A Day of Breaching Orca and Humpback Whales

Today was remarkably quiet on the water. The wispy fog that danced liked Northern Lights along the deep green forested shore silenced the atmosphere. Humpback blows on occasion broke the silence as their explosive breath echoed across the calm and tranquil sea.

Sports fishing boats dotted the horizon and flocks of Rhinoceros Anklet's kept up to pace as we cruised the coastline in search of wildlife.

We had only just left Alder Bay and already we were in the company of Orca. A large family consisting of at least twelve whales rested in their family group, tight alongside the Vancouver Island shore. They swam slow and steady and on occasion a young calf would slap its tail as though resisting bedtime.

They continued in this manner, all the way to Robson Bight. For the afternoon tour the whales were tucked inside the Ecological Reserve and thankfully by late afternoon they crossed the boundary and ventured back towards the west. By this time they were wide awake and this was beautifully demonstrated by a young calf jumping clear out of the water. It was magnificent to witness.

Humpbacks whales were busy foraging for food, doing long deep dives and on occasion lifting their broad flukes. One whale breached and even from a distance it was a spectacular sight.

It seemed we had many seasons today as fog drifted in and out, sunshine beamed upon us then cloud cover brought a gentle breeze that cooled everything down.