Minke Whales and Humpback Whales! July 5th, 2008.

Tufted Puffin!

Above and below, a young Minke Whale.

Today we had more amazing encounters with Minke Whales and Humpback Whales. In the East near Hein Bank we encountered 2 possibly 3 Minke Whales. To the West we encountered 2 Humpback Whales in close proximity with another Humpback further to the south.

We had chance to visit Race Rocks on our way home in the evening and saw a Mother and Pup harbor Seal! I also managed to get a picture of a Tufted Puffin, a sight that is always a delight and one that Ron Bates, MMRG, will be very envious of;)

On our way home yet another stunning Sunset greeted our arrival back at Victoria, the perfect end to an unforgettable day!

Baleen Extravaganza! July 4th, 2008.

The 4 pictures above show the Humpback with its mouth full of Krill.

The tail of a Humpback can measure 18' across from tip to tip.

These pectoral fins can be 1/4-1/3 the size of a Humpback Whale and these Whales can reach 50' long!!!

Steller Sealion on the North marker

Minke Whale near Hein Bank

The first 5 pictures above were taken by Ron Bates, MMRG.

To celebrate the 4th of July we had an amazing day with two different species of Baleen Whales!

In the morning we encountered a very playful Minke Whale near Hein Bank a shallow bank where nutrients collect and attract a wide variety of marine mammals. Apart from the Minke Whale we also saw a Steller Sealion on the north bank marker.

During our afternoon and evening trips we observed a number of very active Humpback Whales. One Humpback in particular was being very active and thrashing its tail on the surface repeatedly, which was exciting to watch. The Humpback was also seen lunge feeding and waved its enormous pectoral fins several times.

On our way home we were treated to another spectacular sunset!

Happy American Independence Day! July 4th, 2008.

All the staff at Five Star Whale Watching would like to wish all our friends and passengers from the US a very Happy American Independence Day! We hope you enjoy your holiday on the 4th of July.