What a wonderful day it has been for viewing orcas in the area! Shortly after leaving the dock at Alder Bay this morning orcas were sighted ahead of us off the Pearse Islands in Johnstone Strait and some had just entered into Pearse Channel, the timing could not have been better! Our first sightings were of the C6’s and passengers had a nice viewing of C18 traveling with his mother C6 while C16 and the rest of the pod were spread out foraging nearby. Behind them following the same route were the C10’s who were traveling with some of the I11’s (I13 and calf I108) the rest of the I11’s followed along behind. It was fabulous to see them moving slowly but steadily along in a relaxed manner to the west in Cormorant Channel. At the same time passengers were also able to view the juvenile Gray Whale who has been in the area for the past several weeks and it was a special treat to observe Orcas on one side of the boat and the Gray Whale on the other side feeding along the shoreline. And yet there was still more to come as more orcas were sighted traveling through Weynton Passage heading towards Donegal Head. It was beautiful, the lighting was superb with orcas moving in amongst the bull kelp off Donegal Head. Around the corner of Donegal Head in the Queen Charlotte Strait the orcas appeared to stall and passengers observed some wonderful interactions including spy-hopping and tail slapping among the A30’s and A5’s as well they listened to their A-Clan calls via the hydrophone. These orcas were the trailing groups well behind the A34’s, A12, A36’s, G17’s, G29’s, G12’s, I15’s and G31’s traveling west in Queen Charlotte Strait. On the way back to Alert Bay a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins joined us briefly at the bow of the boat. It was a fantastic day with over 100 orcas in the area and absolutely one of the very best tours of the season! Other sightings today included: Stellar Sea Lions, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Dalls Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres++, Red-necked Phalaropes, Bald Eagles++, Mew and Herring Gulls.

As we left the dock in Alder Bay this morning orcas were reported traveling into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Passage while another group were traveling east in Blackfish Sound. We caught up to the orcas at Big Bay on Hanson Island and they were spread well across the Strait but favouring the Vancouver Island shore, all of them were making their way swiftly in that direction. There were numerous orcas and several matriline groups but because so many orcas traveled close to the VI shore and so quickly and the lighting was dull and shaded along the shoreline it was very difficult to get a good view of any notches on the fins and swirls on saddle patches to correctly identify individual orcas and pods. It is one thing to see orcas but another to identify them correctly and one cannot do so unless one is absolutely sure of the identifying notches and swirls that we are so used to seeing but on this occasion today could not do so. Listening several times for calls on our hydrophone we finally heard a few A-Clan calls but that was all, the pods were silent otherwise during our viewing. It was determined that the A30’s and C6’s were just two of the pods that were in the Strait today. Other sightings today included: Stellar Sea Lions, Dalls Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Belted Kingfishers, Bald Eagles++, Mew and Herring Gulls.

It was a beautiful day out on the water despite the feeling that fall was in the air and a light NW wind was blowing. We encountered the large group of I15 matriline, a large family with four sisters each with their offspring that now number collectively a total of 17 orcas who travel together and a wonderful family to spend time observing especially when they are in a large resting line as they were for part of their travel through Blackfish Sound this morning. It is always a joy to see them in such a relaxed and comfortable manner and frustrating to also see when a boat or two seemingly do not care and continue their travel without either slowing down or changing course around the orcas; we ourselves were under full mainsail at the time of our viewing which our passengers enjoyed. Pacific White-sided Dolphins were also in the area interacting with the orcas and swimming amongst them while parallel on the other side a Humpback Whale was close by also feeding. The lighting at the time of our viewing with a backdrop view looking towards Blackney Passage and the direction of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve on Vancouver Island was stunning. Other sightings today included: Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Dalls Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers, Bald Eagles, Mew and Herring Gulls.

A magnificant rainbow appeared as we were boarding passengers at the dock in Alder Bay this morning. It was fabulous to watch as it formed an arch across the Bay, a perfect circle reflecting off the water like a huge picture frame that was absolutely stunning and a wonderful note to commence our tour on. We encountered orcas moving swiftly through Blackfish Sound on the ebb current but as they neared mid-way in the Sound they began to slow down. They were identified as the A34’s and they were traveling a distance behind A12 and the A36 brothers who were foraging towards the west. A12 was with A37 and A46 was further out, following after the I15’s who were all spread out ahead of them. The day was beautiful, calm and sunny as we sat listening to some beautiful A-Clan calls via the hydrophone off Bold Head while at the same time a Minke Whale was sighted in the distance and two Humpback Whales were nearby feeding, a third Humpback Whale was a distance away. As we sat drifting in the current it was exciting to observe all of the marine activity surrounding us just a short distance away. Before leaving the area we observed the A34’s passing by Donegal Head on Malcolm Island still traveling west in the Queen Charlotte Strait with A12 and the A36’s traveling parallel but further out in the Strait. On our way home a small group of Dalls Porpoises rode briefly at the bow of the boat much to the surprise and delight of all onboard. Other sightings today included: Dalls Porpoises, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Red-necked Phalaropes, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers, Bald Eagles, Mew and Herring Gulls.

This morning when we set out on tour orcas were reported to be traveling west past Lizard Point out in the Queen Charlotte Strait and as the day unfolded those orcas were identified as the matriline groups: A30’s, I15’s, A5’s and A24’s. We caught up to the A30’s who were spread out foraging yet moving steadily west a distance behind the other groups all of whom were still moving west and foraging. It was fabulous to see A30 who was foraging in close proximity to A38, A54 and calves while A39 was ahead with A50 and her calves. The viewing of A54 and her calves was delightful with A86 & A93 sharing a fish and the tail of a salmon hanging out of the mouth of one of them was briefly glimpsed. It was precious and priceless to observe the interaction between this family group. Other sightings today included: Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Red-necked Phalaropes, Common Murres, Bald Eagles, Mew and Herring Gulls.

Northern Resident Orcas were again in Johnstone Strait and included the A30’s, A24’s, A5's, I15's, A34's, A12 & A36's. With a report of possible Transient orcas nearby we headed in that direction and were fortunate to catch sight of two orcas and a third one in the top end of Blackfish Sound near to the Plumber Islands and Stubbs Island. Two were observed traveling together and the third one a short distance from the others. Knowing that Transient Orcas (those who feed on marine mammals) are unpredictable in their manner and can surface a vast distance away from their last sighting, we approached cautiously from a distance and waited drifting in the current and could not believe our luck when all three orcas surfaced nearby and then turned towards our boat with T2C1 swimming just off our bow while T2C and T2c2 proceeded to swim alongside of the boat towards the bow while passengers gazed in awe looking down at them swimming under water as they cruised along beside us and then broke the surface so close; the notch at the base of T2c was clearly visible to identify this particular orca and group. The orcas were very relaxed and behaved just like resident orcas and had likely fed prior to our viewing. There were numerous Harbour Seals hauled out prior to our sighting that the Tansients ignored but interestingly, not one Stellar Sea Lion could be seen yet once the orcas had passed on into Weynton Passage they were sighted climbing out of the water without any fear. We headed in their direction to enjoy a wonderful viewing of them and while doing so sighted a Minke Whale who was also feeding nearby. It was a brilliant day with wonderful sightings, all of it enjoyed in the company of sunshine! Other sightings today included: Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Red-necked Phalaropes, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers, Harlequin Ducks, Mew and Herring Gulls, Bald Eagles including one eaglet in its nest, two newly fledged eaglets sitting on an island and a third fledged eaglet sitting with a juvenile on another island.

A great day for sightings including the sighting of a Black Bear on a beach while again in Johnstone Strait many matriline groups were gathered, most of the same pods that have been sighted in recent days were again in the area: the A30’s, A4’s, A5’s and I15’s. We encountered the I15’s traveling west this morning and with a SE wind blowing we were able to take advantage of this using our mainsail enabling our passengers to experience the joy of moving quietly with the orcas as we sailed along and trailing our hydrophone behind the boat, they were also able to listen to the beautiful G-Clan calls as well as their ecolocation as they neared the boat. Tacking back and forth it was a great sail and great viewing with some superb sightings of the orcas feeding nearby when they surfaced alongside and passing underneath the boat surprising all onboard. Other sightings today included: Stellar Sea Lions, Dalls’ Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Fork-tailed Storm Petrels, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers++, Bald Eagles, one eaglet in its nest and a newly fledged eaglet sitting on an island with a parent, 5 Canada Geese, Black Oyster Catchers, Mew and Herring Gulls.

Simply supreme was today’s tour and one of the very best of the season for those lucky passengers onboard. Orcas had been reported out in the Queen Charlotte Strait this morning when we headed out and we traveled in that direction, pausing to view a Minke Whale along the way and also a Humpback Whale however with a report of the orcas beginning to move east in Blackfish Sound we did not linger and carried on. The I15’s were traveling in their Matriline groups, some were traveling together and some were a short distant separate, A12 and the A36’s (brothers A37 & A46) were also present and the viewing was suberb! The I15’s are interesting to observe as there is always a lot of interaction seen between them with nuzzling and play between the younger calves, tail slapping, spy-hopping and breaching; they are truly delightful to watch! As the orcas approached Blackney Passage with the flood current pushing them along, we ourselves drifted on through behind them listening to the various calls via the hydrophone trailing behind us and the sounds were stupendous! The I15’s, A12 and A36’s carried on east in Johnstone Strait while we turned and making our way back to the west encountered the other pods who had been in the Strait earlier who were also westbound: the A30’s, A24’s and A5’s. The sightings today were bountiful and beautiful and gave all of us onboard a great sense of joy and wonder. Other sightings today included: Stellar Sea Lions, Dalls’ Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Fork-tailed Storm Petrels, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers, Bald Eagles and one eaglet in its nest, Mew and Herring Gulls.

What a special and wonderful day for viewing close to home with orcas not so far from both Alder Bay and Alert Bay, Humpback and Minke Whales as well! We headed out this morning having heard that orcas had been reported traveling east from Donegal Head and so we proceeded in that direction viewing briefly a Humpback Whale that had surfaced a distance behind us when suddenly another Humpback Whale breached parallel but still a distance away. We carried on to view the orcas and encountered them, the I15’s traveling west close to shore at Mitchell Bay on Malcolm Island. They were traveling spread out in their Matriline groups and were very relaxed, some resting, foraging, breaching and spy-hopping behaviour was observed. When it looked like they would carry on west in Cormorant Channel they subtlety changed direction and continued to do so with the lead matriarch passing through Pearse Channel and the rest of them following. Again some movement to the west, stalling briefly before the lead group turned back to the east allowing for the final group to catch up. Meanwhile the A24’s who had taken the inner route around the Pearse Islands close to the shoreline also entered back into the Strait following behind the I15’s. The viewing was superb and the vocals were especially nice to listen to via the hydrophone when the I15’s re-entered back into the Strait. A Minke Whale had been sighted feeding and was among the orcas when they entered into Pearse Channel. A backward glance showed yet another sighting of a Humpback Whale breaching twice in the distance. Carrying on towards Weynton Passage a Minke Whale was sighted and then later as we headed for home another Minke Whale was sighted in Pearse Passage and was likely the same one that we had sighted earlier when with the orcas. Although it rained on and off during the tour, the sightings today were some of the very best of the season and the insulated rubber thermo suits were much appreciated by our guests. Other sightings today included: Dalls’ Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers, Bald Eagles and one eaglet in its nest, Mew and Herring Gulls.

It was another fabulous and sunny day for viewing marine mammals and especially orcas in Johnstone Strait and we began our sightings early this morning while crossing over to the Alder Bay Resort from Alert Bay when we were fortunate to sight a very large Minke Whale traveling east. Soon after leaving Alder Bay and well ahead of serving our fresh baked muffins, orcas were sighted in the distance and they were well spread across the Strait, some were nearing Lewis Point on the VI shore while others were westing past the Stephenson Islands and we gradually made our way towards those islands stopping along the way to view a few unidentified orcas who were foraging, and also to listen to their wonderful vocalizations via the hydrophone. The groups that we were closest to we identified as the I15’s (so too were the orcas that we had first encountered) and they were all observed traveling in their matriline groups. Some had traveled as far west as the Pearse Islands (I16’s) before turning back at 9:56 a.m. all of them almost simultaneously which was fascinating to watch. The orcas took their time, drifting in the flood current, some nosing part way into Weynton Passage (I16’s) and the others (I27’s, I4’s and I65’s) drifting into a back-eddie along the Plumper Island shoreline, all of them were resting, a few tail slaps and spyhops were observed and then they began moving, again in their matrilineal groups, following all of the other pods and moving east in Johnstone Strait along the Hanson Island shore. The backdrop was remarkable as so many blows could be seen of other orcas in the distance, the pace of all of them in the Strait today was unhurried and relaxed and it was a very beautiful sight to witness with superb viewings. Other sightings today included: Stellar Sea Lions, Dalls’ Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Bald Eagles and one eaglet in its nest, Mew and Herring Gulls.

Words cannot describe the amazing day that we were all (passengers and crew alike) privileged to witness today while out on tour on our last 8 hour tour of the season. The sightings were breathtaking and marvelous from the very first orca sighting until the very last, stupendous in every way, including the wonderful calls heard via the hydrophone! With reports of orcas heading east from Donegal Head and west from the east end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, we headed in the direction of the Sophia Islands and were not disappointed. Orcas could be seen traveling west towards us all spread out across Johnstone Strait in their various family groups. The orcas that we sighted from a distance traveling rapidly west were the I15’s and behind them the A23’s and A25’s. A37 was sighted and later A12 with A46 close by; the A34’s and A24’s were more towards the VI shoreline. Our most intimate viewing was with the A25’s who stopped to forage frequently and to also rest, A61 was foraging a distance apart from his sister A51 and her calves but parallel and after crossing Blackney Passage was seen to join up with them and they continued traveling west until A12 the oldest Matriline of all the pods in the Strait today at 69 years of age, suddenly made the turn at 12:02 p.m. and so began the eastward journey back down the Strait for all of the orcas mentioned. The pods who had reached the top end of the Strait crossed over towards Blinkhorn on the the VI shore and proceeded to make their way steadily east. We headed into Blackfish Sound and were lucky to sight a Humpback Whale feeding mid-Strait at Burnt Point, it was identified as ‘Freckles’ and as we drifted in the current enjoying our viewing we were also excited to learn that more orcas were approaching from the west headed in our direction. As the A30’s came into view, they were traveling in two groups, A30 the Matriline was in the first group with her son A39 and her youngest daughter A54 and her three calves while behind them a short distance following was her oldest surviving son A38 traveling with his oldest sister A50 and her calves. It was a magical moment to watch as this wonderful family made their way towards Johnstone Strait in the ebb current. It was our first viewing of the A30’s this summer and an emotional yet joyful entrance for the crew to witness. It only seems like yesterday since the days when the A30’s were the ‘hosts’ of Johnstone Strait and were sighted being there on most days, a time when A50 and A54 were young calves themselves. The A30’s on reaching Johnstone Strait turned to the west, traveling to met those orcas coming back down and it was at this time that we ourselves left the area to explore amongst the Plumper Islands. Our sightings today included: Nearly 50 Northern Resident Orcas! A Humpback Whale, Stellar Sea Lions, Dalls’ Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Turnstones, Red-necked Phalaropes, Belted Kingfishers, A Fork-tailed Storm Petrel, Bald Eagles and one eaglet in its nest, Mew and Herring Gulls.

It was an incredible day for sightings in the area of Johnstone Stait and Weynton Passage. With a report of new ‘incoming orcas’ traveling into Johnstone Strait this morning via Blackfish Sound we headed in that direction and caught up with them, they were still traveling to the east and were west of the Bush Islets. The I15’s were spread across the Strait, mostly on the Vancouver Island side, the I4’s were on the West Cracroft Island side. Passengers observed some foraging, resting and traveling behaviour and the thrill of viewing many orcas spread across the Strait. Turning back we were lucky to sight a mother Black Bear and her cub foraging along the shore and observed as both bears would move rocks about looking underneath for food. We entered into Blackfish Sound viewing several small groups of Dall’s Porpoises along the way and nearing Weynton Passage a Humpback Whale was sighted, it was identified as ‘Freckles’ who was feeding in wide circles. Numerous Stellar Sea Lions were sighted, some hauled out while others were in the water and hauled out Harbour Seals were also seen. Other sightings today included: Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Turnstones, Belted Kingfishers, A Great Blue Heron, A Fork-tailed Storm Petrel, Bald Eagles and two eaglets in separate nests, Mew and Herring Gulls.

It was a day of fabulous viewings on both our morning and afternoon tours. With a report of orcas heading east of Boat Bay in Johnstone Strait early this morning around 6:00 a.m. we traveled into Blackney Passage via Johnstone Strait where we encountered a Humpback Whale identified as ‘Freckles’, it is a whale who has been sighted frequently in the past several weeks and it was feeding back and forth in the Sound in wide circles. Other sightings on the tour included the brilliant viewing of an eaglet high on a bough above its nest and another in a nest partially obscured by branches. Nearby were numerous Stellar Sea Lions in the water, they were fascinating to watch along with some hauled out Harbour Seals. On the afternoon tour we traveled east in Johnstone Strait, the orcas who had been traveling east all morning had been sighted heading back to the west and we headed in their direction. We encountered the three groups: the A24’s, A23’s and A25’s, a total of 12 orcas a distance east of the Boat Bay light. The orcas were moving steadily to the west at a fast pace, the pods separated from each other by a few hundred metres only. It was wonderful to see them and the momentum at which they were moving! Other sightings today included: Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Turnstones, Belted Kingfishers, Red-necked Phalaropes, A Great Blue Heron, A Fork-tailed Storm Petrel, A Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagles, Mew and Herring Gulls.

It was another beautiful day out on the water and shortly after we got underway on tour this morning a small group of Dall’s Porpoises joined us riding briefly at our bow as we cruised along, it was a wonderful start to the tour! It was shortly after this that we received a report of two whales, thought to be orcas, were traveling in Pearse Channel near to Cormorant Island. Turning back we headed in that direction and soon sighted the whales that we had considered might be Transient Orcas however they were identified as a pair of Minke Whales traveling together. The sighting was exciting as it is not often in this area that we encounter two Minke Whales traveling together but as we cruised along slowly observing the whales it was apparent that one Minke Whale was traveling east along the Pearse Island shoreline while the other had turned back to the west. Leaving the Minke Whale behind us we made our way through the Stephenson Islands observing kelp forests, hauled out Harbour Seals and numerous bird species including 5 Black Oyster Catchers. In Weynton Passage a Humpback Whale was sighted, it was identified as ‘Freckles,’ a whale that is frequently seen in this area. It was feeding in wide circles and because the water was so calm without a ripple stirring, even from a distance away the whale’s flukes were easily visible on the water surface just prior to it diving. A Minke Whale was again sighted in the distance and was possibly the same whale that we had sighted earlier. Cruising through the scenic island waterways numerous Stellar Sea Lions were sighted in the water as were several Dall’s Porpoises, some of whom were ‘rooster-tailing’ as they raced along. Bald Eagles and their nests with newly fledged Eaglets sitting nearby were also observed. Other sightings today included: Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Turnstones, Belted Kingfishers, Red-necked Phalaropes, Bald Eagles, Mew and Herring Gulls.

And just when we thought that the weather could not get any better it did! It was a beauty here on the North Island today and on the water as well where the warm sea breeze was a welcome change. The Orcas from yesterday were reported early this morning traveling east of Port Neville in the lower portion of Johnstone Strait; the A24’s and A25’s with the A23’s. We explored in Weynton Passage and were not disappointed with an early encounter of the Humpback Whale ‘Freckles’ who was entering back into the Passage from Johnstone Strait at out first viewing. The sea was calm, blue and very still and the sky once again cloudless bathed in brilliant sunshine enhancing the beauty of the area greatly where Dall’s Porpoises were observed ‘rooster-tailing’ and feeding nearby along with numerous gulls. Cruising through an island waterway and out into Blackfish Sound two other large Humpback Whales were sighted, they too were feeding in wide circles, incoming from the Queen Charlotte Strait their large flukes were highly visible and majestic when viewed from a distance away. It was breathtaking to watch their dive sequence as they came closer, one of the whales called ‘Chunky’ would dive just seconds after ‘Ivory’ and it was mesmerizing indeed to watch them both. ‘Freckles’ cleared from Weynton Passage and soon all three of the whales were observed feeding nearby the boat all feeding in wide circles. There were numerous Stellar Sea Lions in the water today and they were fascinating to watch as were the hauled out Harbour Seals. Bald Eagles, their nests and newly fledged Eaglets were also fabulous to view. Other sightings today included:Rhinoceros Auklets,Common Murres, Black Turnstones, Harlequin Ducks, Bald Eagles, Mew and Herring Gulls.

How splendid and special was the day and the much appreciated warm weather! Shortly after heading out on tour this morning we encountered a small group of 10-12 Pacific White-sided Dolphins who were grouped together, their fins on the surface they looked to be quietly resting and as we moved slowly away from them, a couple joined us briefly at the bow of our boat before turning back to regroup with the others. It was under a blue and cloudless sky that our passengers today looked to the west in great anticipation of good things to follow as we traveled in that direction to meet up with some ‘incoming orcas’ who had been reported traveling east from Bere Point. Two orcas appeared to be in the lead, one was identified as A24, the second orca was a mature female and not that of A24’s calf born in ’09 and we did not see her calf in our sighting although we had a wonderful viewing of A24 herself at the bow of the boat when she suddenly appeared, having turned back to feed, foraging back and forth around the hull of our boat as we sat idle and drifting in the current, all the while listening to A-Clan vocals via our hydrophone. The A24 and A25 pods continued to travel to the east and as they rounded Lizard Point we observed them to be tight, in close to the shore, rubbing briefly on the small pebbles before moving on; they were most definitely on a mission and seemed to gather speed having passed Lizard Point even though they were swimming against an ebbing current. Other sightings today included: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets,Common Murres, Bald Eagles, Mew and Herring Gulls. It was a special treat when nearing the dock in Alert Bay at the end of our tour that two Dall’s Porpoises suddenly appeared surprising our Alert Bay bound passengers, riding briefly at the bow of the boat. It was a magical moment and wonderful ending to a brilliant day of viewing.

It was a wonderful day for viewing wildlife despite heavy fog conditions earlier this morning when we headed out. As we entered into Blackfish Sound the fog was disappearing fast and a beautiful new world was revealed, bathed in brilliant sunshine. There was a report at this time that a Humpback Whale had been sighted off Bold Head and that a Black Bear was swimming from Bold Head towards the Plumper Islands and so it was that we sighted the bear swimming, it was making its way slowly across the Sound, helped along by the flood current, pushing it towards land. We kept a distance away not wanting to disturb its focus but even at a distance this was a breathtaking and rare encounter for all onboard, and it was good news later on when we heard that it had arrived safely on the other side. The Humpback Whale was identified as ‘Freckles’ and delighted everyone when it suddenly surfaced near to the boat and breached twice, fully revealing its size when it became ‘airborne,’ its body completely clear of the water. Cruising home via the scenic waterways it was a final and very special treat to encounter a Minke Whale feeding, it was seemingly content to cruise along beside the boat as we headed for home. The viewing was superb! Other sightings today included: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Bald Eagles, Mew and Herring Gulls.

Orcas were in Johnstone Strait today, the A23’s who spent the day traveling in the vicinity of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and to the west in the vicinity of Cracroft Point and Blackney Passage. On our afternoon tour today we encountered the orcas near to the western boundary of the reserve, they had been stopping briefly to forage, turning back and forth, having crossed back over from Cracroft Point, there was some 'milling' observed and then they entered the Reserve going deep into the Bight to forage. Other sightings today included: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Bald Eagles, Mew and Herring Gulls.

Today was again a busy one in Weynton Passage with a heavy flood current at maximum on the afternoon tour. Our sightings today included the viewing of a Minke Whale who on several occasions on the morning tour re-surfaced right beside the boat after a long dive surprising passengers while giving them some wonderful opportunities to see this baleen whale up-close and personal. It seemed everywhere we went today the Minke was there even when cruising through the island waterways viewing Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals and Eagle nests, the Minke Whale would suddenly pop up! The same Minke Whale was sighted again on the afternoon tour feeding intently in the current and again the viewing was splendid, the Minke Whale viewed on one side of the boat and a group of Stellar Sea Lions on the other-side. And just when it could not get any better a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins joined us briefly riding at the bow of the boat thrilling everyone with their exuberant and abundant energy. There was much to see as whirlpools broiled around us, large flocks of gulls were seen spread across the Passage bobbing about in the current mixed in with Auklets and Murres, Belted Kingfishers darted back and forth along the shoreline and Bald Eagles were seen fishing, one catching a fish another carrying a branch in its talons to its nest, it was all so fantastic! The juvenile Gray Whale was a special treat as well today being sighted on both tours feeding close to shore. Other sightings today included: Dall’s Porpoises, A Black-tailed Fawn, A Mink swimming, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Bald Eagles and and a total of 4 Eaglets in their nests, Black Oyster Catchers, Belted Kingfishers, Black Turnstones, Mew and Herring Gulls.

On our 8 hour tour today passengers enjoyed a relaxed and enjoyable day that included lots of sunshine and while the orcas were well out of range to the far east in Johnstone Strait, there was much marine activity to view. The current was near slack in Weynton Passage this morning when we headed out on tour and it was interesting to cruise by the Pearse and Stephenson Islands viewing kelp forests in the low tide, seabirds and hauled out Harbour Seals. In Blackfish Sound a Humpback Whale was sighted and then a second whale and later two more Humpback Whales were sighted, a mother and her calf and it was a wonderful surprise when the calf suddenly breached clear out of the water nearby. Of special interest today was the sighting of the juvenile Gray Whale that has been feeding in the local area in the last several weeks. Other sightings today included: Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Bald Eagles and an eaglet in the nest, Black Oyster Catchers, Belted Kingfishers, Black Turnstones, Mew and Herring Gulls.