So much beauty in our surroundings, a mix of Cetacean species and others, from Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises to Bald Eagles!

It was another fantastic day for viewing Cetaceans, seabirds and scenery for beauty was everywhere one looked today! Magical, mystical and ever changing, with sunshine and fog and lighting that was superb, how could we not be smiling? We had barely left the dock when orcas were sighted in the distance nearing Blinkhorn and with them, charging around as we came closer, we could see both pacific white-sided dolphins and dall's porpoises; they were all over the orcas who carried on foraging towards and into Beaver Cove. The orcas were the A42's and some G-Clan orcas (I15 matriline) were also travelling with them and we listened to both A & G-Clan calls via our trailing hydrophone as we sailed along in the light breeze that was blowing at the time and we could also hear loud echolocations when A66 came near the boat.  Cetacean activity was all around us and looking across to the top end of Hanson Island, we could see humpback whales feeding alongside large numbers of diving birds and gull species.The sun was shining and the warming rays upon our backs felt good!

Leaving the orcas we made our way over to where we counted three humpback whales and it was fascinating watching the whales moving quickly towards a large concentration of feed, going in all directions and circling around and around. There were more humpback whales further over in Weynton Passage that we lost sight of when the fog suddenly swirled in through Weynton Passage. A minke whale was also in the area at the same time, along with stellar sea lions fishing nearby. One of the whales was Guardian, she has been feeding in the area throughout most of the summer. Humpback whales never disappoint and we all so enjoyed watching them today.

It was awe inspiring to sit and watch the momentum of the baleen whales as they worked back and forth and to see the large numbers of diving birds, mostly common murres; some of them were with their chicks. We have seen very few common murre chicks this summer so it was a "good feel moment" seeing them and listening to their high pitched calling and seeing them trailing after their fathers.

The day being such a gorgeous one, we enjoyed cruising through the picturesque waterways of the Plumper Islands, so serene today and the lighting beautiful! We all enjoyed looking down through the glassy clear waters at sparkling kelp forests that glistened from depths below, and up high looking at bald eagles sitting in the treetops. Belted kingfishers darted by, harbour seals and stellar sea lions were hauled out, all of it was so beautiful! We also saw: rhinoceros auklets, marbled murrelets, great blue herons and black turnstones.

Todays penned comments: "We have been whale watching before but it was nothing like this...humpbacks, hydrophone, picturesque landscape, not to mention the company and delicious treats on board. Loved the sail boat and would do it again. Highly recommend to family and friends. Thank you." Bernette and Marc, Victoria, BC

"Such a pleasant and memorable experience on your sailboat. We greatly appreciate the experience! A must do expedition when exploring North Vancouver Island." Amanda & the boys, Alert Bay, BC

"It was a great honour to be part of this wonderful experience. Thank you for your kind hospitality." Heather, Nanaimo

'Thanks a lot! Great trip! Will recommend strongly and going back with great memories." Caroline, Switzerland

" How fortunate you are to live in a place so blessed. The beauty is everywhere you look. We are so gratefulto have been able to share this! Everything we have seen is so exciting from whales to eagles. I couldn't have asked for more! Maureen & Dave you are the best!! We will be back!! Rene & Wally, Oregon, USA