Breathtaking moments viewing orcas and humpback whales, the wonder and beauty of all that we see in our surroundings, never ceases to amaze us!
How special was our day and breathtaking beyond words! The weather was glorious with the sun shining and warm upon us and the sea and sky were both so blue! And then it began, our adventure to see orcas and humpback whales. We encountered our first orcas the A42's as they made their way to the west past Blinkhorn, and with our main sail hoisted, we were able to sail quietly along in the light breeze that prevailed at the time and trailing our hydrophone, we could also listen to some A-Clan calls. Some of the orcas were travelling slowly and stopping to rest momentarily on the surface of the water, others travelled more quickly and were closer to the Vancouver Island shoreline, making their way past the Wastel Islets and eventually some carried on into Beaver Cove, the A5's were more mid Strait but we observed as they too angled across, going into Beaver Cove while others were foraging off Lewis Point. It was so good to see mothers and calves foraging back and forth, while lunging after salmon and to listen to their clear A-Clan vocalizations and echolocation. We were also able to view dall's porpoises in passing as they porpoised along, away from the orcas, as well we could also see a small group of pacific white-sided dolphins interacting with some foraging orcas at Lewis Point. Leaving the orcas we made our way over towards Weynton Passage and had some brilliant viewing of three humpback whales including Guardian, feeding on herring balls amongst the diving birds gathered, rhinoceros auklets and common murres, and gull species. Time and again we could see as the whales surfaced and dived and their momentum and magnificence when lunge feeding through a herring ball was exhilarating to see. A fourth humpback whale went by us as we made our way further in Weynton Passage and the stellar sea lions hauled out did not disappoint us!
Today's penned comments: "An absolutely perfect day! Thanks for such a magical experience...from whales to delicious treats ~ it doesn't get better than this!" Kelly, Hash and baby to be.
"A perfect day! Sun, orcas, humpback whales and much more. It really doesn't get better. Absolutely worth coming from Switzerland to Alert Bay". Katarina & Dieter, Switzerland
"Wonderful weather, wonderful wildlife, wonderful crew = wonderful trip." Mike & Vicki, Hamilton, Ontario & Sharon, BC
"The weather was fantastic, the boat a delight but what made this a morning to remember for a lifetime, was the knowledge, hospitality and passion of our hosts. The orcas, humpbacks, sea lions and scenery will stay with us forever. Thank you!" Rick, Kyle & Amanda, Ontario
"Thank you for making this experience so rich and memorable. This was a dream come true for me as a lover of whales and my desire to see them in the wild. Thank you." Wendy, Ontario
'Thank you for a beautiful day. We just loved it!" Christine & Joe, Germany