Monday, October 10, 2011

Southern Resident Orcas & 3 Humpback Whales off Victoria! Oct 9th, 2011




































We had an incredible encounter this afternoon with the members Southern Resident Orcas (J, K & L-pod) and 3 Humpback Whales off Victoria waterfront!

Our first encounter was with at least one and possibly two Humpback Whales a couple miles to the east of Victoria. After watching the Humpback Whales for a while we headed further south and encountered several members of the Southern Resident Orcas, who were spread as far as we could see across the Strait of Juan De Fuca:) We saw some breaching and tailslaps as well as some foraging (hunting for Salmon).

The Orcas were heading East so we did not want to miss out showing our guests Race Rocks so that is where we headed next. At Race Rocks we saw Stellar & California Sealions as well as Harbor Seals and Northern Elephant Seals!

We then received a report that two more Humpback Whales had been sighted just north of Race Rocks so off we went to investigate. Sure enough we did encounter 2 more Humpback and this time we witnessed some amazing tail flukes:)

Before heading home we went back to the Resident Orcas and found a group of 4 juveniles hanging out and frolicking around:) We even witnessed a double spyhop, a real treat, as well as more breaching and tail slaps.

Today was a very special day with incredible weather for October, wonderful guests and lots of Marine life right off Victoria, it added up to one of the best trips of the season:)

Please visit our Facebook page for even more images from this trip;

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-BC/Five-Star-Whale-Watching/83152127193

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