Gathering at the Blow Hole
Lots of sightings today on the ocean’s calm waters! We had sunny skies when the MV Seasmoke left the Alert Bay dock and headed over to Alder Bay Resort to pick up more guests. From there our skipper cruised through the Stephanson Islands where numerous Harbour seals lounged, swam and watched the boat go by. On to Weynton Passage, where three pods of Orca were sighted! These were identified as the ‘A’ pods - three groupings with an assortment of ages ranging from very small calf Orca up to large adults. What an amazing sight - so beautiful to watch them swim, dive and forage for food!
Other ‘black and whites’ observed today were the Dall’s porpoise - smaller than Orca and quick to move, these playful sea mammals splash and dive at top speed and love to play in the wake of boats. Passengers enjoyed watching them slip in and out of the bow wave of another boat near the Blow Hole, just south of the Plumper Islands and off Double Bay on Hanson Island. At the Blow Hole, guests also observed the dark, grey body of a Humpback whale, then the Seamoke found five more in Weynton Passage. Humpbacks can reach up to 40 tons in weight and measure 17 metres in length. Guests commented on how wonderful it is to watch these great, large creatures make that final dive when lift their enormous tale right out of the water. Humpbacks are identified by the individual markings on the tail, and sometimes we’re able to figure out the names they’ve been given by researchers.
Other excitement of the day included spotting six to eight Stellar sea lions at the Blow Hole, then all over Blackfish Sound. These are large creatures too, and it’s fun to watch as they swim by or climb off and on their favourtie Sea Lion Rock, often braying loudly at each other. Black Cormorants were also in Blackfish Sound - a place that is not only scenic but so often full of wildlife. There was a slight drizzle by the end of the tour, but this did not dampen anyone’s spirits and our guests were happy to see so many sea creatures in such a stunning setting!
