Wednesday, August 20

The morning’s tour had us heading to San Juan Island, located across the Haro Strait east of Victoria. We were pleased to meet up with some Resident (fish eating) orcas around False Bay. Once on scene for a few minutes we identified the group as members of L-pod. We sat off shore as the animals traveled and forage for salmon. We were fortunate enough to get a close pass from 2 different males. First, we viewed as Flash (L73, 22 yrs old) traveled past our stern after his next meal. Not long after, Saanich (L74, also 22 yrs old) passed by our port side. We were even able to see his white counter shaded patches as he traveled just under the surface! If that was not enough we stopped at the Chain Island to watch Harbour seals bask in the sun and roll into the water in search of their next meal.

If the morning start great, the afternoon was fantastic. This tour had us traveling south west of Victoria's Habour to the marine park known as Race Rocks. We had word that 20+ Transient Orcas (marine mammal eaters) had gathered along the shore line. This tour was particularly special to myself, Sheenah Marine Naturalist, in the 3 years I have been a naturalist at Orca Spirit I have never seen more that 8 transients together. We viewed as they made a few kills on Harbour seals and California sea lions and socialized. Normally these orcas are focused on the hunt, but today’s tour got to see such things as spy hoping and logging. If this wasn't enough we went through Race Rocks and watched the nervous Stellar and California sea lions and the Harbour and Elephant seals.