A Humpback whale day!

August 8th

Sightings: Humpback whales, Dall's porpoises, Harbour seals, Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros and Cassin's Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Belted Kingfishers, Bald Eagles and 1 Eaglet, Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers and Gull species.

It was a Humpback whale of a day as numerous encounters of these incredible creatures were enjoyed by our visiting guests.  We witnessed varying whale anatomy appear suddenly from the water below, all belonging to the Humpback whale. Tail slaps were seen and heard fom near and far, as the explosive sound echoed freely across the water. It was the breeches we saw today that really impressed our passengers. A forty five foot, thirty ton whale leaping clear out of the water is a sight one does not easily forget. This awesome vision is a feast to lay your eyes upon as you watch the torpedo- like head suddenly appear up from the sea, followed by the two gangerly, long pectorial fins and stream-lined body. Once you see the fluke you can not believe that your eyes are seeing a whale completely clear out of the water. And then there is the landing..which is sensational. The chaotic splash and delayed crackle of thunder sent shivers up our spines.

Nature was at its most impressive today as our resident humpbacks went about their day and we, the audience, relished in their presence. Our touring through the many island waterways on our way home was one of immense wonder and joy.