Whales in the Mist!

Today our lucky passengers left the Alert Bay dock with a very light rain, a frothy mist and the low hanging cloud that makes our scenery often so special and intriguing. And indeed, it turned out to be special day with sightings of three whales - a trifecta!

Just as the MV Seasmoke came within sight of Vancouver Island, and near the mouth of the Nimpkish River near Alert Bay, Bigg’s Orca - the transient, mammal hunters were identified by their large black dorsal fins. And as if that wasn’t special enough, the ‘I’ groups of Northern Residents were swimming through the pretty Plumper Islands, right up against the shore. Guests felt privileged to see the calves frolicking with each other and said it was a super experience.

Our third whale species today was the Humpback - Humpbacks were out near Stubbs Island and another in Blackfish. One came in the direction of the boat and breached fully out of the water to the amazement of passengers. Stellar sea lions were out in large numbers throughout the Plumper Islands and in Blackfish Sound. Dall’s Porpoise were also in the Sound and Weynton Pass.

As the Seasmoke cruised through the Stephanson Islands, Harbour seals were seen lounging on the rocks and birds were everywhere today: a Great Blue Heron, the Common Murre, Red Necked Phalarope and Rhinoceros Auklet.

Altogether a spectacular day for wildlife viewing out on the water in this amazing part of the BC coast!