An Afternoon With the Whales

The sun came out today and escorted our passengers in the MV Seasmoke out of Alert Bay and into the ever lovely Pearse group of islands. Although skies clouded over, the rain held off and seas remained calm. Harbour seals bobbed up their heads throughout the pass between the islands, turned up again in the Plumper Islands and lounged on rocky islets in the Stephanson group of islands, watching the marine traffic go by.

A number of different waterfowl were sighted in the Stephansons - the Pigeon Guillemot, Red Necked Phalarope and Black Oystercatcher with its distinctive long, pointed orange beak and white legs. Also, a juvenile mottled brown bald eagle was observed, in its lofty nest in the Plumper Islands, waiting for the adults to bring its meal.

Just off Double Bay, Hanson Island in Weynton Passage, Humpback whales put on a great show for our guests as they chased bait balls of small fish that constitute their diet and keep them feeding in these waters. After a few shallow dives, when the Humpbacks puff out the characteristic blow that helps us locate them, each one took a deep dive and gave everyone a good look at their stunning flukes.

As well as the Humpbacks, the round bodied, small and swift swimming Dall’s porpoises came flitting through Weynton Passage - a veritable hub today for sea mammals.

Guests commented that they had a very enjoyable tour and were happy to get out onto the water, where just minutes from Alert Bay, there are so many natural wonders to enjoy.