Another wonderful day of whale watching ~ Orcas & Humpback Whales with fabulous viewing!!

It was another beautiful, sunny and calm day on water on the North Island and cetacean viewing was active and ever-changing. On our way out this morning we encountered two humpback whales en route to seeing orcas and at least three more were seen during the tour with two observed nearby on our way home, both were feeding in the current in Weynton Passage. Meanwhile, the A30 orcas were foraging off Bold Head and we so enjoyed our time with them. A38 was foraging furthest west but still in close range with his sisters and their off-spring and it was so nice to drift in the current while listening to their A-Clan vocalizations and enjoy their family interactions especially of the young mothers and their calves and also that of a single pacific white-sided dolphin who was swimming with them. On the afternoon tour we met up with more orcas, this time the I11's (I12 group) , the C's and D's. They were well spread out across both sides of Vancouver Island travelling far to the west and past the Stephenson Islands on the Hanson Island side of the Strait and up as far as Lewis Point on the Vancouver Island side. At one point we were able to listen to some G-Clan calls from the I12's as they foraged nearby. The late afternoon was a beautiful one and the lighting was superb for some exquisite viewing and photography. We observed several humpback whales, they looked magnificent with their backs arching high before they dived and disappeared, it was breathtaking to watch the sequence.  Also seen today: harbour seals, dalls porpoises, rhinoceros and cassins auklets, common murres, marbled murrelets, fork-tailed storm petrels, belted kingfishers, black turnstones, bald eagles and gull species. Today's penned comments: "What a fabulous trip. Thank you so much Maureen and Mike for making it so special. The scenery, the orcas and humpbacks were so beautiful. We are so lucky to live on a wonderful Island in the Pacific and to be part of the beauty. Thank you as well for the muffins, the scones and tea, the laughter and chat. "~ Don and Maggie, Parksville, BC

"We enjoyed a beautiful trip on a wonderful day. Thanks a lot to Maureen & Mike. We really enjoyed the trip. Never thought to see so many whales! "~ The German Bunch, Canada, Germany and Czech Republic.

"This was our 4th trip with Seasmoke. We love whale watching with Maureen and the Seasmoke crew! The orcas were amazing and it was great to see so many birds and humpbacks. Thanks so much for the wonderful trip."~ Sandy & Mary, Wyoming/Idaho, USA

"This is THE way to whale watch!! What a fabulous experience! We really enjoyed the small group size and being on a sail boat - outside enjoying the sun, breeze and whales! Lots of orcas and some magnificent humpback whales. Tea, coffee, muffins and scones were the icing on the cake! Thank you for an unforgettable experience." - Kimberly, Gord & Benjame, Ontario

"What a wonderful experience! We were so fortunate to end up in with you all on this lovely "whale cruise". Maureen and Mike, your hospitality and knowledge was wonderful and much appreciated. The homemade muffins and scones and tea and coffee ~ it can't be beat! Thank you so much for a memorable day. Thank you!"    ~ Ian & Jode, Saanichton, BC

"Thank you very much for the most outstanding cruise we have ever been on. Absolutely amazing! "         ~Ceurmit and family, Edmonton, AB