Thursday, May 15

This morning we were greeted just beyond the Victoria Harbour with calm seas sprinkled with lines of light fog. As we traveled west, it wasn’t long before we came across a large group, numbers in the 20’s, or harbour porpoises. With a few circles to create some wake, the porpoises were happy to come and play all around our boat. After a great time with the porpoises we moved on and continued our search for other wildlife. Next, we found ourselves at Race Rocks, a marine reserve off the southern most tip of Vancouver Island, where the animals and atmosphere captured what the west coast really has to offer. With a 148 year old light house and the Olympic Mountains as a backdrop, the rocks came alive. We enjoyed 5000lb elephant seals high on the rocks, 2000lb stellar and California sealions in and out of the water and many seabirds; such as black oystercatchers, cormerants, pigeon gillamonts and many relaxing seagulls. For our final wildlife encounter we headed to Whirl Bay, where we watched eagles soar about in the clearing sky, stock the waters from tree tops and relax near an ocean view nest.

Moments from leaving the harbour for our afternoon tours we received word that J-pod, one of our resident pods of orcas with 25 members, were foraging off the west side of San Juan Island. Immediately on scene, we had the pleasure of getting a great close look at Slick (J16, mother of 4) and her newest calf J42 (unnamed 1 year female) as they traveled off shore searching for salmon. Throughout the hour spent with the whales we had spyhoping, tail slapping and many great passes. One, I know myself and our guests will never forget, as when Blackberry (J27, a 17yr old sprouting male) came by slowly enough for everyone on board to appreciate the size and gentleness of the amazing animals all around us.

For our evening tour we were off to enjoy J-pod on the west shore of San Juan Island. In the few hours we were back in Victoria’s Harbour, Granny (J2, 97yr matriarch of J-pod) had the entire pod change from their foraging behavior to a playful social behavior. My personal favorite time to be on the water was amplified by breeching whales close by and in the distance. Our youngest passenger on board, a young girl from the states was fortunate enough to capture Polaris (J28) as she jumped, bringing her entire 7 ton body out of the water, in an amazing photo. The tour continued in a similar manner, at times I had trouble directing the passengers on which direction to look as not to miss any action. All 51 passengers, mostly on a shore excursion at the end of their Alaskan cruise, agreed it was a perfect evening they will never forget. As the sun began to lower, Blackberry (J27, a 17yr old male) gave a great goodbye with a close pass by our boat, that demonstrated the energy and passion that drives our industry to love each moment we get with orcas in their natural habitat. On the way back we slowed by Trial Island to see the 100 yr light house, harbour seals hauled out on the rocks, and a lone bald eagle perched high on a post. Once back at the dock, the crew were thanked perfusely for an amazing experience and a new found love for nature.