Calm Waters, Clear Skies & Playful Porpoises

The MV Seasmoke departed Alert Bay in the morning mist, which gradually lifted to reveal silvery blue, flat, calm waters. With the clearing of the mist came sightings of mammals, birds, forest and mountain. On this trip, guests were delighted with the playful Dall’s porpoise that really put on a show. These fun and fast creatures came swimming by the Seasmoke three times as the boat sat still in the water and everyone looked on, amazed. When the boat was on the move, the porpoises played in the wake, riding on the waves and having fun. This was especially thrilling for a six year old boy who was on board and eager to identify everything he saw.

He heard a Stellar sea lion - with its characteristic throaty call, that he said ‘sounded like a tiger’ first through the mist, and while the boat was cruising slowly by the Plumper Islands. Passengers also came upon Harbour seals and numerous birds. The Red Necked Phalarope, Rhinoceros Auklet and Black Oystercatcher were all out swimming or picking lightly over the rocks today. Looking up at an eagle’s next in the Stephanson Islands, everyone could see an outline of an young eagle in the mist.

In Weynton Passage and off Donegal Head at Malcolm Island, Humpback whales were spotted foraging in the mist for food, enduring the harassment of the precocious Dall’s porpoises. The mist made for an especially coastal experience, enhancing the natural wonder of the region with its mystery. As ever, passengers were enthusiastic about everything they saw and appreciative of the sheer beauty of the scenes around them.