As we were untying our ropes in Alder Bay this morning and before we had even left the dock the fin of a large male orca was seen slipping back under the surface of the water, it was an early and incredible sighting. Once we were under way we could see that there was a female swimming beside the male and there were also two other female sized fins bringing the count to four Transient orcas who were reported as being the T19’s. As is typical with transient orcas they were taking long dives and with the ebb current they were soon past Ledge Point where we left them approaching the Pultney Point light house. The weather today on the North Island was superb and it was a beautiful day out on the water. Other sightings included: A stellar sea lion, harbour seals++, rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, common murres, herring, california and mew gulls, belted kingfishers, bald eagles, surf scoters and pelagic cormorants.

On August 31st a large group of transient orcas passed by Alert Bay at 6:30 p.m. they were well spread out and traveling to the west, some 10 + orcas we sighted but possibly as many as 15 orcas were reported by other locals watching and although a distance away, these photo's were taken from our balcony. It was a fabulous sighting, seeing so many orcas in front of Alert Bay.

The sea was calm this morning and the sunlight shining in Johnstone Strait and through Weynton Passage was breathtaking. Two small groups of orcas had been reported traveling east from Lizard Point and as we made our way in their direction it was in Weynton Passage that the blow of a humpback whale was sighted near to Stubbs Island and suddenly one was sighted nearby diving close to the boat. On viewing the fluke, we were able to identify it as KC, a humpback whale that is seen frequently in the area. Passing Donegal Head we encountered the first group of orcas and close behind them a second group was seen. Observing the long dive sequence and the small pointed fins we began to think that they might be transient orcas and this is who they turned out to be: the T34’s (two orcas) and the T37’s (eight orcas), two groups who are often seen traveling together. In Weynton Passage they seemed to stop briefly, a few looked to be resting and when they surfaced next,we observed that they had split into three small groups and were spread across the passage. On entering Johnstone Strait one of the groups made their way across to the Vancouver Island shore heading east, the other two groups favoured the Hanson Island side of the strait and continued to the east as well. As we headed for home, passengers were delighted to have a small group of Dall’s Porpoises riding briefly at the bow of the boat. Other sightings included: stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring, glaucous-winged and california gulls, common murres and their young, red-necked phalaropes, black turnstones, belted kingfishers, pelagic cormorants and bald eagles.

With a strong north west wind blowing, two groups of orcas in the area, a breaching humpback whale and dolphins, passengers onboard today had an exceptional tour. We encountered the I31’s (10 orcas) at Blinkhorn as they were foraging to the west and watched as they began crossing Johnstone Strait making their way towards Weynton Passage on the ebb current. When we first sighted the orcas on the Vancouver Island shoreline we also simultaneously sighted a humpback whale close to Turn Point on Hanson Island and just as the orcas began crossing over, the humpback whale was seen breaching at least four times. So much was happening at once! With orcas nearby and while we were sailing, a group of 12+ pacific white-sided dolphins appeared out of nowhere and commenced riding at the bow of the boat, it was a fabulous experience for our passengers who could not believe their luck. Traveling in through Weynton Passage it was exhilarating being able to watch both orcas and the humpback whale identified as KC and then to look back and see the second group of orcas, the I15’s (17 orcas) following the I31’s through Weynton Passage; a second humpback whale was also sighted at this time. What more could we ask for, it was incredible! Other sightings included: stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring, glaucous-winged and california gulls, common murres, belted kingfishers and bald eagles.

Today’s encounter with marine life was exquisite! Orcas were heading rapidly to the west in the Queen Charlotte Strait this morning on the ebb current, they were the A30 matriline. When we caught up to them they were well spread out, A50 and A54 and their calves were in a group swimming together while A39 and A38 were foraging apart, a distance away and we did not see A30 until much later in the tour, as well, en route to seeing the orcas we passed two humpback whales making their way towards Blackfish Sound. The orcas began to slow and we deployed our hydrophone and were excited when we heard, not A-Clan calls that we expected from the A30’s, but G-Clan calls, calls we thought belonging to the I15 matriline but as far as we scanned with our binoculars we could not see the incoming orcas! The A30’s appeared to be lingering as if waiting for other orcas to join them and finally we could see more orcas taking long dives traveling very close along the Malcolm Island shoreline, midway between Lizard Point and Donegal Head. Everywhere we looked we could see orcas, humpback whales and pacific white-sided dolphins as well several stellar sea lions. We observed as A50 and A54 and their calves swam west to meet up with some of the incoming orcas and then suddenly after a long dive all of the orcas: A30’s, I15’s and I31’s were off Donegal Head, the I31’s making their way towards Stubbs Island and Weynton Passage with dolphins among them, the A30’s with the I15’s moved more slowly and seemed to rest awhile in a back eddy before committing to travel in the flood current in through Weynton Passage. As we drifted in the current it was phenomenal listening to a mixture of A and G-Clan calls and watching as the orcas passed on by. Meanwhile another pod of orcas, were reported traveling in through Blackfish Sound from Bold Head and these were later identified as the A34’s. Even as we watched the orcas traveling away from us humpback whales could still be seen, two of them also in Weynton Passage heading into Johnstone Strait, a third one was sighted near to Stubbs Island and then finally a fourth one we sighted in Pearse Passage on our way home. It was a truly memorable and magical day on the water! Other sightings included: stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring, glaucous-winged and california gulls, common murres, red-necked phalaropes, belted kingfishers, pelagic cormorants, bald eagles and their newly fledged eaglets.

It was a wonderful time that we had from the moment we left the dock this morning. Traveling towards Weynton Passage we could see a heavy fog was out in the Queen Charlotte Strait while Johnstone Strait was clear and the sun was already warm upon our backs and so it was nice being able to travel in the direction of sunshine when it was reported that orcas were east in Johnstone Strait. The orcas were traveling to the west and we encountered them as they approached the ‘Cliff’, A46 was in the lead foraging, A37 followed close behind with A12 parallel to him but closer to the West Cracroft Island shoreline. A light wind was blowing enabling us to sail and with our hydrophone deployed we were able to listen to some A-Clan vocals that sounded a distance away. The vocalizations belonged to another group of orcas who were sighted on the Vancouver Island side of the strait moving through the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve nearing the western boundary and it was fabulous to see the A34 matriline (A12’s daughter and her offspring). They too were spread out, three mothers and their calves foraging along the shoreline and it was exciting when A55 (A34’s oldest offspring and son) passed close alongside the boat surprising and delighting everyone on board; seeing his body under the water was an image that will last a long while for many onboard today. Other sightings included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, a stellar sea lion, rhinoceros auklets, herring, glaucous-winged and california gulls, common murres, red-necked phalaropes and bald eagles.

What a fabulous day for whale watching! With a clear sky and the sun shining bright we headed east down Johnstone Strait this morning where we encountered orcas. There were two groups, A12 was swimming alongside of A46 and we watched as A37 who had been foraging on his own, took his place on the other side of A12 so that she was in the middle, a beautiful sight to see, and they continued traveling slowly to the east while the other group of orcas, the A34’s (A12’s daughter and her offspring) who had also been traveling east and parallel to A12 and the A36 brothers, began crossing over Johnstone Strait moving towards the other group, finally when they all surfaced, they were all close to each other so that all 12 orcas could be seen moving slowly east together. It was a memorable and breathtaking sight to see the A34’s together with A12, A37 & A46. Leaving the orcas we cruised through the scenic Plumper Islands which were beautiful today with the kelp forests and trees sparkling in the sunshine. Near Bold Head in the Queen Charlotte Strait blows of humpback whales could be seen in the distance and as we drew closer passengers enjoyed the viewing of four whales, it was exciting to watch as they surfaced and dived. It was a glorious day and the lighting was superb. Other sightings included: dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring, glaucous-winged and california gulls, common murres, pigeon guillemots, harlequin ducks, belted kingfishers, red-necked phalaropes and bald eagles.

Humpback Whales galore! With a report of the orcas traveling to the west off Malcolm Point this morning we spent our time viewing humpback whales. Our first encounter was near to Stubbs Island and a second whale was sighted a distance away off the Plumper Islands. Meanwhile three humpback whales were sighted together near to the Wedge Island light and a fourth one was sighted near to Bold Head. We spent an incredible time observing the dive sequences of numerous whales including that of a mother and her calf and juvenile. The day was glorious: warm, sunny and calm and as the boat sat idle and drifting, whale after whale could be seen surfacing and diving nearby, it was an amazing sight and sound as we watched and listened to their blows. There was a lot of bird activity and we could clearly see the whales making their way quickly towards the forming herring balls where lunge feeding was also observed. We counted seven whales in total but there could have been more and there were more reported near Lizard Point and further west. Cruising home via the island waterways and islands was a special experience, the lighting was superb! Other sightings included:stellar sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring, glaucous-winged and california gulls, common murres, harlequin ducks, belted kingfishers, red-necked phalaropes and bald eagles.

We headed east in Johnstone Strait this morning and while en route we sighted two humpback whales traveling close along the Vancouver Island shoreline. When nearing the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve we could see numerous orcas, all of them were outside of the Reserve, some were in a resting line, others were also resting in close contact with each other and as we looked we could see many other matriline groups spread across Johnstone Strait. Listening on our hydrophone we could hear A & G-Clan calls and it was mesmerizing to watch as the I15’s rested, several of the younger calves were observed interacting and playing with one another, there was spy-hopping++ and also some tail-lobbing. One large male A38 was seen foraging close to the I15’s, the rest of his family (A30’s) were also nearby. Other pods also in the area today were : A34’s, A12/A36’s, A8’s and A24’s. It was a fabulous viewing and everyone on board was exceedingly happy! Other sightings included: dalls porpoises, rhinoceros auklets, herring, glaucous-winged and california gulls, common murres, red-necked phalaropes and bald eagles.

A heavy fog settled into Alert Bay just as we were leaving but it gradually receded as we began making our way east in Johnstone Strait where it was wonderful to glimpse a blue sky peaking through and feel the warmth of sunlight upon us. We encountered the orcas at Cracroft Point, they were traveling west along the Hanson Island shoreline and it was exciting to see them and wonderful to listen to G-Clan vocalizations via our hydrophone (I15’s). The orcas were well spread out, the I15’s and the A24’s, there were also orcas (A23’s) traveling parallel on the Vancouver Island shoreline. Watching as the mothers and their calves foraged close to the rocky shoreline, and seeing as they turned back and forth was fascinating to watch. Leaving the orcas we cruised through numerous island waterways, they were exceptionally beautiful today as fog hung low over the water and the lighting was superb. Other sightings included: dalls porpoises, pacific white-sided dolphins, steller sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring, glaucous-winged and california gulls, common murres, red-necked phalaropes, belted kingfishers, black oyster catchers, a great blue heron, marbled murrelets, bald eagles++ and an eaglet sitting on the edge of its nest.

It was a beautiful day when we headed out, there was a red sky and rainbow in Alert Bay early this morning and a clear sky and warming day when we were departing from Alder Bay. Early in the tour two newly fledged eaglets were observed flying short distances between islands under the careful observation of their parents, it was fascinating to watch. Nearing Stubbs Island two minke whales were sighted feeding amongst herring balls where gulls, bald eagles and rhinoceros auklets had also gathered to feed and suddenly a humpback whale surfaced nearby taking everyone by surprise. As we commenced to travel east in Blackfish Sound another four humpback whales were sighted spread out across the Sound. Orca blows were sighted west of the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and as we drew closer we could identify the leading orca as A39 from the A30 matriline. A50 and A54 and their off-spring were following close along the Vancouver Island shoreline and we observed as they turned back often to forage, A38 and A30 were also seen with A38 angling towards centre strait. With our hydrophone deployed for much of our viewing time, it was wonderful listening to their A-Clan vocalizations. Other sightings included: dalls porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring, glaucous- winged and california gulls, common murres, red-necked phalaropes, pigeon guillemots, and bald eagles.

It was a beautiful day with fog drifting far in the Queen Charlotte Strait, it was very quiet with few boats around. At Bold Head we encountered five humpback whales, two mothers with their calves and a juvenile. It was an exceptional time that we spent with them especially so with a mother “Ripple” and her calf. Other sightings included: dalls porpoises, steller sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring and california gulls, common murres, red-necked phalaropes and bald eagles.

Shortly after leaving the dock in Alder Bay this morning we sighted a black bear along Vancouver Island shoreline and following this, orcas could be seen in Beaver Cove. As we came closer we could identify them as the A30 matriline, they were well spread out and foraging and with our hydrophone deployed it was wonderful listening to their fabulous A-Clan calls. The two young mothers, A50 and A54 were foraging apart, each with their three calves and passengers enjoyed viewing A50 and her calves as they foraged nearby and then departed from the Cove. A38 was foraging furthest from his family and as the orcas made their way north through Weynton Passage on the ebb current and out into the Queen Charlotte Strait, we observed that he remained well in the lead foraging. At the same time a humpback whale was sighted traveling towards Weynton Passage as the orcas departed and it was astonishing and exciting to watch as it suddenly breached several times close by surprising and delighting everyone onboard. Passing by several bald eagle nests it was good to see several large eaglets sitting close to their nests on tree boughs, one eaglet we watched it taking flight and landing on a tree bough a distance away. Other sightings included: steller sea lions, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring, california, and mew gulls, common murres, black oyster catchers, red-necked phalaropes, belted kingfishers, bald eagles and pelagic cormorants.

It has been a most glorious day on the water and a super relaxed day for viewing orcas. Travelling into Blackfish Sound this morning the blow of a humpback whale was sighted near Parsons Light and as we headed in that direction a second humpback whale was sighted in the same close vicinity. It was exciting to watch their movement back and forth and to watch them as they surfaced and dived. On two occasions a small group of dalls’ porpoises joined us riding at the bow of the boat in Blackfish Sound surprising and delighting everyone onboard. Passing through Blackney Passage and out into Johnstone Strait the orcas were sighted traveling towards us moving along quickly from the Pig Ranch. It was exciting viewing when two orcas passed alongside, seemingly following us as we moved away from their line of travel. The A24’s were spread out, some traveling close along the West Cracroft shoreline, they foraged briefly in Blackney Passage before moving off to the west along the Hanson Island shoreline. Other sightings included: harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, herring, california, bonaparte and mew gulls, common murres, red-necked phalaropes and bald eagles.