Beautiful beyond belief!

Today's sightings: Minke whale, Orcas (A30's, I15s/I68's), Humpback whales, Harbour seals, Dall's porpoises, Stellar Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers,  Rhinoceros Auklets, Belted Kingfishers and Gull species

We certainly can tell that nourishing food is in the waters because of the variety of species we saw today. A feeding Minke was the first whale of the day and it was unique to see it surface head first. Minke whales have a rather peculiar shaped rostrum. It is slightly triangular shaped and the bottom jaw extends further than the top like an overbite.

There were a great number of orcas in the area today which was exciting for our overseas guests. We watched while these family groups foraged in the calm blue waters that tugged gently at our hull as we silently, with engines off observed the foraging frenzy.

There were a lot of Humpback whales in the area as well. At times we could count at least five flukes all up at once and eight breaths, all rising at the same time and lingering in the still air.  Due to the calmness of the sea and clear skies, we were able to view the underwater world of sea life which included schools of bait fish, a Humpbacks favourite meal.

On our way back to Alert Bay we island hopped and cruised the narrow channels, giving our guests the opportunity to see other, smaller critters that dwell in this area. Being so close, we were able to detect the distinctive crisp forested scent that wafted towards us as we went by.

Seasmoke Whale Watching photo's have been taken with a telephoto lens and have been cropped.