Today has to be one of the most exciting days of the season. While the orcas were away in the far eastern section of Johnstone Strait and also to the far north, the humpback whale and other smaller cetacean sightings were quite wonderful. Passengers on S.V. Tuan this morning enjoyed viewing a humpback whale as it foraged back and forth in the area of Weynton Passage. It was quiet on the water and the sounds of the blows could be heard a distance away. It is possible that two humpback whales were seen on this tour. Of great interest was the sighting of a dall’s porpoise and her calf. Another humpback whale was sighted off Yellow Bluff in Alert Bay this morning enabling residents and visitors to the island to see it from shore. On the afternoon motor cruise, with a heavy flood current, life was well and truly in motion in Weynton Passage. A humpback whale was sighted early in the tour and as the water eddies swirled around, numerous pacific white-sided dolphins could be seen feeding. As the boat traveled along, bow-riding dolphins were everywhere, they were astonishing to watch. Another humpback whale was sighted, a stellar sea lion was observed eating a fish, the dolphins were again riding at the bow and among them were two dall’s porpoises. Watching the two humpback whales, their blows a distant apart with their arching bodies taking deep dives, it is possible a third one might also have been present. And while it rained for most of the tour, with rain drops falling like diamonds into the ocean and the backdrop of Vancouver Island, re-appearing through the curtain of rising mist; the elements of nature seemed even more vibrant and beautiful than ever. Other sightings throughout the day were: Harbor Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, California Gulls and Bald Eagles.

Shortly after leaving Alder Bay this morning, passengers on both tours were delighted to see
the blows of orcas ahead of them in Johnstone Strait. The orcas were identified as being the A12’s who had traveled the distance back from Chatam Point where they had been sighted around 6.00 p.m. last evening. Initially, A55 was observed to be foraging nearby but soon rejoined his family as they traveled back towards the east, forming a slow moving resting line. Seeing all of the A12’s together, it was a wonderful sight. Cruising home via Blackfish Sound, passengers aboard M.V. Cetacea observed a Stellar Sea Lion fishing, they also experienced the fun of bow-riding Dall’s Porpoises. Meanwhile, passengers onboard the S.V. Tuan in Weynton Passage were fortunate to see a Minke Whale feeding in the heavy flood current, they also enjoyed bow-riding Dalls Porpoises. All passengers enjoyed viewing a Humpback Whale who was also feeding in the flood current in Weynton Passage. On the afternoon tour, the A12’s were inside the Ecological Reserve and were viewed from the boundary initially when A12 and A33 began to move outside of the boundary and passengers onboard M.V. Cetacea enjoyed watching as A33 foraged back and forth. Other sightings today: Harbor Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Black Oyster Catches, Black Turnstones, Marbled Murrelets, California Gulls and Bald Eagles.

It was again a very interesting day for observing Cetaceans. The S.V. Tuan headed out this morning on an 8 hour tour and had a busy day of viewings. When the boat met up with the orcas, passengers could see them well spread out across the Queen Charlotte Strait, headed in a NW direction, some moving towards Malcolm Point, others north, towards the Mainland. The pods included the A24’s, A8’s, A23’s, A30’s and the A11’s. Other pods could also have been present but because of the range between the traveling pods it was difficult to tell. It was quite remarkable to see them so spread out and so far across the Strait; they were foraging steadily as they went. Passengers enjoyed listening to their wonderful A & G-Clan vocals via the hydrophone. Because it was very still and quiet on the water, the vocals were incredible! The orcas continued to travel further to the NW and northern Mainland parts of the Queen Charlotte Strait. Also sighted were bow-riding Pacific White-sided Dolphins, two Wandering Tattlers and one Heermann’s Gull. On the afternoon Motor Cruise passengers enjoyed the viewings of “Twister” the Humpback Whale, A Minke Whale, Dall’s Porpoises and their calves, Harbor Seals, four Black-tailed Deer including a mother and her fawn, Bald Eagles and their nests, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Turnstones, Black Oyster Catchers, Red-necked Phalaropes, Rhinoceros Auklets and numerous California Gulls.

It was a blustery day on the water, but the gales turned out to be not as fierce as was predicted during both of our tours today. Passengers on the 8 hour tour today on S.V. Tuan had some very good sightings of the two leading groups that entered into Blackfish Sound through Blackney Passage, the A36’s and the A12’s. The I15’s and the I31’s were further back, to the east in Johnstone Strait. Passengers on the Motor Vessel Cetacea also had similar good viewings of the A36 brothers and the A12’s. It was good to see the A34’s and then A12 and A33 appear in the choppy waters of Blackney Passage. The orcas were observed traveling, foraging, resting and a spy-hop was also seen. The dives were long at times in Blackney Passage and small groups of Pacific White-sided Dolphins were seen interacting with the orcas. A Humpback Whale was sighted by both vessels in Weynton Passage on the way home, it was identified as “Twister” who seldom flukes but passengers were fortunate to see it fluke. Other sightings today were: Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Dall’s Porpoise, Harbor Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, California Gulls and a Peregrine Falcon.

It turned out to be a very interesting tour. Soon after leaving the dock in Alder Bay this afternoon passengers were fortunate to see the blows of a Humpback Whale in the distance and as they watched, it was evident that the whale was heading to the west, passing nearby. When it fluked, it was identified as being BCY0057, the 8 year old calf of Houdini, born in 2000. It was good to see this whale again in Johnstone Strait, the identifying white patch on its fluke was clearly visible. When we met up with the orcas, they were well spread out across Johnstone Strait, heading to the west. They were traveling at a steady pace, taking long dives. The I31’s were on the VI shore, the A36’s were favoring the Cracroft shore, as were the I15’s with I43 being well in the lead. With the main sail up and the hydrophone trailing, it was a special experience to sail quietly with them, listening to the G-Clan calls. Some foraging behaviour was observed at times. Pacific White-sided Dolphins were playful, interacting with the orcas
and Dall’s Porpoises were also seen. Other species observed: Surf Scoters, Rhinoceros Auklets, Marbled Murrelets, California Gulls, a Merlin.

Soon after departing from the dock at Alder Bay this morning, there was a report of a pod of Orcas heading east from Donegal Head on Malcolm Island. The incoming pod of orcas turned out to be the A30’s, it was their second visit for the summer; they had last been sighted in Johnstone Strait on June 24th. They quickly passed through Weynton Passage and continued traveling to the east at a fairly rapid pace, pushed along by the flood tide. They were spread out across the Strait, foraging as they went. A30 and A38 favoured the Hanson Island side of the Srait while A39 and his sisters, A50 and A54, and their offspring, favored the Vancouver Island shoreline. A30 and A38 began crossing over to the V.I. shore and it was apparent that they were all heading towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. It was wonderful to sit quietly and listen to their clearly audible A-Clan calls via the hydrophone. On the way home, hauled out Harbour Seals+++ were viewed and numerous bird species that included: Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Harlequin Ducks, Glaucous -winged and California Gulls, Black Turnstones and an Ancient Murrelet.

On our tours yesterday two Humpback Whales were sighted, “Twister” in the morning on S.V. Tuan and “Frosty” in the afternoon on M.V. Cetacea. It was a beautiful day for viewing and enjoying the scenic beauty. Other species that were also seen on the combined tours were: Stellar Sea Lions, hauled out Harbor Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest, Black Oyster Catchers, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Harlequin Ducks, Black Turnstones, California Gulls +++ and a Wimbrel.

It was another beautiful day to be out on the water viewing the myriad of sea life that abound in these waters. Even before leaving the dock in Alert Bay this afternoon, two swarms of krill were visible on which Rock Cod were feeding. It made very interesting viewing and gave a deeper perspective and understanding to all who stood by watching, regarding the ocean and its dynamic food chain. While on tour, “Twister” the Humpback whale was sighted and some very good viewing was enjoyed, especially when it surfaced at one point near to the boat as it sat idle. It was a surprise viewing that gave everyone a chance to clearly see its dive sequence in motion and to listen keenly to a deep expiration and the inhalation that followed. Also sighted while on tour: Three Stellar Sea Lions hauled out, Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals and Bald Eagles ++. The viewing of a large school of herring again drew attention to the dynamics of the food chain in the ocean.

It was a very exciting day for both the morning and the afternoon tours with incoming new pods of orcas! When the orcas were first sighted this morning, they were spread out across Queen Charlotte Strait heading towards Blackfish Sound and Johnstone Strait. Passengers on the SV Tuan enjoyed a wonderful sail under canvas, moving quietly with them. The orcas this morning were identified as being the C10’s and C6’s. It was wonderful listening to their vocals via the hydrophone. A Humpback Whale was also sighted and enjoyed on this tour. On the afternoon tour the orcas from the morning had carried on east into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, traveling even further to the east. Orcas were meanwhile reported heading east from Malcolm Island and it was at Weynton Passage that passengers on the MV Cetacea were able to view the new arrivals. They were moving rapidly to the east, and were identified as possibly being the A11’s returning. Other sightings today were: Stellar Sea Lions, Dalls Porpoises, Harbour Seals and Bald Eagles++

The orcas today were seen from the boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
At the time of viewing the east-bound orcas (A12’s) had passed into the Reserve, meeting up with the pods (A5’s) that were returning from the east. The orcas were grouped in a resting social line where multiple spyhops were seen+++. Even at a distance of some 400 meters the viewing was good as the orcas were towards the centre of the reserve and out from the rubbing beaches and shoreline where the viewing is further away (1000 meters). Passengers also enjoyed the viewing and interaction of two small groups of Pacific White-sided Dolphins en route to viewing the orcas.

It was an extremely interesting day to be out touring. The sea was calm and the lighting perfect for viewing off into the distance. Hauled out Harbour Seals were seen early in the tour followed by the sighting of the Humpback Whale who is commonly called "Twister". Fluking is infrequent with this whale but today we were fortunate because at one time, when taking a deep dive, the fluke was fully exposed and it was exciting when a full breach was observed as passengers and crew looked on! Following this, a pleasure craft reported seeing orcas in Arrow Passage heading south and it was near the White Cliff Islands that we spotted them; several blows and dorsal fins were seen as they headed towards Knight Inlet. As we drew near, the orcas were quickly identified as being Transient Orcas (marine mammal feeders) by Jared, S.V. Tuan’s Skipper. They were: T014, T020, T021, T124,T124D, T124E, T090, T090B. The viewing was excellent, and while the orcas headed on up the Inlet, there was time enough for photography, for enjoying their visual beauty and for listening to their powerful blows. On the way home, a Minke Whale was sighted briefly. Also today, out of interest, an Ancient Murrelet was also seen.

When S.V. Tuan headed out this morning the sea was very calm and remained so all day long.
A humpback whale was sighted and when drawing near, some very good sightings were observed. Dalls Porpoises and a Stellar Sea Lion were also sighted. On the afternoon sailings, the MV Cetacea and SV Tuan experienced similar sightings. Two Minke Whales were observed feeding, as well a Humpback Whale. There were sightings of Harbour Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Stellar Sea Lions and a River Otter. Dall’s Porpoises were bow-riding on M.V. Cetacea early on in the tour. Bald Eagles in flight, fishing and in trees (along with their nests) were sighted. Krill was plentiful in the water and observed on both the a.m. and p.m. tours.
The scenic and very peaceful waterways of the Plumper Islands were enjoyed by all on the way home where Belted Kingfishers were seen darting back and forth.

It was a very blustery day out on the water, sunny and beautiful. This morning while on tour there were no reports of any orca activity from any boats on the water. Sea conditions were very choppy and made scanning for blows and fins difficult. The day was glorious even so and the wind was perfect for sailing. After leaving the dock at Alder Bay this morning, we sailed across Weynton Passage and on down Johnston Strait dropping the sail to enjoy the scenic waterway at the bottom end of Hanson Island and cruised on up into Blackfish Sound. Dall’s Porpoises bow-riding delighted all onboard. As the tide turned to flood in Weynton Passage there was active herring ball and gull feeding activity in the choppy waters but there was no sign of any Minke or Humpback Whales at the time we toured back, heading for home. The scenic water ways, bathed in sunshine were beautiful to see and enjoyed by all.

Seeing blows and fins at the top end of Johnstone Strait this morning was a welcome and wonderful surprise; the viewing of orcas being so early into the tour. As we neared the two pods (A8’s and A23’s) they had just turned back to the east. The A23’s + A28 were traveling on the VI shoreline, A60 a few 100 meters out but parallel to the pod. The A8’s were on the Hanson Island shoreline. Wind conditions were perfect for sailing and so with our mainsail hoisted, it was really enjoyable to sail along quietly with the A23’s. As the A8’s began crossing back over towards the VI shoreline passengers had some very good viewing of them. The new calf this time was observed to be swimming with A42. Other sightings: Stellar Sea Lions swimming, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles in trees and fishing, Rhinoceros Auklets and numerous Gulls who were feeding on krill and herring.

It was another breathtaking and beautiful day of viewing marine mammals on the water.
This morning a Minke Whale was observed very early on in the tour followed by the sighting of KC the 6 year old Humpback Whale. KC was enjoyed under full sail, it was wonderful to be moving quietly along beside, giving everyone a very special viewing experience. Dall’s porpoises were seen along the way and a second sighting of a Minke Whale was observed on the way home along with numerous Harbour Seals. In the afternoon, passengers early into their tour had a brilliant viewing experience with a Humpback Whale. It was lunge feeding on krill and the viewing was superb and very exciting! Krill was seen to be everywhere, easily visible on the surface of the water. A Minke Whale was also sighted, Dall’s Porpoises ++ Harbour Seals ++ and a Stellar Sea Lion.

What an amazing afternoon to be out on the water; the sea was alive with an abundance of marine mammal activity. As both vessels headed out the sun was shinning and the sea was calm giving good visibility to see far into the distance. The orcas were sighted heading west in Johnstone Strait, the A8’s and A23 pods, they were working both shorelines as they foraged. Before turning at the top end, the A23’s vocalized briefly and turned back to the east just as the A8’s had also done. It was interesting to see A60 cross back over and rejoin with his family as both pods headed down the VI shoreline. KC the 6 year old Humpback Whale was observed by all, the whale being easily identified by its fluke. Passengers onboard the SV Tuan enjoyed the company of Dall’s Porpoises and Pacific White-sided Dolphins bow-riding on two occasions. Others sightings on the tours were: Stellar Sea Lions, hauled out Harbour Seals and their pups, Bald Eagle nests, Eagles in trees, in flight and fishing, and a River Otter. A large Minke Whale was sighted on the way home, it was feeding on krill and herring. The viewing was superb and looking over the side of the boat, both the krill and herring could be seen swimming in the water below. There were numerous other birds sighted, they included Red-necked Phalaropes, Black Oyster Catches, Rhinoceros Auklets, Black Turnstones and Pigeon Guillemots.

This morning heading out, Harbour Seals followed by Dall’s porpoises were seen and shortly after, three stellar sea lions were viewed swimming along. The water was calm and visibility was very good for scanning off into the distance. A minke whale was glimpsed and as the boat drew nearer, passengers enjoyed some excellent viewing. Another stellar sea lion was sighted, this time feeding on a fish. In the distance a humpback whale blow was sighted and shortly after, the 6 year old Humpback Whale named Kelp Creature (KC) was identified. There were numerous birds sighted that included Red-necked Phalaropes, Black Oyster Catches, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots and Bald Eagles. It was at 1.30 pm when the tour had ended and the boat was back in the harbour that a report came in that the A5 pods had just been sighted at the east end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and were headed back to the west.

The misty morning was clearing rapidly as we headed out on tour.
It was in Blackfish Sound that we sighted a humpback whale blow and as we drew closer, the distinguishing tail fluke of Kelp Creature (KC) the six year old humpback whale was identified. KC appeared to be relaxed and resting and with our main sail hoisted, it was wonderful sailing along quietly nearby, enjoying the sights and sounds of the whale in a gentle manner.
On the afternoon tour, KC was again sighted and again our main sail was hoisted. The day had turned sunny and the light winds were welcome. Other species observed throughout the day: Harbour seals and their pups, Dall’s Porpoises, Red-necked Phalaropes, Black Turnstones, Black Oyster Catchers, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, numerous Bald Eagles and an eaglet in the nest. The viewing of a single Caspian Tern in flight was wonderful to see.

JULY 12, 2008

What a glorious day to be out on the water. Cruising down Johnstone Strait this morning we were headed in the direction that the incoming orca pods had taken more than an hour earlier. We passed small groups of Dall’s Porpoises along the way who were intent on feeding, as well, several small flocks of Red-necked Phalaropes that were feeding at Cracroft Point. We had clear visibility and numerous blows could be seen well off in the distance in the vicinity of the Robson Ecological Reserve. It was exciting seeing them there and realizing that they had stopped to rub. As it was, their rubbing at the beaches was brief and all of the pods (the A11’s, A23’s, A8’s and G17’s) began heading back to the west, some inside the Ecological Reserve Boundary and some well outside. We had some wonderful viewing of the G17’s and the A11’s including A73 (Springer). A few pacific white-sided dolphins were among them as they traveled, one was observed to be with A73 who was foraging alone at one point. As quickly as they had headed east, they headed back to the west, some foraging was observed. Seeing the familiar sight of the orcas, back in Johnstone Strait was indeed a wonderful sight!