An Adventurous day...

It was an adventurous day on the water today, which began with a run to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. We had heard a report on the radio that Orcas were heading East towards the western boundary and knowing that once in the reserve the whales would be out of our reach.

Although we were Orca bound, wildlife revealed themselves along the way which we could not ignore. There was a flurry of activity around an active bait ball, where the small fish swam in a spherical formation while being preyed upon by Gulls and Rhinoceros Auklets. As we continued we came across a large pod of about 150 Pacific White-sided dolphins which were also traveling west. We enjoyed their acrobatics as they jumped and splashed about while we drifted silently with our engines switched off.

Once under way again, another unexpected sighting occurred. A female black bear and her cub were spotted by one of our guests. We quietly viewed this little family, as they turned over rocks to feed on little crabs that were well hidden. Having spent several minutes amazed at how easily mama bear could turn large boulders with a single paw, the young cub noticed our presence and decided to hide in the forest; this female Bear had taught her cub well, to maintain a good distance from humans.

Leaving the bears behind, we continued west. A group of Orca gave us a welcomed reception. Along with a group of kayakers, we witnessed the beauty of their prominent dorsal fins as they foraged in the quietness of the calm sea and deep green forested background.

The Orcas made their way deep into the reserve and so we continued towards Blackfish Sound. A small group of Dall’s porpoise traveled in the same direction and as we approached the Plumper Islands, we noticed a large splash, likely from a Humpback whale. After a deep dive we waited a long time for this fellow’s re-appearance, a little reminder of how busy life must be underwater.

We visited a Steller Sea lion haul out before we headed home towards Cormorant Island. While we admired one big bull (male sea lion) on the rocks we suddenly heard snorts and sniffs which came from the water. It was a large raft of sea lions, lifting their flippers to regulate their heat by exposing the blood vessels which are situated close to the surface of their skin.

Our afternoon tour was like another day. As clouds formed low in the sky the sea also turned a soft but thick grey. Rain was approaching.

Our resident Orca had turned once again and made their way west. As the ebb current turned to a flood they stopped for some time to forage and feed.

We literally did not have to turn our engines on for over an hour as we drifted in the subtle current. Humpbacks whales shared in the abundance of the sea along with the Orca. 

When it was time to depart we passed by the landbased research station, Orcalab. A small boat with three passengers waved us down. Their engine had failed and so they had started to row and had been for some time. Our skipper offered to tow them until additional help became available. We continued to observe the whales as they journeyed west in the direction we also travelled, but now with a small boat in tow and three additional and relieved passengers. 

Another vessel offered to tow the broken down boat back to Telegraph Cove so we were able to continue our tour. A final stop at the impressive Steller sea lion haul out was a lovely end to another dynamic day on the water.

Once again another successful adventure where wildlife gifted us with their presence.