A fantastic day of viewing on both of our tours ~ Orcas, Humpback Whales, bow-riding Dolphins and Porpoises!

Today's Sightings: Northern Resident Orcas, Humpback Whales, Dall's Porpoises, Pacific White-side Dolphins, Steller Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros and Cassin's Auklets, Red-Necked Phalaropes, Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfishers, Common Murres, a Great Blue Heron, a Surf Bird and Gull species.

It was an amazing day that we shared with many Cetaceans beginning with Orcas who were first encountered in Blackfish Sound, the A30s! It was fabulous to watch as they travelled east in the Sound, they were hunting and food sharing, socializing and rolling over one another, especially the younger calves; tail and pectoral fin slapping was also observed.

Along the way we encountered  four or more Humpback Whales, one came nearby en-route while travelling. We also enjoyed the presence of Pacific White-sided Dolphins and Dall's Porpoises who separately came alongside and also rode at our bow as we travelled along, it was a real treat for us all to enjoy!

On our afternoon tour we encountered the A30s in Johnstone Strait as they had turned back to the west at Izumi Rock. There was a group of some 20+ Dolphins who were among the Orcas feeding with them and also harassing them so at that point we observed that the orcas were taking long dives in their attempt to out smart the dolphins! Later, with our hydrophone deployed, we were able to listen to the A30s beautiful A-Clan vocalizations.

There were two Humpback Whales, one came by very close as we sat drifting in the current. We observed some pectoral fin slapping and enjoyed watching as the whales swam in wide circles, going back and forth around us. A final treat that was a delight for us all to see were some bow-riding Dall's Porpoises who also had their young come alongside. It was an amazing day to say the least!

Photo Credits: Muriel Halle. All photo's have been cropped and taken with a telephoto lens.