New Jpod Calf, J43!!

At the beginning of November a new calf was spotted and confirmed in Jpod and has been designated as J43. J43 is the offspring of J14 a female born in 1974 and who has had four other calfs although the first one passed away in 1991. This is exciting news and brings the total of the Southern Resident Orcas to 88 and J43 is the fourth calf to be born this year.

For more information visit the Whale Research Centre for a full article and photo of the new calf;

http://www.whaleresearch.com/thecenter/News_110607_newcalf_J43.html

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT 2007 SEASON!!

This is the time of year when we reflect on the season past and get a chance to express our gratitude.

There is not a day during the year when we aren't fully aware of how lucky we are to work out on the water with these amazing creatures. Everyday we know that we will see something amazing and inspiring...We just never know exactly what that will be until we get out there! We are truly blessed.

Of course, we wouldn't be out on the water if it weren't for you, our visitors, booking trips and entrusting us with introducing you to and guiding you through this marine experience. Thank you.

With this fortune comes the obligation to provide information and offer avenues for education on what we all can do towards conservation and stewardship. The best way to ignite your interest is by having Captains, Marine Naturalists and Office Staff whose enthusiasm and passion is contagious.

Our goal is that everyone whom we are lucky enough to take on one of our cruises will remember the spirit of our crew. We hope that we can lead by example with our willingness to open ourselves not only to the opportunity to see and hear birds, whales and sea lions but to immerse ourselves in the experience.

Five Star Whale Watching is much more than just the Expedition Catamarans. Our greatest strength is our staff and I wish to thank our owners Kathy and Eric; Captains Trev, Scotty, Bill, Dave and Steve; Marine Naturalists Jacklyn, Merina, Kyla, Tove, Christine, Rachel, Marie, Amy, and volunteer Josh; Retail Manager Jacqueline; Sales Agents Jenn, Claudia and Lysanne; Commodore Ron; and Marine Naturalist/Photographer/Assistant Manager/Blogger Andrew, the Crazy Brit himself.

and lets not forget Jim Dale, 5*'s General Manager, Marine Naturalist and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Jim really does have the patience of a saint, something that is a must dealing with the Five Star crew:) Cheers Jim!

This Season is over...and a new one soon to begin.

End of Season Highlights!

Here are just a small selection of some of my favourite pictures from the 2007 Whale Watching Season at Five Star Whale Watching. please visit our flickr page for even more amazing photos from 2007; http://www.flickr.com/photos/fivestarwhalewatching/

It was a spectacular season from beginning to the end full of magical and memorable moments that left you in awe at the wonders of mother nature.

This season we celebrated the births of three new Orcas, J42, L109 and L110. We also saw most of our old favourites including J2 "Granny", J1 "Ruffles", K21 "Cappuccino", L41 "Mega" and many more of the incredible Southern Resident Orca pods. Throughout the season J, K & L pod continued to provide unforgettable experiences for both our passengers and the crew. We also got to see many Transient Orcas, including old favourite T14 "Pender" hunt in our local waters. Watching these amazing Marine Mammals and top predators in their natural environment is a true privilege!

The Salish sea was also home to many other marine mammals and other wildlife, including Stellar & California Sealions, Harbor Seals, Elephant Seals, Harbor & Dalls Porpoise, Eagles, Brown Pelicans, Grey Whales, Minke Whales and perhaps the most exciting aspect of the season, the large number of Humpback Whales.

The strong return of Humpback Whales in the area is an exciting prospect for all of us fortunate to be in the Whale Watching industry. These Humpbacks provided some of the most amazing trips of the season. We witnessed lunge feeding, bubble feeding, Tailslaps, Cartwheels and the most impressive breaches that just took your breath away!!!!!

So now another season has come and gone but the memories from the season and the wonderful passengers we welcomed aboard our boats, will remain for a long time to come.

Thank you to all out passengers for choosing Five Star Whale Watching, it was a pleasure meeting you and we look forward to you joining us for more adventures in 2008!