Synchronized Swimming

What an amazing day for watching Humpback whales! These huge mammals, on our earth for roughly 30 million years, were very active in Blackfish Sound today. The MV Seasmoke left Alert Bay under sunny skies, nicely dotted with fluffy clouds under calm conditions and cruised over to Alder Bay Resort dock for two extra passengers. The water was a silvery blue, and a light, southeast breeze was blowing.

Our first stop was the Stephanson Islands where we viewed a lofty eagle’s nest, active with a juvenile Then, Harbour seals came into view - swimming and lazing on the rocks; one adult in particular was keeping its young pup, that appeared to be just a few weeks old close by. Oyster Catchers clambered on the rocks, poking in between them for tiny morsels to eat with their long orange beaks.

The skipper then proceeded into Blackfish Sound and awaited the arrival of the Humpbacks that call this part of the coast home and are often sighted here in this feeding ground. Sure enough, within a few minutes all passengers could here the characteristic blow of this great beast as its back rose up and out of the water so that it could breathe in the air. After several shallow dives, observers were rewarded with a view of its magnificent fluke as the whale took a deep dive. We stayed in the Sound for about one hour, watching as more Humpbacks surfaced and viewed about five altogether. A couple were entertaining with their huge tails slapping, creating lots of gigantic splashes, and one had its head above the surface of the water in order to lunge fee. For the grand finale, two Humpbacks that were swimming in tandem, also made their deep dive together in a show of sychronized swimming, and we watched, thrilled to see ‘double flukes appear at the same time. The round and speedy Dall’s porpoises came into view at various times, quickly rising to the surface then just as quickly diving back down again.

On our return, we cruised through the pretty Plumper Islands, with their lime green evergreens reflected into the flat surface of the water at high tide. Our boat passed through many whirlpools, and we saw a huge current creating its own unique waves. Another sighting of Harbour seals on the way to the Pearse Islands, then back home. What a spectacular day for everyone on board who felt they were in one of the most beautiful and pristine parts of the world.