Resident Orcas: A30's, A42's, I15's + four Humpback Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises ~ a beautiful day!
Today was another magnificent day with numerous cetacean sightings throughout the day, beginning and ending with humpback whales. It all began as we were nearing Weynton Passage this morning when the blows of two humpback whales caught our attention and nearby, smaller blows and fins belonging to orcas could also be seen when a number of them were making their way through Weynton Passage. The A30's and A42's appeared to be taking their time having entered Johnstone Strait while the I15's went ahead and crossed over to the Vancouver Island side of the Strait travelling east. We slowed to watch a humpback whale and while doing so noticed a small group of pacific white-sided dolphins swimming amongst the orcas, they also rode at the bow of our boat briefly before they turned back to feed. The A30's travelled east, close along the Hanson Island shoreline, the sisters A50 and A54 and their off-spring and A38 (their brother) were all grouped together and it was good seeing A72 with her small calf following close beside its mother. The A42's came in behind meeting up with the A30's briefly and then began crossing the Strait in the direction of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Near Turn Point we turned back and up towards Weynton Passage where we enjoyed viewing three humpback whales working the area, a forth whale that we had seen earlier in the tour had moved out into Blackfish Sound. The sunshine and glorious scenery, seabirds and cetaceans, all of it together made special memories for those onboard with us today. Also seen today: dall's porpoises, harbour seals, fork-tailed storm petrels, rhinoceros and cassins auklets, common murres, red-necked phalaropes, belted kingfishers, bald eagles and gull species. Today's penned comments: "Great tour! Watching whales was one of the things I absolutely have to do in life and today we saw may of them! Beautiful landscapes, beautiful sea, great food! Thanks for everything!" ~ Giacomo & Caterina, Bazzano, Italy
"What an event! I really got emotional when I saw the orcas. Beautiful. Also the great whales and the dolphins. We've enjoyed your hospitality and the attention for the gluten-free food. Thank you very much." ~Jaup & Marga, Netherlands
'Thanks for the great tour and delicious scones!" Gehrmann Family, Germany
"Wunderbar! Awesome." ~ Irina & Lutz, Germany
"Thank you Maureen and Mike for the VERY special outing. The whale viewing exceeded our expectations. Everything was perfect from the muffins, the scenery, the wildlife and the expertise and knowledge of you both. Thank you!" ~ Rudolfo & Judy ~ Galapagos Island / Ecuador
