed storm-petrals and pigeon guillemots.

Our sightings today of resident orcas were of the A30, A23 and A25 matrilines and our first encounter was near to Kaikash Beach where we enjoyed wonderful viewing of A54 and her off-spring including A75’s new calf as they foraged close along the Vancouver Island shoreline and as they went by we listened to their A-Clan calls via our hydrophone. Behind them came the A23 and A25 matrilines, six orcas in a resting line moving slowly towards mid-Strait with A39 foraging around them. The rest of the A30’s (A30, A38 and A50’s) were parallel to the A54’s but across the Strait foraging and when they all turned back to the east, A38, who had been foraging the furtherest west off the bottom of Hanson Island in the flood current, could be seen following the rest of his family back to the east. We travelled up into Weynton Passage where two humpback whales were observed to be feeding in the current and eight or more stellar sea lions could be seen swimming along the shoreline. Large gatherings of sea birds were sighted at both Blackney Pass and Weynton Passage today with active herring ball activity and birds feeding in the flood currents. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, two pacific-white-sided dolphins, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and a newly fledged eaglet, belted kingfishers and pigeon guillemots.

We arrived at the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve just as the orcas made their way past the boundary heading to the west, they were grouped in a large resting line, moving slowly, synchronized as they surfaced to breathe and mesmerizing to watch! It was a beautiful sight, and as we sat idle and drifting with the engine off they surfaced and we could see that they had grouped together but were continuing on, tight along the Vancouver Island shoreline; at one point the A25’s (A61 & A85) were in the lead with the A23’s directly behind followed by the A30’s and all of them silent. Soon after, we observed as they again formed a large resting line moving away from the shoreline they began crossing over to mid-strait as though making for Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound. It was an awesome sight to see the three family groups totalling 18 orcas, travelling and resting together as one and a sight long remembered by those onboard today. Other sightings included: a minke whale, dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, a harbour porpoise, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, marbled murrelets, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls and bald eagles.

It was an action packed day of viewing throughout the day beginning with the sighting of a humpback whale in Johnstone Strait, it was taking long dives and travelling west close along the Pearse Islands shoreline early in the tour. Bigg’s (Transient) orcas were reported also travelling to the west going by the “Cliff” and we encountered them abeam Blackney Pass, they had been identified as T18, T19’s ( (T19, T19B, T19C) and T46’s (T46 and her off-spring: T46D, T46E, T46F - her new calf is approximately two weeks old). It is interesting to note that T46 is an older matriarch at 48 years of age with a new calf. We observed them as they made their way west in Johnstone Strait passing by the Stephenson Islands they continued onto the west while we turned back. Having briefly viewed another humpback whale in Weynton Passage, we made our way into Blackfish Sound sighting two more humpback whales and entering Blackney Passage we were just in time for the arrival of the A5’s (A23’s and A25’s) as they headed quickly to the west. We listened to their wonderful A-Clan calls via our hydrophone and had a very special viewing of A60 as he suddenly surfaced off the bow of our boat as we sat idle and drifting and everyone was amazed by his size as he passed on by, viewing him under water as he dived below the surface; it was an incredible encounter and the highlight of the day for everyone. As the A5’s made their way west along the Hanson Island shore, A38 (of the A30 matriline) also made his way west, more towards Hanson Island while A39 travelling with A84 was closer to the Vancouver Island shore and the rest of the A30’s were very close along the VI shoreline, all were moving west. And then in a moment, all of them turned back, as the A30’s headed east in the lead we observed as the A5’s also made their way back, the A25’s: A61 with A85 following behind were the first to pass by and then the A23’s with A60 among them in a travelling line of four orcas it was wonderful to watch them grouped as such. As we parted company and headed for home, cruising among islands we viewed the scenic beauty and a variety of seabirds bringing to an end a remarkable day filled with ever changing vivid and breathtaking images and fulfilling for many, a wish to see orcas swimming alive and free in the wild. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, harlequin ducks, black turnstones, and pigeon guillemots.

On today’s tour there were many sightings of humpback whales, some near and some off in the distance and passengers enjoyed a fabulous time viewing them and a small group of pacific white-sided dolphins. The two humpback whales feeding near the Plumper Islands were feeding constantly, moving back and forth where it was obvious there was ample herring in the area as gulls and rhinoceros auklets were gathered in large flocks and the gulls could be seen with herring in their bills in the midst of herring balls. The small group of 10+ dolphins joined us at the bow as we travelled slowly along and when we stopped they proceeded to feed nearby, and could also be seen leaping out of the water and were interacting with a humpback whale that was trumpeting as it surfaced. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, oyster catchers, black turnstones,and pigeon guillemots.

It was a beautiful sunny day to be out on the water and the viewing was brilliant and busy. We were touring amongst the Stephenson Islands when orcas were reported to be west-bound after leaving the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and we continued on in that direction encountering A60 (from the A23 matriline) in the lead foraging ahead of his sister A43, A69 and A95 who were travelling close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, we also sighted A61 and A85 (A25 matriline), they were travelling parallel to the A23’s some 300 meters out from the shoreline; all of them continued onto Blinkhorn before turning back to the east. The A30 matriline were well behind and we observed them taking a different route, crossing over towards Blackney Passage, A38 & A39 were well in the lead when entering Blackfish Sound and A30, A50, A54 and calves all followed behind in the fast moving ebb current. We had sighted a humpback whale in Johnstone Strait near the orcas and then two more were sighted near White Beach Pass/Parsons Light area, a mother and calf which was very exciting to see. Meanwhile the A30’s continued moving west in Blackfish Sound stopping to forage again off Bold Head as they had done so yesterday. Passengers enjoyed some remarkable viewing of the orcas as they foraged back and forth near to the boat vocalizing with their A-Clan calls heard via our hydrophone. Another humpback whale was sighted nearby that we stopped to watch before catching up to the orcas who had moved over to the Hanson Island shoreline, milling all together near Double Bay. It seemed as though they were waiting possibly for the ebb current to slacken and then made their way through the narrow waterway called Seiner Passage that lies parallel to the Blow Hole. The viewing was fabulous and playful with their moving in and out of kelp forests and as we watched from our angle seeing the orcas moving through the narrow waterway, a blow of yet another humpback whale could be seen on the other side. The orcas carried on taking their time, passing through the passage at Weynton Island and finally entering back into Johnstone Strait with the two boys A38 and A39 in the lead heading east. We observed as the mothers and their offspring played again in some kelp forests and then turned back to cruise through various waterways of the Plumper Islands. It was an amazing day with so many species to view including the sighting of sooty shearwaters who had arrived, it seems a month earlier than is normal in our area. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and a newly fledged eaglet, belted kingfishers, oyster catchers, harlequin ducks, black turnstones, fork-tailed storm-petrels, leach’s storm petrels and pigeon guillemots.

There are days when the sights are such that beauty and wonder seem endless as moment by moment remarkable images are perceived, filling ones mind with amazement and causing one to stop and simply enjoy what is! Today was one of those days where the fog appeared to clear and then engulf us again, where humpback whale flukes were sighted and disappeared and orca dorsal fins arose from the fog, it was an incredible day of viewing to say the least! Orcas were first reported travelling east from Lizard Point and we made our way in their direction passing two humpback whales en route. The A30 matriline, 12 orcas in total were sighted near to Bold Head in Blackfish Sound when the current turned to ebb slowing their pace as we watched, A39 was with his mother A30 and his two sisters (A50 & A54)and their off-spring while A38 was further behind foraging. With our hydrophone deployed it was wonderful listening to their A-Clan vocalizations especially when the orcas broke from their resting line when A38 porpoised out of the water in a hurry to catch up to his family and they all began to forage nearby while our boat sat idle and drifting. A humpback whale faded in and out of sight surrounded by orcas as they foraged back and forth around the boat, the viewing was superb! We left the orcas foraging at Bold Head and headed towards the Plumper Islands and Weynton Passage stopping to view a humpback whale and then a stellar sea lion who was resting on the surface of the water, we passed several more sea lions swimming and also two more humpback whales; it was a phenomenal day of viewing. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls and bald eagles.

The fog was heavy when we headed out this morning but the sun was high and warming and a good sign that we could expect a warm and sunny afternoon. The A36 brothers: A37 & A46 were first sighted today off Cracroft Point entering Blackney Passage into Blackfish Sound, it was a good sighting and helped everyone enormously (all of the whale watching vessels) today due to heavy fog being present in Blackfish Sound and the Queen Charlotte Strait. The current was ebbing quickly as we made our way out through Weynton Passage and the Plumper Islands and crossing Blackfish Sound in the fog, knowing that the two orcas were ahead of us. And suddenly there they were! Beautiful and synchronized in their swimming, the two brothers side by side, travelling together making their way steadily to the west. Turning back we made our way out of the clearing fog into bright sunshine and towards Weynton Passage observing dall’s porpoises along the way and then the blow of a humpback whale was sighted. There were two humpback whales foraging close along the Plumper Islands shoreline, as well, several stellar sea lions swimming in the water while at the same time a small bird landed on the railing at the bow of the boat distracting everyone on board. The bird was clearly exhausted and needed a rest, it is possible that it had become disoriented while flying in the fog. It flew a few feet more and landed on a passengers head and after resting further, it flew off bravely, flying low, it made it to a rocky outcrop and landed safely much to the relief of everyone onboard. We believe the bird to be an American Dipper, usually found along fast-flowing, rocky streams, it had clearly lost its way. While crossing over to Alert Bay from Alder Bay on our return, a minke whale was sighted. It was truly an amazing day with so many sights and sounds to absorb and process in ones “mind's eye”! Other sightings today included: harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, black turnstones, oyster catchers (parents and their fledged young) and harlequin ducks.

It was a day of mystic beauty of viewing three humpback whales in the fog (and listening to the blows of one we did not find), a minke whale and dall’s porpoises, all of them intent on feeding in the back eddie of an ebb current. Other sightings today included: stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and belted kingfishers.

When we departed on tour this morning there were no reports of any orca sightings until fisherman reported seeing some heading to the east at Lizard Point on Malcolm Island. As we made our way in that direction we were engulfed in fog and rounding Donegal Head the fog was even heavier and it is on days like today that the community of whale watching operators helping one another is fully realized. Daily we all work together and pass on information of sightings to each other in locating whales but in fog conditions especially, it is so much more difficult and all operators working together today made possible the sighting of two orcas who we identified as the A36 brothers: A37 & A46 of the A36 matriline. They were swimming parallel to one another, 50-100 meters apart at times and it was stunningly beautiful watching as their tall black fins appeared rising out of their dense white surroundings when they surfaced and dived. They were making their way slowly to the east with the ebb current slowing them down, foraging along the way. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, belted kingfishers and bald eagles.

It was a fabulous day out on the water with exceptional viewing of resident orcas and humpback whales. The orcas were reported to be at the rubbing beaches in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve after we departed on tour this morning and we made our way through Weynton Passage where passengers enjoyed viewing 6 stellar sea lions swimming and two humpback whales who foraged in the back eddie of an ebbing current. It was exciting to watch as they surfaced and dived deep, their flukes highly visible. We travelled further in Blackfish Sound and as we neared the eastern portion, two more humpback whales were sighted. The day was bright as the cloud cover cleared and a gorgeous day was unfolding as we entered Johnstone Strait through Blackney Passage while in the distance the blows of orcas could be seen highlighted against the Vancouver Island shoreline. The A30 matriline had by now passed the western boundary of the Reserve and continued moving to the west as we approached, they were swimming quickly in the ebb current, strung out and were moving very close along the shoreline. With our hydrophone deployed and our engine cut it was surprising to hear them while at the same time wonderful listening to their A-Clan calls. It was a thrilling moment when A39 who was foraging out from the shoreline passed by close to our boat enabling all on board to clearly see his body from both above and below the water. Making our way to the west we were amazed at the speed that the orcas were travelling until finally at Blinkhorn A30 slowed and seemed to stop to rest; A39 continued to forage nearby and A38 could be seen further behind, he could be seen grouped together and travelling with his sisters and their offspring. Other sightings today included: numerous dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and belted kingfishers++ who were fishing.

Today’s passengers enjoyed some spectacular viewing of the A30 matriline who number 12 orcas in total. With an early report of orcas heading to the west in Blackfish Sound we headed in that direction sighting a humpback whale near the Plumper Islands in Weynton Passage. The current was still ebbing when the orcas were reported west of Donegal Head and we sighted them soon after; it looked as though they had made the decision to turn back to the east and drifted back slowly against the ebb current off Donegal Head. A light NW wind was blowing and with our main sail hoisted we cut our engine and sailed quietly along, enjoying the breathtaking beauty that these 12 orcas made, in small groups at first with A39 and his mother A30 initially in the lead and then as they made a turn for Blackfish Sound they formed a resting line, moving quietly along with synchronized surfacing together, the new calf a moment behind its mother. Leaving the A30’s in Blackfish Sound we made our way through the Plumper Islands enjoying the scenic beauty of bull kelp forests and island waterways and just as we neared Weynton Passage and while partaking in our devonshire teas, a humpback whale surfaced nearby surprising everyone on board. The current was flooding and seabirds galore could be seen feeding in a frenzy, it was an amazing sight especially with the humpback whale feeding nearby; incredible! Other sightings today included: harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and belted kingfishers.

It was an amazingly busy day for viewing orcas in Johnstone Strait! We encountered the R4’s as they headed quickly to the west in Johnstone Strait and listened to their R-Clan calls via the hydrophone while numerous other orcas were travelling close along the Vancouver Island shore and were the I15’s who had been identified among the family groups in the area today. We had a nice viewing of A11 travelling with A46 and also of the A30’s who were trying to travel into Blackfish Sound via Blackney Passage against a very heavy flood current with difficulty. A humpback whale was sighted briefly as it travelled into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Passage and another we sighted near the Plumper Islands in Weynton Passage as it foraged back and forth while dall’s porpoises joined us riding at the bow of the boat as we made our way home in Blackfish Sound. Other sightings today included: stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls and bald eagles.

It was an amazing day for viewing with orcas sighted early in the tour having travelled in past Donegal Head where they had first been reported. We encountered them nearing Bold Head where they had slowed their pace and identified them as the A30 matriline with 12 orcas in total. The matriarch A30 was in the lead with her oldest surviving son A38, behind them and closer to the Swanson shoreline were her daughters A50 and A54 with their calves, including the new calf and further behind was A39 (A30’s other live son) who was observed foraging off on his own. With our engine off and our hydrophone deployed it was wonderful listening to their lovely A-Clan vocalizations. Passengers watched in amazement as A39 made his way past our stern as we sat drifting in the current and could not believe seeing him swimming under water and surfacing nearby. Some resting activity was observed and a spyhop from the new calf, and they all began making their way east in Blackfish Sound. Three humpback whales were also nearby, two of them foraging along the Swanson Island shoreline. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, stellar sea lions, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, black turn stones and bald eagles.

While at the dock in Alder Bay this morning passengers enjoyed watching as a river otter walked along the walkway prior to diving into the water, it was a wonderful encounter for those who had never seen an otter before and especially one so close! We began our tour by making our way towards Weynton Passage when orcas were reported to be heading to the west abeam the Sophia Islands in Johnstone Strait and as we drew near we could see them moving very slowly, they were resting and taking long dives and as we drifted in the current with our engine off, at one point when they surfaced we could see that they had turned back to the east, grouped together. The orcas were identified as the A36 brothers: A37 & A46 and the All’s small group: All, A56 & A97, the same resident orcas that have been in the area for the past few days. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, a single pacific white-sided dolphin, a stellar sea lion, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes++, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and oyster catchers.

As we made our way over to the Alder Bay Resort this morning a herring ball was sighted and numerous seabirds were also feeding upon it including bald eagles (mature and juveniles) who could be seen swooping down and grasping several herring in their talons, some eating on the fly before diving again to catch more, it was an amazing spectacle to watch en route. With orcas being reported travelling west in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve as we were leaving we headed in that direction and soon had a small group of dall’s porpoises riding at the bow of the boat for a distance and everyone enjoyed their encounter with them, watching as they darted back and forth. We soon met up with the A36 Matriline: the brothers A37 & A46 who were foraging a distance from shore but following the Vancouver Island shoreline while the small group of A11 Matriline: A11, A56 and A97 were sighted opposite, making their way along the Cracroft Island shoreline; these were the same two pods that we had sighted yesterday and with our hydrophone deployed passengers were able to listen to some wonderful A-Clan vocals. We crossed over, making our way towards Cracroft Point, where the A11’s were observed to be resting nearby, the A36’s continued to forage mid-Strait and two humpback whales could be seen working their way back and forth in the heavy flood current. The viewing was spectacular and listening to the blows of humpbacks and orcas and their A-Clan calls via the hydrophone it was acoustically amazing! Where to look and in what direction, the sights and sounds of cetaceans feeding, dall’s porpoises included, was truly remarkable! We began heading back to the west along the Hanson Island shoreline, passing A46 & A37 along the way both we observed were foraging intensely having moved further west while the A11’s had woken up and were foraging closer to Blackney Passage when we left them. A third humpback whale was sighted feeding deeper into Blackney Passage and a forth was sighted near the Plumper Islands as we crossed Weynton Passage. Other sightings today included: hauled out harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, pigeon guillemots, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and belted kingfishers.

The fog was lifting when we left the dock this morning and made our way towards Donegal Head which as we approached we could see was obscured by heavy fog. Two resident orcas, assumed to be the A36 brothers, A37 & A46 had been reported foraging at Lizard Point by sports fisherman earlier but were suddenly sighted travelling in the fog off Donegal Head moving steadily to the east. We caught up to them just as they were breaking out of the fog at Bold Head and could clearly see that they were the brothers and they were swimming parallel some 200 meters apart making good headway in the flood current. Passengers suddenly pointed out three more orcas breaking out of the fog ahead of and some distance separated from the brothers. As we watched, they took a deep dive and when they resurfaced they were altogether in a beautiful resting line of five orcas, their pace had slowed and their synchronized surfacing and diving was breathtaking to watch. It was sheer beauty to watch as the brothers swam in unison with them, relaxed and seemingly so apart of the small group of the A11 matriline (A11, her youngest daughter A56 and her off-spring A97). As they made their way slowly to the east along the Hanson Island shore, the fog line was clearing and added to the beauty and majesty of the day. Meanwhile a humpback whale was sighted across on the Swanson Island shore opposite in Blackfish Sound and as we drew nearer, a second humpback whale was also observed, both were making their way west towards Bold Head. Always exciting to see was the dive sequence that humpback whales make with their flukes raised high when diving. Homeward bound we encountered two more humpback whales feeding in Weynton Passage, it was a fabulous ending to a brilliant day of viewing cetaceans in the area. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and an eaglet in the nest and belted kingfishers.

A magical day spent viewing two humpback whales, both were in the vicinity of Weynton Passage and the Plumper Islands. It was fabulous to watch as they made their way back and forth in the fast flowing flood current, feeding through herring balls and amongst numerous rhinoceros auklets and common murres who were also feeding on herring. While the Queen Charlotte Strait was engulfed in a heavy fog this morning the picturesque and quiet waters of the Plumper Islands were not and it was wonderful to cruise through exploring their beauty at a slower pace, passing keen kayakers along the way. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, stellar sea lions, harbour seals hauled out and swimming in the water, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and an eaglet in the nest, belted kingfishers, harlequin ducks and oyster catchers. Other notes: Bigg’s (Transient) orcas, the same groups who have been in the area the past few days (T75B’s & T77’s) were reported travelling west past Lizard Point late in the morning, continuing on to Malcolm Point.

Our sightings today were wonderful! From our first sighting of a minke whale shortly after leaving the dock in Alder Bay this morning to our last sighting of a minke whale just as we were docking back into Alder Bay while homeward bound this afternoon! After viewing the minke whale we began heading to the east and soon sighted the blow of a humpback whale near to Weynton Island, it was foraging back and forth close along the shoreline, dall’s porpoises were seen ‘rooster-tailing’ around it while some also joined us riding at the bow of the boat briefly. Once into Blackfish Sound we made our way towards Bold Head sighting a humpback whale followed by a second whale in the distance. The fog lying low along the BC mainland inlets, with the sun shining bright, had cleared to the west leaving the sky blue and the water also sparkling blue; the day was indeed a gorgeous one unfolding as the boat drifted idly and we all sat mesmerized, watching the two humpback whales as they fed back and forth, surfacing and diving, at times close to the boat. Heading back, a humpback whale was sighted near to Stubbs Island and stellar sea lions were swimming in the water. The quiet island waterways were picturesque with numerous harbour seals hauled out on rocky outcrops and flowing kelp forests sparkled in the sunlight. Other sightings today included: rhinoceros auklets++, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and two eaglets in separate nests, oyster catchers and black turnstones. Other notes: The same Bigg's (Transient) orcas that we sighted yesterday, the T75B’s(75B/75B1)& T77’s (T77, T77B,T77C & T77D) were east bound in Broughton Strait this evening, going past Alert Bay and the Alder Bay Resort around 5.00 p.m.

When we left the dock this morning we did so in a heavy fog that stayed with us until we entered into Blackfish Sound where the visibility was so much better enabling us to sight some orcas believed to be Bigg’s (Transient) orcas as they made their way to the west. Travelling in two groups they were identified as the T75B’s(75B/75B1)& T77’s(T77, T77B,T77C & T77D). These same orcas were sighted north of Campbell River yesterday. They were moving along steadily at 7 knots and we left them as they neared Lizard Point and just ahead of an approaching fog bank. Turning homeward passengers enjoyed viewing some stellar sea lions who were relaxed and swimming amongst bull kelp while in Pearse Passage we were surprised and excited to find a humpback whale feeding and then a minke whale who was seen foraging close along the shoreline of Cormorant Island. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, rhinoceros auklets, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and belted kingfishers.

It was an amazing day of viewing! En route to Alder Bay this morning passengers onboard sighted a minke whale as it crossed our path and when departing from Alder Bay it was sighted in the far distance making its way towards the Nimpkish River. While at the dock in Alder Bay passengers were delighted to watch a mother river otter and her two kits on the walkway prior to them diving into the water. As we made our way towards the Plumper Islands where a humpback whale had been sighted, a small group of dall’s porpoises joined us bow-riding briefly before darting off to feed nearby, we also viewed hauled out harbour seals and stellar sea lions who were swimming close to shore. The humpback whale was making its way very slowly along the rocky shoreline feeding and passing through kelp forests as we all watched spell-bound, intimate and magical moments shared! We observed two more humpback whales foraging near Parsons Light in Blackfish Sound where large groups of rhinoceros auklets and gulls were feeding as well. Other sightings today included: common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, bald eagles and belted kingfishers.

NW winds were blowing when we set off this morning with our mail sail hoisted and headed in the direction of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve where two of the northern resident orcas, the A36 brothers, A37 & A46 were sighted making their way back from the east in Johnstone Strait. The sighting from the Cliff reported them having moved close into the estuary of the Tsitika River where they were foraging but with the sea being lumpy and the orcas well inside the Reserve Boundary, viewing of them was very difficult and we made our way instead into Blackfish Sound to view a humpback whale that had been sighted near Parsons Light. We found the whale feeding in the Bay along with large gatherings of rhinoceros auklets and gulls feeding, the gulls hovering over herring balls gathered on the surface of the water due to the underwater hard workings of the auklets. We observed the whale passing back and forth mostly where the birds were feeding and then began making its way out of Parsons Bay, a second humpback surfaced making its way east in Blackfish Sound and even as we travelled further west, two more humpback whales were sighted in the distance. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals hauled out and swimming in the water, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, belted kingfishers, black turnstones, black oyster catchers, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls.

It was truly an inspiring and exciting day! With early reports of orcas’ sighted off Bold Head travelling to the east in Blackfish Sound, and also off Donegal Head it was somewhat conflicting if they were the same orcas or two separate groups? We travelled in Johnstone Strait via Weynton Passage and the Stephenson Islands, sighting numerous harbour seals hauled out as the tide was dropping quickly and the ebb current racing! Bigg’s (Transient) orcas had entered Johnstone Strait at Blackney Passage heading across the Strait before turning back to the west towards us. The Transient orcas were travelling west at a rapid pace, T065A, a 26 year old female with three calves aged 1, 5 and 8 years old. T065A2 was observed travelling alongside T065A3 and breached four times, following its mother and youngest sibling T065A4. We left the orcas at Weynton Passage, travelling into Blackfish Sound where we were fortunate to sight two resident orcas making their way east in Blackfish Sound off Bold Head. They were the A36 brothers, A37 and A46, with A46 making his way close along the Swanson Island shoreline while his brother was swimming parallel, some 400 meters away. Other sightings today included: dall’s porpoises, rhinoceros auklets++, common murre, red-necked phalaropes, california, mew and glaucous -winged gulls.

Heading out this morning we made our way towards Blackfish Sound via the Plumper Islands. The blow of a humpback whale was sighted near to Flower Island and as we drew closer, we could see that it was foraging in close along the Swanson Island shoreline heading west towards Bold Head where it turned and travelled back to the east continuing to forage close along the shoreline. Near West Passage a herring ball was sighted and as we watched, the whale surfaced in the midst of it, lunge feeding. Numerous rhinoceros auklets were in the near vicinity today, feeding alongside of common murre while large flocks of red-necked phalaropes were also sighted nearby, an increase into the area from yesterday. The whale was identified as Cangor and a second humpback whale was sighted feeding down in Blackney Passage. On the way home a small group of dall’s porpoises joined us riding at the bow briefly delighting all on board. Other sightings included: harbour seals in the water and hauled out, mothers and their pups, california, mew and glaucous-winged gulls, pelagic cormorants, oyster catchers, bald eagles and an eaglet in the nest. Other reports today: Three groups of Bigg’s (Transient) orcas were well to the east in Johnstone Strait, as were the A36 resident orcas, the brothers A46 & A37.

We quickly made our way out into Blackfish Sound, at one point we were accompanied by 8-10 bow riding dall’s porpoises and passing a humpback whale while en route on the fast flowing ebb current we were soon in sight of resident orcas. They were the A36 brothers: A37 & A46 and they too made good headway on the ebb current, travelling parallel to each other, 100 meters apart. The brothers were taking the same route as they had done so yesterday, making their way out towards the Penfold Islets. We turned back and caught up with a humpback whale foraging near Bold Head and enjoyed our viewing while watching large numbers of rhinoceros auklets and common murres who had gathered and were also feeding nearby. Travelling home via the picturesque calm waterways of the Plumper Islands, the kelp forests, hauled out harbour seals, (mothers and their pups), bald eagles and their nests, black oyster catchers, belted kingfishers and black turnstones, all added to the natural vibrant beauty of the day. While homeward bound to Alert Bay, a minke whale crossed our path surprising all onboard. It was an amazing day enjoyed by all! Other sightings included: marbled murrelets, california, mew and glaucous -winged gulls.

Soon after leaving the dock in Alder Bay this morning a Minke Whale was sighted foraging close along the Vancouver Island shoreline. Passengers enjoyed several good sightings of the whale and also observed small fish schooling together in a bait ball on the surface of the water that the whale seemed unaware of and with no diving birds in sight to feed on them, in time they dove and disappeared from sight. The gorgeous weather continued today with sunshine, clear blue skies and blue water reflecting back at us with a beautiful backdrop of the BC Coast Range Mountains when we headed out into the Queen Charlotte Strait on the ebb current making our way towards the two resident orcas that we had sighted yesterday, the brothers A37 and A46 from the A36 Matriline. They were making their way steadily on the ebb current over to Lizard Point and beyond, separate at times and then close together they were observed foraging. At the time that we had our hydrophone deployed they did not vocalize, they were very relaxed and as we watched, they turned and commenced travelling back to the east with the current that had turned to flood. Other sightings included: bow-riding dall’s porpoises, black-tailed deer on the shore, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, harbour seals, california, mew and glaucous -winged gulls. A large group of Bigg’s (Transient) orcas were reported later in the day in Johnstone Strait, 18 in total, all of whom at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon could be seen making their way past Alert Bay in two groups of 6 and 12 orcas. They were identified by Jared as the T100's, T101's, T90's, T 86A's & T36A's.