Orcas, Humpback and Minke Whales ~ superb viewing!
It was another fabulous day of sunshine, calm waters and the sky and sea reflected a lovely shade of blue that was pleasing to the eye, the scenery was breathtaking and beautiful as well! Once again, the two juvenile river otters amused us while we were docked at the Alder Bay Resort prior to our tour departure and one cannot help but be amused by their playful antics! When we headed out this morning we were soon in sight of orcas, the I15's were spread out from Bauza Islets across the Strait to almost the Pearse Islands and we encountered them as they drew parallel to the Stephenson Islands as they made their way out through Weynton Passage in the ebbing current. It was amazing to see the spread of dorsal fins, some near and some far, all across Weyton Passage travelling directly north they went and while passing through the Passage a humpback whale was seen across the Plumper Island shoreline. We had a fabulous view of two orcas who suddenly changed direction and headed towards our boat as it sat idle and drifting and soon they were alongside where we could look down through the water at their sheer size and beauty! Also swimming with the I15's again today were two pacific white-sided dolphins, quite possibly the two that we have seen travelling with them in recent days. With our hydrophone deployed we heard some brief G-Clan calls from the I15's which was wonderful to listen to. Turning back we enjoyed viewing three humpback whales, one of whom was Argonaut, we also had sightings of two minke whales on the way home. On our afternoon tour we also enjoyed an early sighting of two minke whales shortly after departing from Alder Bay, they were steadily foraging in the ebbing current of Pearse Passage. Following this, we were soon in the company of humpback whales who were fabulous to watch, especially when 'Argonaut' at one point surprised us with a brilliant full breach that two passengers onboard were lucky to photograph, especially lucky as the breach was spontaneous and close by! The viewing of two eaglets in their nest alongside of one of the parents was also a special treat to see. Also seen today: dall's porpoises, harbour seals, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, pigeon guillemots, fork-tailed storm petrels, red-necked phalaropes, belted kingfishers and gull species. Today's penned comments: It was amazing! We saw a lot of orcas and whales. What beautiful animals and sea. Thank you for the wonderful day! ~ Thomas & Afra, The Netherlands
A trip never to forget! Thanks for your passion about whales! ~ Demoor Family, Belgium
Beautiful trip, no orcas but plenty of whales, beautiful surroundings and perfect weather. We loved it! ~ de Ronde Family, Netherlands
