Monday, June 23rd

Heading out this morning we were instantly on the search for orca, and so headed south out into the Strait of Juan De Fuca and west towards the southern tip of San Juan Island in the hope of finding members of the Southern Resident Community. While searching we came across a bald eagle perched on a rock in an area known as Whale Rocks at the southern most tip of San Juan Island. Searching around this area we noticed an abundance of harbour seals swimming in the water, all popping their heads up and checking us out. It really was something unique to witness. We headed back west to Victoria still on the search but unfortunately nothing eventuated and the whales eluded us for the morning trip. Still, with the Orca Spirit Whale Guarantee I’m sure we’ll be seeing some of these passengers in the very near future.

The afternoon trip headed out with a determined and motivated crew but this time it was decided we would go south and west in the hope of finding whales. On our way towards Race Rocks we had gotten a report that the Southern Residents were way out west a few miles south of Otter Point, heading in a westerly direction. “We’re gonna go for it” Captain Brad stated. So with the rooster tail shooting out behind the Orca Spirit and a keen crew and passengers we made our way to the whales. It got a little choppy on the way out there but upon arrival on scene passengers were able to witness a couple of pairs of mother and calf, some breaches, tail slaps and a very nice pass-by from a juvenile male, with his floppy sprouting dorsal swaying from side-to-side in the choppy seas. As we had come a long way to view these orcas it was soon time to head back home. ‘Twas a long way to go this afternoon but we go where the whales are, and passengers certainly were pleased that they got to see the wonder that is Orcinus orca.