What a wonderful day, sailing with orcas and humpback whales ~ magic in the making!

Starting on rough waters this morning, the wind died down before encountering orcas, the A42s who were making their way peacefully west past Blinkhorn. Sailing along with them, we observed one orca spyhop and another breach and we listened as the silent pod began vocalizing and their A-Clan calls were wonderful to listen to! Afterwards, we headed through the Plumper Islands to Blackfish Sound where we spotted Cutter the humpback whale. Cutter displayed its beautiful black flukes a few times as it swam slowly along and we were also able to observe a cloud of red feces, it is something that we seldom ever see. On our way back, over 20+ steller sea lions lay basking on a rocky outcrop and listening to their growls, we embraced the beautiful sights and sounds around us. We ended the trip through the Stephenson Islands with harlequin ducks swimming through the kelp and harbour seals camouflaged among the seaweed encrusted islets. Our afternoon tour was one of sunshine and light NW winds which still enabled us to sail with, orcas and humpback whales. We again encountered the orcas early on in our tour, the A30's were resting in Weynton Passage and the A42's were off the Bauza Islets. The A42's began crossing over towards Weynton Passage following the leading A30's, all of them eventually made their way slowly into Blackfish Sound, travelling close along the Plumper Islands and then they all began to spread out and forage in the Sound. The afternoon was such a lovely one, the colours around us were all bright and vibrant, it truly was wonderful to simply sit back and enjoy the moment(s)! Breaching and spy-hopping orcas, a tail lobbing humpback whale, plus numerous other humpback whales, their blows seen at a distance and then two more traveling together who fluked simultaneously, it was all so good to see! Magical moments all of them on such a lovely warm golden late afternoon. Also seen today: Rhinocerous auklets, Common Murres, Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers, Dall's Porpoises, Bald Eagles & Red-necked Phalaropes.

Today's penned comments:"Wonderful experience ~saw whales in their beautiful habitat." Johanna, Gibsons, BC

'Awesome experience to see orcas and humpback whales! Beautiful piece of earth! Markus and Simone, Germany

"Another beautiful experience on the water with Seasmoke!"

"Most enjoyable. Weather getting better all day. Scenery beautiful. And, I saw whales! Muffins & scones a delightful, if hazardous, extra!" Buddy & Rosemarie, Sechelt, BC

'Loved it so much, came back a second time!" Thank you!

"This was our second trip with you. Both trips with wonderful weather. Saw lots of orcas and humpbacks, porpoises. What a wonderful experience. The muffins and scones were awesome." Gary & Sally, Parksville, BC

"Thank you for 26 years of wonderful memories. From the early days of '89- 90's without kids and day long tours. Memories of orcas in the kelp and going under the boat to the early 2000's and how great you were with our kids pointing things out to them to now and the great memories of our two trips this week. So great to watch the humpbacks return, watching Jared become "the guy"  after watching him grow up on the boat and seeing how you two have not aged! Thank you beyond words! We will drop you some emails and keep in touch!" Take care, Heidi, Bobby, Keaghan & Karsten, Oregon

"Thank you for a fabulous trip and showing us a part of BC not many people see. This is truly paradise and you are a big part of it. Thank you." Don and Maggie, Parksville

"Your hospitality has been great. We enjoyed seeing the wildlife. The trip through the islands was a bonus. The fresh baking treats are great.Thanks!" Ron & Mary, Parksville