Superb viewing of numerous Orcas + Humpback Whales ~ a fabulous day!
It was a truly beautiful and sunny day for watching whales in Johnstone Strait, beginning this morning with the sighting of two humpback whales en route to seeing orcas. One humpback was a distance away, the other, Argonaut, we were able to observe and identify by its fluke prior to it diving. It was very exciting to watch this big whale moving about in Weynton Passage, especially for those onboard today who had never seen a humpback whale before! The orcas were well spread out across Johnstone Strait, mostly following along the Vancouver Island shoreline but not all of them, some large males were mid Strait and foraging, A46 was one of them. They were taking their time swimming against the flooding current and we so enjoyed watching tail and pectoral slapping as well spyhopping and some breaching. The A42's, A23's and A25's were among the orcas seen, we also believe that there was some G-Clan orcas present, we heard some G-Clan calls briefly via our hydrophone, possibly the I12's, an I12 like fin was seen (by binoculars) but it was not then possible to obtain a photo because of the angle and direction that the orca was taking! It was a fabulous day to be out on the water and the experience was one of breathtaking beauty and wonder! Also seen today: harbour seals, dall's porpoises, bald eagles, fork-tailed storm petrels, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, black turnstones and gull species. Today's penned comments: "Wonderful tour. The scenery is breathtaking. We were very lucky to see orcas. Especially flattered that we were able to see slapping and tail shows. Love the muffins and scones. " ~Rich & Sandi, California
"What an awesome trip, beautiful day, lovely whales and great scones and tea. Thank you very much!! ~ Peter, Franke, Fabian & Miriam, Comox Valley, BC
"Wonderful trip, lots of orcas! Interesting behaviour (spyhops!!). Great hosts and tea and scones and muffins. " ~ Wendy, Montreal and Judy, Vancouver
"We're from Germany, first time in Canada and the biggest wish was to see Orca's. Today we saw so many of them....it just took our breath! Amazing!!! And the scones are sooo good!" ~ Katharina, Frantiska and Sylvana, Germany
