Sunday, June 21
SUPERPOD!

This morning we set out on the Orca Spirit for another fantastic experience on the Salish Sea. We were travelling south of Victoira when Captain Brad received a report of orcas near Salmon Bank and turned east to catch up with what we assumed to be resident orcas. As we approached Haro Strait, we received word that the L12's had been found near False Bay and travelled there to watch Alexis (L12) and a young sprouter travelling slowly up the island. Shortly thereafter, they changed direction and moved south, most likely hearing the vocalizations of J-pod who were now travelling towards us. We had to reposition near Eagle Point, and were fortunate to see the two pods of whales group up. Our hydrophones picked up lots of vocalizations and we witnessed some amazing social behaviour including breaches, spyhops and even cartwheels! It was a fantastic viewing experience. We capped off with our tour with a visit to the Chain Islets to view some harbour seals.

Our magnificent morning trip was foreshadowing for an absolutely stellar experience this afternoon. It would prove to be be an unforgettable experience for both passengers and crew. We travelled to Stuart Island to find J-pod and the L12's travelling northward against the beautiful background of some sandstone bluffs and the Turn Point Lighthouse. We watched Ruffles (J1) pass us by, as well as Mike (J26) and all his podmates. In fact we had the distinct thrill and pleasure of watching 35+ killer whales making their way northward as they passed astern of our fine vessel. After the end of the whale parade we repositioned to the north in Swanson Channel, and I (naturalist Corey) was thrilled to see some blows to the north. It was K pod and the rest of the L's! We had our first superpod of the season coming together. We witnessed K-pod and L-pod porpoising towards J-pod and the L12's. Porpoising or high speed swimming is an incredible behaviour to witness as killer whales are incredibly fast predators reaching speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour. We saw a spectacular breach just of f the stern of our boat. This afternoon, we saw well over 80 killer whales! What an absolutely awe-inspiring day.