(Sept. 28th) Grand Finale of Orcas and Humpbacks!

What a wonderful note to end our season on! The mist was clearing rapidly when we left the dock and Johnstone Strait was clear as we headed on down to where the two pods of Orcas were, moving west from the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. With the hydrophone down it was wonderful listening to A Clan calls from both the A12 and A30 pods as they moved steadily west in Johnstone Strait, foraging as they went. The two pods were spread out across the strait, intermingling with each other at times and a lot of playful interaction was observed between several of the calves; a lone Pacific White-sided Dolphin was also observed to be traveling with them. After leaving the Orcas we cruised into Blackfish Sound where the blows of four Humpback whales were seen spread out across the top end of the Sound. It was exciting to see the Humpback Whales surface and dive, a surprise for our passengers on board who had not expected to see Humpback Whales. On our return, 85-90 Stellar Sea Lions were seen hauled out and some were swimming in the water. They are amazing to watch and their grunting sounds can be heard from a vast distance away. The sun was shining and the kelp forests sparkled as we made our way back home. We are fully appreciative and grateful for the remarkable beauty and wonder that these waterways hold and have so enjoyed and experienced the season, shared with many who had travelled from all parts of the globe to witness the inspirational majesty of the orcas, humpback whales and more! We wish you all a reflective and purposeful fall and winter; of dreaming, seeking and fulfilling some deepset passions.

(Sept. 27th) Another day of beauty and Orcas!

It was another day of wonder and magic with a waterway obscured for much of the time in a heavy blanket of fog that suddenly disappeared as tree tops and shorelines emerged into a brilliance of glorious sunshine. Shortly after leaving the dock in Alder Bay, the magic began when 4-6 Dall's Porpoises darted back and forth bow riding, delighting all on board and a Great Blue Heron flew overhead. Our first encounter with orcas today was again the sighting of a huge dorsal fin rising into sight before us as we made our way down Johnstone Strait. Even though the fog was dense, the viewing was wonderful and passengers observed traveling, resting, foraging activity and playful interaction between the two young mothers (A50 and A54) and their calves. When we left them, the A30's were traveling steadily east towards the Ecological Reserve; A39 and A30 were in the lead. We turned back making our way towards the welcoming brightness of sunlight, enjoying the sights of Bald Eagles in tree tops and hauled out Harbour Seals on rocks and just as we were nearing Alder Bay, a Stellar Sea Lion was also observed. It was indeed a glorious day!

(Sept. 25th & 26th) Mystical fog, Orcas and Humpbacks!

Sept 25th, The fog appeared to be clearing as we headed out at noon and the way was clear and beautiful when we sighted the first dorsal fins in the distance in the Queen Charlotte Strait, ahead of a looming fog bank. We stopped the boat and listened in wonder to some beautiful A Clan vocals, and as two orcas made their way towards us, we recognized them as A12 and A33, traveling close together, ahead of the rest of the A12 pod. The A30's were also seen traveling in the same direction nearby, making it a total of 17 orcas that were seen. The fog swept back in and when the orcas were again sighted, the A30's were seen grouped together in Blackfish Sound, traveling east, while the A12's had headed into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Passage. The fog had cleared again and looking back out into the Queen Charlotte Strait, vast numbers of birds could be seen in all directions. Common Murre's were diving below the water to feed on herring while large numbers of Gulls gathered to feed in a frenzy on the herring balls that had formed. We enjoyed the viewing of two Humpback Whales and then a third one was also seen as we made our way home. There were several sightings of Stellar Sea Lions during the tour, some swimming and some 25-30, were seen hauled out and with them a few Harbor Seals. More Harbor Seals were seen among the rocks on the islands on our way home, as were 6 Black Oyster Catchers and 5 Canadian Geese. It was a day that makes one fully aware of just how special and wonderful a place it is that we tour in.

Sept. 26th, The fog was still heavy when we headed out at noon but weaving in amongst some islands in our search for the orcas we were rewarded by breathe taking beauty as shafts of light exposed a natural wonderland.
The sounds of Stellar Sea Lions were clearly audible in the stillness of the day and we enjoyed viewing them as they lay hauled out on smooth rocks, even as the fog swirled amongst them. The first orca we encountered was A39, an adult male from the A30 pod. His large black dorsal fin stood tall and stark against the whiteness of the fog and it was surprising and exciting when he breached three times nearby the boat! We had some lovely viewing when A39 was joined by his sister A50 and her two calves and they continued to travel together, separate from the rest of the family.
It was magical, and as the acoustic beauty of the A Clan calls punctuated the still whiteness of our foggy surroundings, one could not help but feel deeply moved by the experience. After leaving the orcas we traveled home via numerous scenic waterways, taking in the glorious sights of sunlight, clear blue skies,
numerous Bald Eagles, Surf Scooters and Harbor Seals!

Transient & Resident Orcas, and a Black Bear

The sun shone all day and the straits were full of whales. SV Tuan headed off early this afternoon and came upon a Black Bear strolling along the beach and soon after some transient Orcas. We followed them along until they met up with another group of transients bumping the number of animals up to 9 in total. They were headed in the opposite direction of the oncoming resident Orcas so we stopped, shut down the engine and were soon surrounded by 17 residents chasing salmon all over the place. The vocals were fantastic and the sea was an aquamarine blue in amongst the rip tide and whirlpools. There wasn't a breath of wind in the air until we were almost home and had finished our afternoon tea.

(Sept 21) Lots of sights

Once underway this morning MV Cetacea was joined by a group of Dall's porpoises surfing in the bow wake. Although the water was choppy the sun was shining and we could see their striking black and white markings as they darted back and forth. Soon after we encountered 2 Humpback whales and then the I11 pod of Orcas foraging. We followed them and the A12 pod down into the more calm waters of Blackfish Sound while they switched their behavior to resting. As they all surfaced together and dove together we were able to have a great look at all the numerous members of the pods. Along the cruise home everyone enjoyed the scenic passages amongst the islands as well as seeing an additional Humpback whale and a group of 5 Stellar sea lions.

Dall's Porpoise

Orcas, a Humpback, Sea lions, and an Osprey

SV Tuan left the dock this morning surrounded by thick fog but by the time we had found our way down the strait a little way the blanket that covered us had began to lift. We explored some small islands and their bird, seal, and sea lion inhabitants and then found a Humpback whale amidst the mist. Further along we began to see Orca dorsal fins popping up here and there. In total we must have seen over 30 animals including the G17 pod which we haven’t seen all year until today. The animals were foraging and vocalizing constantly and even rubbing on the beach making for a wonderful encounter. We also saw an Osprey today which is the first sighting of this species in this area for us as well as a huge flock of Black Scoters.

A34 & A80

Its beginning to feel like Fall

The rain is continuing and the eco-system is grateful for it. We headed out today aboard SV Tuan into the light drizzle and mist to find a lone Humpback whale resting on the surface between long dives feeding. In the distance we could see the blows of another Humpback whale but we choose to spend our time with the first one. After watching it for a while we headed up into the breeze staysail set before exploring the small passages between islands where we saw an abundance of birdlife. There were plenty of Bald Eagles everywhere but between sightings of them we saw a Pacific Golden Plover, a Peregrine Falcon, loads of Harlequin Ducks, lots of Scoters, and a Red-necked Grebe. We also found a big group of Stellar Sea lions on patrol, and harbor Seals hauled out here and there.

Bald Eagle

Trip Cancelled due to Gale Force winds

All day the wind has howled but with it has come some needed rain. Its a nice day to not be on the water.

Orcas & Humpbacks

SV Tuan set out this morning to find the A30 pod of Orcas nearby. These 9 animals were fully engaged with their foraging and from where we watched we could tell that they were quite successful by the amount of seagulls feeding on their fish scraps. As the animals weaved their back and forth up Queen Charlotte strait locating the salmon schools we followed along stopping now and again to hear their beautiful vocals. The strait was flat calm and sunny and once it was time to leave we were passed by a Humpback whale and then another off in the distance. The Stellar Sea lions also seemed to be enjoying the sun as we passed by a group of 20 or so thermo-regulating. Through the islands home we enjoyed afternoon tea while Bald eagles surveyed us from the cliff and tree tops.

A50

Humpback Whales

We enjoyed a sunny and calm September day yet again. After making our way down the strait for a while we headed up into Blackfish Sound and found some marine life. First off we found a few Stellar sea lions and Harbor seals and then came across 3 large Humpback whales. We recognized 1 of these individuals but the other 2 were less common animals. They all swam together for a little while and to us it looked like they were chasing each other round and round because they surfaced single file moving quite quickly. Once they had completed a few circles we made our way south and found yet another Humpback whale as well as seeing a fifth animal off in the distance. Through the small islands on the way home we enjoyed the beautiful coastal scenery and birdlife.

Orcas, Humpbacks, Sea lions, Sails

What a fantastic day! SV Tuan started the morning off looking at 2 Humpback whales not too far from home. This mother and baby were engaged in some restful behaviour, not moving too fast, and taking long breaths at the surface. We even got a great look at both of their tails as they took a deep dive. A few minutes later we found over 25 Stellar Sea lions hauled out on a rock near to where the Humpbacks had just dove. The sounds of these animals roaring was like listening to a pride of lions squable over prey. As the breeze picked up and the sun became partially shrouded by a patch of fog we next encountered a group of 9 Orcas. These animals were spread out foraging for salmon and seemed to be having great success. We hoisted the sails and dropped the hydrophone and while tacking this way and that could hear their intermittent vocalizations to each other and their echo-location click trains which they emit to locate these salmon they were feeding on. As we turned for home the wind suddenly dropped right out of the sails and the afternoon got hot.

(Sept. 12, & 13)

On September 12th MV Cetacea had a great trip with the Orcas. On September 13th we cancelled all trips due to gale force winds and choppy sea.

Tons of Orcas & Humpbacks

SV Tuan came across a large group of Orcas just after leaving the dock this morning. The strait was calm, and clear and the vocals of these 80 or so animals were amazing. They all meandered their way through some reefs and then headed for the open water of Queen Charlotte Strait where we found 5 Humpback whales in addition to all these Orcas. The air was filled with numerous blows at any given second making for quite the sound. This afternoon MV Cetacea saw the same huge group of Orcas and Humpbacks all still in the same area amongst each other as well as over 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins and a group of Stellar Sea lions. The mist came and went all day making for some of the most intriguing scenery.

A32 & A46

Orcas in the Strait

A steady southeast wind blew all day which added some excitement to the trip down the strait. As the SV Tuan rode the rare choppy seas we eagerly awaited our first glimpse of Orcas. Upon arrival near their whereabouts we dropped the hydrophone and were immediately greeted by some beautfiul vocalizations from the I31 pod that was not far away. As they passed by we saw more animals in the distance and could hear them calling as well. With the staysail set we made our way west with the Orcas for some time before they stopped to forage for salmon at which point we headed for home. Along the way we saw some Dall's porpoises zipping around and enjoyed some high tea on the high seas.

(Sept. 9th) Lunge Feeding Humpbacks

Off into the Strait to find atleast 7 lunge feeding Humpback whales! It was a bit breezey so we set the mainsail and tacked back and forth while these magnificent animals swam in circles all around us. We were looking this way and that all the while seeing these animals surface from under huge schools of small fish with their mouths wide open. It was amazing to see such concentrated feeding behaviour in a small localized area. On the way home the breeze leveled off and we spotted 3 Pacific White-sided dolphins.

MV Cetacea & Humpback Whale

Socializing Whales

After months of sun, finally a few drops of rain today. The Sound was calm though and very beautiful. SV Tuan headed out to find 2 pods of resident Orcas, (the I15's, and A30's) in a big clump resting and playing. Some of the younger ones were breaching and spyhopping while the adults seemingly rolled all over each other while surfacing in unison. It was not uncommon to see more than 20 whales at the surface this morning and the vocals were unheard of. It seemed all the individual animals were calling in unison as well. With the mainsail up we headed back to the west after some time and visited with 2 Humpback's that were visiting each other. (BCZ0004, and BCX0081) We then found about a dozen Stellar Sea lions and another Humpback whale on the way home as well as 2 Black-bellied Plovers.

A30's & I15's

Sun and Whales

Today there was not a breath of wind all day. It was flat calm and the Orcas were spread out easy to see and hear from a distance. When we first saw the A30 and I15 pods this morning from SV Tuan they were foraging with some of the young ones engaged in a bit of surface activity such as spyhopping and tail slapping. They were calling over and over again the same vocal sometimes louder and sometimes softer. It was a beautiful encounter. This afternoon MV Cetacea enjoyed some great encounters with the same animals as well. They also saw 2 Humpback whales and the same group of a dozen or so Stellar Sea lions that we saw from the Tuan this morning. Other wildlife seen today was a lone Pacific White-sided dolphin, Dall's porpoises, Surf Scoters, a Pacific Loon, Harlequin Ducks, and loads of other Sea birds.

A30 and son

(Sept. 6th) Orcas, Humpback, Sailing

A beautiful morning spent with 2 pods of resident Orcas in Johnstone Strait. While underway we hoisted the mainsail in the light westerly breeze. Upon arrival the Orcas were spread out foraging here and there. We also saw a Humpback not too far from the Orcas so went over to have a closer look. This is a delightful time of year to be on the water as the wildlife is abundant and the weather just beautiful.

Humpback Tail Wave


Orcas

Killer and Humpback Whales

SV Tuan had the morning tour and into the strait she went. Once with the Orcas all was grand. The A30 pod and the I15 pod both came right past us as we sat quietly listening to their blows, vocals, and clicks. Off in the distance we could see more Orcas and even a Humpback whale. As we continued down the strait with the Orcas we came across a large group of Dall's porpoises, a single Pacific White-sided dolphin and even a large Yellow-eye rockfish floating in the riptide. This afternoon MV Cetacea saw many of the same animals, but also Stellar Sea lions, and an additional Humpback whale. The sun shone all day again and the sea was rippled.

Pectoral Fin Slap

Lots of Orcas

Another hot day! SV Tuan and MV Cetacea headed out to Queen Charlotte Strait today to find a huge group of Orcas spread out all over the place and foraging non-stop. The wide open expanse of this part of the strait affords a tremendous view of the whole area from Vancouver Island to the Coast Mountain range and everything between. In amongst all this openess we floated quietly on the flat calm sea surface literally surrounded by Orcas and their beautiful vocals. Along the way we saw 4 species of Alcid, 3 Pacific Loons, a Red-necked Phalarope and a Red-necked Grebe.

Orca, Strait, Mountains, Glacier