August 5, 2006

This morning's trip found us at the south end of San Juan Island visiting with a group of whales that included Ruffles (J1)! It was a spectacular, intimate visit with our Southern Residents this morning, and our passengers were able to get some excellent video and photographs. We watched the whales foraging and socializing, and were witness to some amazing behaviour, including tail slaps, spyhops and pectoral slaps. On the return to Victoria, we stopped off at the Chain Islets to view some Harbour seals, including some very cute young Harbour seals. It was another great morning aboard the Orca Spirit.

For the afternoon trip we traveled north of Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island to find the L-12 subpod porpoising south at a high rate of speed. It is truly awe-inspiring to see this behaviour, when the orcas can move at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. After a brief but exhilarating visit with the large bull Mega (L41) and his family, we traveled a few miles north to find the J's, K's, and some L's both foraging and playing. Our customers were treated to some spectacular social behaviour that included breaches, tail slaps, pec slaps and spyhops. It was yet another amazing afternoon spent in the company of whales!

Have a look at some of Captain John's photos.