Brilliant viewing of Orcas, Humpback whales, a Minke whale and so much more!

Today's sightings: Orcas, Humpback whales, one Minke whale, Harbour seals, River otters, a Black-tailed deer with fawn, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murre's, Black Oystercatchers, Belted Kingfishers, Red-necked Phalaropes and Gull species.

Numerous pods were sighted today which included, but may not be limited to, the A30's, I31's, I15's, and A23/25's. From the vocalizations being broadcasted from our underwater microphone, it sounded as though they were talking up a storm. Pings, squeals and other calls could be heard vibrantly and entertained our guests who felt privileged to listen in on the intense social underwater world of the Orca.

We have a large number of 'salmon eating' pods who travel through and utilize this region. They have been categorized as the Northern Residents. Within these pods some share the same or similar dialect and together they form a language group which we call clans. Today we were listening to A & G Clan calls and it sounded as though they were intensely social as these large dolphins are known to be. Just in case you did not realize it, an Orca is the largest in the dolphin family. The vocalizations heard today were phenomenal and for those passengers listening intently to the beautiful calls on the afternoon tour, it was thought that a Humpback whale was also heard in the mix.

It was an extraordinary day with orcas sighted on all three tours and the morning tour was especially lucky in seeing them not long after leaving the dock. As well as the brilliant viewing of so many orcas today, the Humpback whales were there as well and can never be forgotten, they are magnificent and their dive sequence mesmerizing!

During the days when Orca's take the spotlight, we still enjoy taking the time during a tour to show our guests, the other creatures of this area. They all play a crucial role in this rich and unique eco-system. As our boat weaved amongst the islets and islands, through scenic passageways passing kelp-beds camouflaging Harbour seals, we saw a female Black-tailed deer with a fawn along her side and River Otters on the dock in Alder Bay, a mother and her three kits. Finally, at the very end of our evening tour a Minke whale was seen!

One elderly passenger getting off the boat today told our skipper that "it was the best three hours of his life!" It cannot get better than that!