Large gathering of Resident Orcas: A42's, R4's, A36 brothers, I15's & two Humpback Whales!
It was an absolutely amazing day of viewing orcas beginning early on in our tour with the A42's, they passed us as they raced up the Hanson Island side of Johnstone Strait, they were moving quickly in the ebbing current and reaching the top end off Weynton Island they spread out and began foraging further west in Johnstone Strait. All of the other groups the A, G and R Clans were also travelling to the west in Johnstone Strait but more slowly and almost parallel to one another. The I15's were across on the Vancouver Island shoreline, the A36 brothers were centre Strait while the R4's took the Hanson side of the Strait. We enjoyed some wonderful viewing of the R4's, they were travelling altogether in line sequence and were beautiful to watch, their synchronized surfacing and diving movements were mesmerizing. The tall dorsal fins of R4's four sons were striking to look at, visually their impact was awesome for all of us watching, their combined beauty and grace was magnificent! Next came the A36 brothers with A37 (Plumper) in the lead, he was 500 m ahead of his brother A46 (Kaikash), who travelled directly in line behind his older brother. After they had gone by we waited, drifting with our engine off, for the I15's who had also begun crossing the Strait, and with our hydrophone deployed, we listened for calls but did not hear any, they were silent. We could not believe our luck when the I15's came towards us, some passing off the stern, cruising alongside looking upwards at some of our passengers, others passed directly under the boat. We all watched spellbound, watching as they carried on into Weynton Passage quickly in the ebbing current. We ourselves travelled also through Weynton Passage and it was off the Plumper Islands in Blackfish Sound that we enjoyed viewing two humpback whales, one of whom was Argonaut! It was a brilliant day with three Clans of orcas being present as well as: humpback whales, dall's porpoises, harbour seals, black oyster catchers, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, belted kingfishers, pigeon guillemots, black turnstones, bald eagles. Today's penned comments: What a wonderful time we had on the Seasmoke. Everything was amazing from the weather, the animals,the company, the especially delicious home-made muffins and yummy steaming scones. What a nice touch. We saw so many animals, eagles, seals, seabirds, many different families of orcas and to top it off at the tail end of the trip we saw some humpbacks too! We booked in advance and are glad we did! We will be back next year! Thank you for welcoming our family and making us feel at home, cozied up in a blanket and all. ~ Kathryn Schoenhals, Houston Texas/ Calgary
Such an amazing day!! This was our third day out on the water here and you guys were by far the best tour company we went with! It was nice to be on a smaller , less crowded boat and the tea and scones was a wonderful personal touch. I just launched a non-profit animal protection project that focuses on stopping whaling and marine captivity. So excited to take back amazing photo's to hopefully inspire people to help orcas here and in captivity. Check us out: www.leviathanproject.us Thanks again! ~ Jillian and Aaron, LA, USA
There are no words to describe this experience. Orcas, humpbacks, seals, eagles, wonderful environment with the mountains and clear waters. I am speechless before this magical moment. Thank you for this amazing day, I will never forget. I am deeply moved by this beauty. ~ Annie, Montreal.
Wonderful Day! I can't believe I had the opportunity to see all of this beauty. I will never forget these beautiful orcas andhumpbacks I saw...they are the most beautiful animals on EARTH!! Thank you. ~ Catherine, Montreal
