Jpod off San Juan Islands! July 3rd, 2008.

Orca Kelping

J1 "Ruffles", the oldest male Orca in the Southern Resident Orca population.

Tail Fluke

Breach by a juvenile:)

J1 "Ruffles"

J26 "Mike"

Tail Fluke.

Black Oyster Catcher

Pigeon Guillemots

Above and below is a picture of a Great Blue Heron catching prey.

Harbor Seals, many of the females are pregnant or have already given birth to pups.

Harlequin Duck

J16 "Slick" with her calf J42

Today we traveled to the Hein Bank marker where we encountered Jpod. When we arrived on scene we could see the pod was spread out over a wide area. Several members, including J16 "Slick" and J42, could be seen foraging for Salmon in numerous tide lines.

In the evening Jpod had moved north and we met up with them including J1 "Ruffles", near false bay. We also saw J2 "Granny", J26 "Mike", J8 "Spieden" and the cookie crew, J22 "Oreo", J34 "Doublestuff" and J38 "Cookie".

Throughout the day and evening tours we observed several breaches, tailslaps, spyhops and even a number of Orcas "Kelping", where they play with a piece of kelp. Another magnificent sunset was he perfect end to another memorable day:)

We have had an excellent start to the month of July so far!

Resident Orcas! July 2nd 2008.

The pictures above were taken by Ron Bates, MMRG.

Despite thick fog in the morning the resident Orcas were soon picked up, right by the mouth of Victoria Harbor! It is very rare that we see the Residents this close to Victoria. In the afternoon the Orcas had made their way back towards Hanna Heights on San Juan Island.

Happy Canada Day! July 1st 2008.

The three pictures above, including Marine Naturalist Kirsten, were taken by Ron Bates, MMRG.

Five Star Crew and friends enjoy the Canada Day festivities in the inner Harbor:)

Happy Canada Day to all our passengers. Everyone at Five Star wishes you a safe and enjoyable celebration during our Nations Birthday.

The Orcas are also celebrating Canada Day with our first vessel returning from a wonderful encounter with the Southern Residents, what a way to celebrate Canada Day:) We had the Resident Orcas all day today and all our passengers and crew had a thrilling enounter with these majestic marine mammals.

In the evening we sat in the inner harbor and enjoyed the festivities including a thrilling firework display!

Happy Canada Day:)