Wickedly wet with wonderful Orcas, Humpback whales and more!

Today's Sightings:

Orcas, Humpback whales, Pacific White-sided dolphins, River otters, Stellar sea lions, Harbour seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros and Cassins Auklets, Gull species, Belted Kingfishers, Pigeon Guillemots and Common Murres.

During our tour today, grey skies merged with grey seas and heavy rain fell, all omens of seasonal change. Even though spirits were dampened by the unfavourable conditions, it was all part of the adventure in the Pacific Northwest. We are in a Northern rainforest after all.

It didn't take long for our seasoned skipper to find the whales everyone was eagerly searching for, the beautiful resident killer whales. Two pods were foraging in a nearby cove and against the backdrop of grey, their black and white colourations appeared sharp and stunning. Our guests were soon smiling and the rain suddenly had little significance.

With the rain in the air and clouds as a canvas, it was difficult to make out the blows of the Humpback whales. Instead we searched for a break against the ocean horizon as whales rose up towards the surface, their backs arched and flukes graciously lifting up and scooping water along the way.

Today we were guided by dolphins as we crossed to the other side of a major strait. A family of River Otters entertained our guests right at the dock at one of our pick up points, and the rain turned into liquid sunshine as the sun's rays momentarily appeared from behind the clouds.

It was another fabulous day exploring the waters of Northern Vancouver Island.

Seasmoke Whale Watching photo's taken by Dave Jones using a telephoto lens have been cropped.