October 2nd PM – Humpbacks, Orcas & the Pinnipeds of Race Rocks!

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Andrew

Resident Orcas breaching

Resident Orcas

Humpbacks

This afternoon we encountered Humpbacks, Orcas & the Pinnipeds of Race Rocks! Our afternoon included encountering a Superpod of Resident Orcas! We had members from all three pods south east of Race Rocks this afternoon and they were being very playful! During our encounter we saw some incredible breaches, tail slaps and spy hops 

We also got to see a Humpback Whale west of Race Rocks and we saw at least one tail fluke as the Humpback went on a deep dive. At Race Rocks we got to see playful Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Northern Elephant Seals.

As if all this was not enough on our way back to Victoria we encountered Dall’s Porpoise that began to bow ride our boat and put on an amazing show!!!!

Please click on the link below to see some beautiful images by Marine Naturalist Jenna;

Oct 2nd PM – Humpbacks, Orcas & the Pinnipeds of Race Rocks

For more images from this day please click on the link below

Oct 2nd PM – Humpbacks, Orcas & the pinnipeds of race rocks

Oct 2nd AM – Transient Orcas & Resident Orcas this morning!

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Andrew

Resident Orcas

Transient Orcas

This morning we had a wonderful encounter with Transient Orcas & Resident Orcas! We first encountered the TO60’s when we spotted them a few miles south of Trial Island heading west towards Albert Head. The pod seemed to be moving rapidy and staying close to the Victoria waterfront so we knew something was going on. Sure enough we soon got a call that Resident Orcas had just been found west of Race Rocks heading East. After a few more looks at the Transient Orcas and having guided a boat on scene we headed to Race Rocks. At Race Rocks we had an amazing encounter with a very playful Steller Sea Lion who put on quit the acrobatic performance. Then we headed a little south of Race Rocks where we caught up with all 3 pods of the Southern Resident Orcas! The pods were split but in resting formation when we first arrived on scene. Then a few animals began to wake up and we saw a Spy Hop, Pectoral waves, tail slaps and some foraging. We also saw some cough – “Pink Snake” – cough  There are not too many days that we get Transient Orcas & Resident Orcas on the same trip as the Transients tend to avoid the Residents and to get them so close made for an amazing start to the day!

To see more images from this wonderful morning encounter click on the link below;

Oct 2nd AM – Transient Orcas & Resident Orcas

Oct 1st – Breaching Humpback & Fog!

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Andrew

Breaching Humpback

Despite some unusual thick fog today
we encountered a Breaching Humpback Whale! It took us a while to find the Whales today due to the thick fog but the fog also made for a mysterious ride. We had only been on scene with the Humpback Whale for a very short time when it made a complete and breathtaking breach, much to everyone’s surprise and amazement! It then made a second breach a few second later, we were all deliriously happy 

To see some more images from this incredible trip please click on the link below;

Oct 1st – Breaching Humpback

September 30th – Orcas in the Fog!

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Andrew

Today we had Resident Orcas off San Juan Island in fog, which made the trip even more mysterious and special  Please click on the following link to see some incredible images by Marine Naturalist Jenna;

Sept 30th – Orcas in the fog

Sept 28th – Transient Orcas & Humpbacks!

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Andrew

Transient Orcas

Today we encountered Transient Orcas & Humpbacks! The Transient Orcas were picked up by Albert Head and were identified as the TO10’s, a mother and her 2 Sons, often seen in the Salish Sea. We followed them as they hunted around Albert Head and then made their way over to William Head. They made at least one kill while we watched them. We then proceded to Race Rocks to show our guests some of the potential prey of these top Ocean Predators, and this included Harbor Seals (they favourite prey), Norterhn Elephants Seals, California Sea Lions and Steller Sea Lions. At Race Rocks we also saw our little furry friend the Sea Otter, hanging out in the kelp beds  Then we encountered Humpback Whales not far from Race Rocksm which was a real bonus on such an amazing day!

To see more images from this amazing encounter click on the link below;

Sept 28th – Transient Orcas & Humpbacks

Sept 27th - Resident Orcas & Humpbacks today!

Sept 27th – Resident Orcas and Humpbacks today!

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Andrew

Humpbacks

Resident Orcas

Today we had encounters with Resident Orcas and Humpback Whales. Please click in the following links to see wonderful image by Marine Naturalist Jenna from today’s tours;

Sept 27th AM – Resident Orcas put on a show

Sept 27th PM – Resident Orcas & Humpbacks

Sept 26th – Orcas & Humpbacks in the Salish Sea!

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Andrew

Orcas & Humpback in the Salish Sea

Humpback

Orcas

Today we were treated to Orcas & Humpback in the Salish Sea! We had encounters during our morning and afternoon tour with Resident Orcas who were being very active. In the afternoon we also encountered a Humpback Whale that wowed our guests when it tail fluked!

Please click on the following links to see wonderful images from today by Marine Naturalist Jenna;

Sept 26th AM – Resident Orcas off San Juan Island

Sept 26th PM – Afternoon with Resident Orcas & a Humpback!

Sept 25th – Multiple Humpbacks near Race!

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Andrew

Multiple Humpbacks near Race!

Today we had multiple Humpbacks near Race Rocks! We got to see some beautiful tail flukes as the Humpbacks dived as well as some gorgeous back lit blows. Over the course of our tour we counted at least 4 different Humpbacks and possibly two more. At Race Rocks we encountered Steller Sea Lions, California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Northern Elephant Seals. We also got to see some large bait balls (schooling fish) that are the reason the Humpback move into the strait at this time of the year. A rare sighting of a Bald Eagle also had our guests excited today. Most of the Eagles have moved to local rivers to feed on the Salmon that are spawning there. Goldstream Park is one of the best local rivers to see this incredible phenomenon!

It was a cool but gorgeous day on the water!

To see more images from today’s tour please click on the following link;

Sept 25th – Multiple Humpbacks near Race!

Sept 24th – Jpod & a Humpback Whale!

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Andrew

Jpod

Humpback

Today we encountered Jpod & a Humpback Whale off San Juan Island! We saw J2 “Granny”, J34 “DoubleStuf” and several other members of Jpod. We got to see a lot of foraging for Salmon, Tail Slaps and spy hops during our time with Jpod today. The Humpback Whale we encountered was moving between several large bait balls. In the middle of one of the large bait balls a Harbor Seal appeared and then popped its head out of the water to say hello  As we were watching Jpod later in the trip we saw a brief Breach by the Humpback Whale we had been watching earlier way off in the distance but the splash it created could be seen for many miles!

It was another great day in the Salish Sea 

To see more images from this wonderful encounter click on the following link;

Sept 24th – Jpod & a Humpback Whale

Sept 23rd PM – Humpback and Resident Orcas!

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Andrew

Here are a few gorgeous images by Marine Naturalist Jenna from today’s encounter with a Humpback Whale and Resident Orcas! Please click on the following images to see more pictures from this tour;

Sept 23rd PM – Humpback & Resident Orcas!

Sept 22nd PM – Afternoon with overjoyed Resident Orcas!

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Andrew

Resident Orcas

We spent the afternoon with overjoyed Resident Orcas near Open Bay and the Orcas included new calf L122! This afternoon we had a wonderful encounter with members of Lpod near Open Bay. The members of Lpod includied the brand new calf L122 who is just a few weeks old! We got to see some great socializing as the Orcas traveled south from Kellett Bluffs toward Lime Kiln. We got to witness pectoral slaps, breaching and porpoising (high speed swimming). The highlight was seeing little L122 tooked between her mother L91 and Grandmother L47, porpoising down the west side of San Juan Island, so cute smile emoticon We also got to see Minke Whale, Porpoise and Harbor Seals today on another perfect day in the Salish Sea!

please click on the link below to see some wonderful images by Marine Naturalist Jenna;

Sept 22nd PM – Afternoon with overjoyed Resident Orcas!

Click on the following link for more images;

Sept 22nd PM – Lpod

Sept 22 nd AM – Minke Whale & Lpod!

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Andrew

Minke Whale

Resident Orca

This morning we encountered a Minke Whale and members of Lpod off San Juan Island! It was a gorgeous morning spent with members of Lpod off San Juan Island plus we encountered  a Minke Whale near discover Island!

Click on the following link to see some lovely images by Marine Naturalist Jenna;

Sept 22nd Am – Minke Whale & Lpod

Here are a few more images;

Sept 22nd AM –  Minke Whale & Lpod

Sept 21st Evening – Humpbacks for Final evening trip of 2015!

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Andrew

We encountered lots of Humpbacks for final evening trip of 2015!

This evening we had our final evening trip of 2015 and we could not have asked for a better trip with at least 5 Humpbacks encountered near race Rocks! We had a wonderful group of people and were all chilling and in awe at the breathtaking evening we experienced! The Humpbacks were being very cooperative and almost surfacing in tandem as one would go down another would come up. Marine Naturalist Jenna got an incredible shot of a Humpback in the background of one of her Tail Fluke pictures, perfect timing!

At Race Rocks the Sea Lions were being very vocal and playful. The Sea Otter was still in the same spot as we had seen the fur ball in the morning & afternoon  Plus we saw the Harbor Seals and Northern Elephant Seals.

We also had breathtaking lighting tonight and a stunning sunset as we were traveling back home. Awesome is the only way to describe this trip but I will let the pictures speak for themselves 

Please click on the link below to see some wonderful images by Marine Naturalist Jenna;

Sept 21 Evening –  Humpbacks for final evening trip of 2015!

You can see more images from Marine Naturalist Andrew by clicking on the following link;

Sept 21 Evening – Humpbacks for final evening trip of 2015

Sept 21 PM – Multiple Humpback Whales

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Andrew

Humpback Whale

We spent a wonderful afternoon with Humpbacks Whales near Race Rocks! As we drove around we counted at least 4 Humpbacks spread out between Race Rocks & Constance Bank  During our encounter with the Whales we got to see several impressive tail flukes. We could see the blows from many miles away as the lighting was beautiful and clear with very calm seas, just perfect conditions for spotting Whales.

We also stopped off at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve visit their website at http://www.racerocks.ca/home/  for more information about this incredible marine paradise. This afternoon we had fantastic encounters again with Steller & California Sea Lions, who were being very playful again. Once again we encountered Harbor Seals and Northern Elephant Seals plus the Sea Otter looking as cute as ever 

Click on the link below to see some lovely images by Marine Naturalist Jenna;

Sept 21st PM – Multiple Humpback Whales

Click on the link below to see images by Marine Naturalist Andrew;

Sept 21st PM – Multiple Humpback Whales

Sept 21st AM – Resident Orcas heading west!

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Andrew

Resident Orcas heading west

This morning we encountered Resident Orcas heading west at Beechey Head. We identified at least Jpod & members of Kpod and they were spread out with others seen even further off shore. Jpod was mostly in resting mode slowly travelling towards the west and pointed at Sooke. We did get to see some spy hops and tail slaps as they moved along. Among the adults we could see the three Jpod babies, J50, J51 & J52 We also witnessed some foraging, especially from the members of Kpod including K22 “Sekiu” and K37 “Rainshadow”.

On our way home we stopped of at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve where we encountered some very playful Steller & California Sea Lions. We also encountered Harbor & Northern Elephant Seals and then in among the Bull Kelp we spotted our friendly Sea Otter lounging around 

Here are a few images by Marine Naturalist Jenna from today;

Sept 21 Resident Orcas & Humpbacks

Here are a few other images by Marine Naturalist Andrew just from this morning;

Sept 21st – Resident Orcas

Sept 20th – Resident Orcas

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Andrew

Here are some images by Marine Naturalist Jenna from our morning and afternoon encounters with Resident Orcas. To see more lovely images from our tours today click on the following links;

Sept 20th AM – Resident Orcas

Sept 20th PM – Resident Orcas

Sept 19th – Lpod & a Humpback at Sheringham!

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Andrew

Resident Orcas

Humpback

Today we encountered members of Lpod & a Humpback by Sheringham Lighthouse! We first saw the Humpback a little to the south east of the Lighthouse and it was heading east.  We saw it tail fluke as it went on a deep dive so we continued on our way west. Just west of Sheringham Lighthouse we encountered several members of Lpod including L54, L108, L117, L88 and L84. L54 is the Matriarch and was born in 1977. She has two children, L108 (male) who was born in 2006 and L117 who was born in 2010 and was just recently identified as a male   The other two Orcas, were L88 (male) born in 1993 and L84 (male) born in 1990. We got to see some great action as the Orcas hunted for Chinook Salmon and we could see they were working together to trap the fish!

It is not often we get so far west but it was so worth is for the incredible scenery, getting to see Sheringham Lighthouse, plus so much amazing marine life. On our way home we stopped off at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve and encountered Stellar & California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Northern Elephant Seals. As if all that was not enough we also got to see a gorgeous late afternoon sky over Race Rocks as we headed home 

To see more images from this wonderful encounter please click on the following link;

Sept 19th – Lpod & a Humpback at Sheringham!

Sept 18th – Resident Orcas off San Juan!

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Andrew

Resident Orcas

Today we had another lovely encounter with Resident Orcas off San Juan! Despite the weather the crew and passengers spirits were high and we were treated to a wonderful encounter with Resident Orcas foraging (hunting) off San Juan Island  We got to see several wonderful spy-hops, tail slaps and a couple of breaches this afternoon. As we watched the Orcas hunting we could see several of them traveling at speed in hot pursuit of Salmon. Orcas can reach speeds of over 30 miles an hour when they are pursuing prey. We could also hear the Orcas vocalizing and using their echo-location (biological sonar) as they hunted. It is believed Orcas must find at least 10% of their body weight a day in food to sustain their health and with Resident Orcas that means a lot of Chinook Salmon!

Apart from the Orcas we also saw Harbor Porpoise and a large number of Harbor Seals at the Chain Islets.

To see more images from this incredible encounter please click on the link below;

Sept 18th – Resident Orcas off San Juan!

Sept 17th PM – Resident Orca Superpod in the afternoon!

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Andrew

Resident Orca Spy hop

Superpod

This afternoon we encountered a large amount of Resident Orcas forming a Superpod south of Seabird heading towards San Juan Island. The Orcas were spread out in matralines and many seemed to be in a playful mood  We got to see so many spyhops today I lost count! We also got to see many tail slaps, tail lobs, cart wheels, and other playful behavior as the Orcas socialized. A Superpod is when we have all three pods, J, K & L together in the same area and is always such a thrill to see. We may not have had every single Resident Orca but we know we definitely had a good 60 plus Orcas out there 

We also got to see Seals and Porpoise during this afternoon’s incredible tour. If you would like to see more images from today please click on the link below;

Sept 17th PM – Afternoon with Superpod