Another Fabulous Tour!

Another Fabulous Tour!

Our passengers left Alert Bay and Alder Bay under slightly overcast skies and calm water. They were able to enjoy our spectacular coastal scenery, as only seen from the water, with Vancouver Island mountains to the west and BC mainland mountains to the east, some still with snow on their peaks, as the skipper took them into some of the most picturesque waters of our area.

Skies gradually brightened, and our boat made its way slowly through the narrow openings between the Pearse Islands, where deep greens reflect in colourful waters populated underneath with shellfish and sea anenomes. The boat then cruised southeast through the Plumper Islands, named for Captain George Richard<s survey ship of the 1860s.

The next destination was the Stephanson group of islands, reached via Cormorant Channel. To the delight of the children on board, Harbour seals were resting on a small islet with their cute spring pups. On this trip our guests were also able to catch sight of the multicoloured juvenile eagles born in a late winter in their nest in the Stephansons.

As the boat cruised away from the Stephansons and into Weynton Passage, the first Humpback was sighted! Then further along at Bold Head – two more. How exciting to be near these magnificent sea mammals, as they take that final deep dive, waving their tales at onlookers. At the same time, a pod of fast swimming black and white Dalls porpoises came bounding through the waters.

Then even more excitement when reports of Northern Resident Orca came in as the boat approached Malcolm Island. On this trip, passengers enjoyed viewing six to eight of the ‘black and whites, close to shore, moving along and feeding near Donegal Head. At first by their sounds, they appeared to be from ‘A’ clan and we were later able to confirm them as A 42s.

The large males were identified by their six foot dorsal fins. These fins straighten out as the young males, who start out with a curved fin, reach maturity. Even upon reaching maturity, the males will stay alongside mothers for life.

It was a delightful day for all to witness so many of nature’s gifts in such a few short hours in this spectacular place we call home.