Exciting tour - lots of wildlife!

Our Sunday afternoon trip began out of Alert Bay with sunshine and flat calm waters. The skipper steered the MV Seasmoke through the Pearse Islands where numerous Harbour seals were playing on the rocks and in the water amongst the bull kelp. From a pale, spotted grey to an almost black, they often blend so well into the rocks that it is difficult to even tell that they are there… then suddenly they move and surprise! Even more were spotted in the Stephanson group of islands, and our skipper estimates passengers viewed about 150 altogether.

Stellar sea lions were also nearby in large numbers both in the Pearse Islands and in Blackfish Sound. They are distinguished from the seals by their dark to golden brown colour and size, with males weighing as much as 2,000 pounds. Today they lounged on the rocks and in the water - some appearing to be fast asleep while others were actively hunting.

At Blackfish Sound, the Seasmoke ran into a bank of fog, but this did not spoil the viewing for the day. The ‘A’ group of Orca were seen there near Swanson Island and at Bold Head. Some great photos were taken of their feeding activity and of a couple that headed in the direction of the boat as it sat still in the water. The huge, grey Humpback were also foraging in the Sound, and showing off their wide flukes as they dived.

A number of black and white terns were sighted and very active both on and above the sea, and once again, Bald eagles were seen in flight. Guests were thrilled with their day out, and the sheer beauty of this region where the wildlife play.