Orca's in a Glassy, Calm Sea

How grateful we are to have the overnight fog burn off prior to the start of our first tour. It was one of the warmest days so far on the coast and how relieved we were to be on the waterbeing refreshed by the subtle but cool ocean breeze. 

There were numerous sports fishing boats out today and some were kind enough to announce sightings of Orca. On both tours today we journeyed West along the Northern coast of Malcolm Island in search of two to three families that were close to the shore foraging and traveling in a westerly direction. 

Due to the 'flat as a plate' sea conditions we were able to spot their subtle blows and from a distance we could easily see their curved, black dorsal fins. 

It was exciting to watch their occasional dynamic movements. One whale breached while others porpoised, lunging forward so we could see their stunning white patch, just behind the eye. Tail slaps were seen by the occasional younger member of the pod and after a while we observed them grouping tightly together and heading even closer to shore. 

Right amongst all this action was a single Humpback Whale and most of the day this whale was seen spending time in the vicinity of the Orca. 

A Stellar Sea lion gave us quite the display when it thrashed a freshly caught salmon about, while gulls eagerly waited for the patchy remains. Dall's porpoise, Harbour Seals and Pacific White-sided dolphins were all sighted today, not to mention the many birds that gathered together when a ball of schooling fish presented itself. 

A remarkable day under the brightness of a clear blue sky and sunshine.