Blustery And Beautiful Was Our Day

It was impeccable timing and amazing luck that we found ourselves watching a pod of 8-10 Resident Orcas who were foraging close in and alongside a rock face on one of the Pearse Islands and that was only minutes after leaving the dock in Alder Bay this afternoon. 

Almost simultaneously we noticed a single male orca (A60) foraging alone just off the Plumper Islands at the top end of Blackfish Sound along with 6 + Pacific White-sided dolphins who wanted to play. We sighted more orcas foraging further down in Blackfish Sound and making their way towards A60; they were the rest of his family, the A23's and also the A25's. It was unbelievable viewing and so unexpected so early on in the tour.

Just how good the tour would be from that point on was anybody's guess for we were thrilled by what we had already seen. It mattered not that there was wind and waves that buffeted us about for none of us cared. We were focussed on seeing the orcas and observing their behaviour of travel, foraging and interactions with one another. 

We also enjoyed some wonderful Humpback whale viewing and also saw Dall's porpoises, Stellar Sea Lions (8-10+), a Sea Otter, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets and Black Turnstones.

It was a tour of great delight especially when on the way home we cruised through some of the narrow passages to explore the scenic beauty in waters calm and sheltered from the wind. It was in contrast to what we had experienced as fast and flowing to what was tranquil and peaceful.