A Day to Remember!

Our boat, the MV Seasmoke, left Alert Bay under overcast skies at noon, which gradually brightened, and within two hours, the sun peaked out to reveal stunning coastal scenery.

With eight passengers, our skipper guided the boat on flat, calm waters, through the Stephanson Islands where an active eagle’s nest was observed. One adult Bald eagle, with its characteristic white feathered head and black body, was guarding the nest while a juvenile, identified by mottled brown colouring, stayed safely inside. The islets of the Stephansons are home to Harbour seals, and this time of year, we are often treated to the sight of adults basking in the sun with their pups, who later in the summer, will be left to fend on their own.

The skipper carried on past Hanson Island, home of Orcalab where back in the 1970s, Paul Spong established an outpost from where the voices of the Orca could be heard and recorded so that today, clans of Orca can be identified by their language.

Beyond Hanson is Harbledown Island and at the entrance to Parson’s Bay situated on the north side of the island, our boat and passengers encountered a mature Humpback with a calf making their way along. The next excitement was found further into the bay, and everyone was delighted to witness huge golden brown Stellar sea lions feasting on salmon; bellowing, splashing and putting on a show. The males are enormous and can weigh up to 550 kg, with the females being about half that size and sporting shiny, dark coats.

As the tour headed east towards Swanson Island, everyone was thrilled to see the quick moving black and white Dall’s porpoise spotted off the north side of the island at Bold Head. Then crossing over to Malcolm Island, playful porpoises were again observed at Donegal Head.

Altogether, an enjoyable day on the water, with lots of birds, such as Cassin’s Auklets and Guillemots observed and of course our magnificent array of sea mammals, that choose to make our waters their home and feeding grounds.