Tuesday, May 29th

Our morning was great, by a shining sun and very calm waters. We had word that orcas may have been spotted off Esquimalt so after our departure, we decided to head west out of Victoria Harbour and cruise along the shoreline. Along the trip we were fortunate enough to see a few Harbour Porpoises coming up for breaths. After heading as far west as Metchosin and not spotting any whales, we decided to check out Race Rocks to see what sort of wildlife would be there. We were pleasantly surprised to see that the rocks were covered with Harbour Seals, California Sea Lions and Stellar Sea Lions. Many were tanning themselves on the rocks but a few heads were poking out of the water and a few barks could be heard from the sea lions. We then proceeded east to the Chain Islands where we saw a magnificent Bald Eagle scanning the horizon on top of a Cormorant nest.

The afternoon tour was also welcomed with beautiful sunny weather. We decided to travel 20 miles west, where the whales were spotted along the San Juan Islands. Upon arrival we were pleasantly greeted by the J-pod. We saw Slick pass by with her newborn calf and the sprouting male orca, Mike. We then observed Ruffles, the large male, as he put on an excellent display with some flipper and tail slaps. After our orca experience, on our trip home, we were surprised to discover a Minke whale, the smallest of the baleen whales. The Minke surfaced a number of times for some deep breaths and then made a deeper dive. Surrounding the Minke were numerous Harbour Seals swimming around searching for food.

Another beautiful day on the water!

Sunday, May 28th

It was an adventure out on the Orca Spirit this morning as some brisk winds made for an exhilarating ride. We travelled north this morning through the waters of Haro Strait to Spieden Island on the lookout for our southern residents. The exotic wildlife on Spieden Island was elusive this morning, but we did see an eagle soaring high over the beautiful island. Continuing our journey, we travelled next to Boundary Pass, where we first met up with J-pod yesterday. Although we did not find orcas, we were able to take in the magnificent scenery of the southern Gulf Islands and the historic Turn Point Lighthouse. Our next stop was Mandarte Island, where we saw both pelagic and double-crested cormorants. There seem to be an abundance of double-crested cormorants there this year, which is a good sign for this interesting sea bird. Our final stop of the tour was Sidney Island, where we examined a bald eagle nest. These structures have been known to reach sizes of 10 feet across and can weigh several tons! Although we did not see whales this morning, it was another enjoyable trip. Sightings of whales continue to increase, and we are eagerly awaiting the return of K and L pods.

Here are some beautiful photos taken by onboard biologist Corey on Saturday's tours.

Saturday, May 26th

This morning, the Orca Spirit headed east into Haro Strait in search of J-pod. First, we cruised along the east coast of Trial Island, the location of a very scenic lighthouse and home to several harbour seals. Harbour seals were found in abundance this morning and we also watched a majestic mature bald eagle before continuing our journey east. We travelled next to Spieden Island, an island known for its imported moufflon sheep and other exotic animals. We were fortunate to see several of these fascinating animals resting near shore on the easternmost edge of the island. It was at this time that we received word that J-pod was inbound in Boundary Pass only a few miles away. Arriving on scene, we found the whales spread out and foraging as they made their way towards Turn Point. We had some great views of J16 (Slick) and her new calf J42, and also had a great pass with Mike (J26) one of the "sprouter" males in J-pod. It was a fantastic tour and an excellent start to the day.

In the afternoon, we caught up with the whales near Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island. The whales were in a playful mood as we several breaches, including a couple from the aforementioned Mike! The 25 member pod was still spread out, but we had some excellent viewing of many orcas including the matriarch of J-pod Granny (J2) and Polaris (J28). A highlight of the tour was a spectacular pass from Mike. The calm seas and brightening sky made for another great afternoon.

Wednesday, May 23rd

Although we only had one tour today there was enough action for many more! Our spotting network informed the crew before we left the dock that one of our local southern resident pods of Orcas, J-Pod, were seen about 30 minutes south east of Victoria.
Just moments after we arrived at Hein Bank we were greeted with a spyhop. (A spyhop is when a whales becomes vertical in the water and brings its head out and looks at its surroundings)
The 25 members of J-Pod were spread out in several family groups while traveling northbound. On board we were fortunate enough to get a great look at Slick (J16), her offspring Mike (J26), Alki (J36), Keet (J33) and new 3 week old calf, J42 (female).
As we began our travels back, we stopped one last time to take a look at Ruffles (J1), a 56 year old male. His amazing size and unique dorsal fin left a lasting impression on all of our guests.
Even with all that excitement we took the opportunity to stop at Discover and Chatham Islands. Once there we saw many seals hauled out on the rockweed covered shoreline. We also spotted many sea and shore birds such as Cormorants, Great Blue Heron, Rhinoceros Auklets and, after a group effort, a large Bald Eagle. A wonderful tour that both the guests and crew will remember.

Enjoy Naturalist Corey's photos taken onboard the Orca Spirit tours on May 21st.

Monday, May 21st

On this morning’s trip, we headed east to the waters of Haro Strait. Off of Discovery Island we encountered a large group of Harbour porpoise foraging. Although normally shy and elusive, we had a great viewing experience of these small cetaceans. For a moment it looked like they might even bowride! Continuing east, we stopped at Whale Rocks near the south end of San Juan Island. This area is a popular seal haulout. We watched a couple of seals foraging and admired a majestic mature bald eagle perched on the rocks. We traveled next to Hein Bank on the lookout for a Minke whale. None were to be found, but the many seabirds in the area were an indication of just how nutrient-rich our waters our. For our final stop of the tour, we stopped at the Chain Islets where saw some more Harbour seals and another bald eagle perched atop the double-crested cormorant colony. The sunny skies, calm waters and wonderful group of guests made for an excellent tour.

We received word from our spotter that J-pod was southbound heading towards East Point and would be in range for our afternoon tour so we headed to the waters of Boundary Pass to meet up with our southern residents. Although it was a long journey, it proved to be well worth it as we found J-pod in a very vocal mood. We had excellent passes and views of several whales including Blackberry (J27) and an incredible view of Polaris (J28). The distinctive dorsal nick of J28 is hard to miss! We finished our whale watching with some great viewing of a small group of orcas, including a young calf.

Our evening trip was fantastic as always, as we met up with J-pod off the picturesque Lime Kiln Lighthouse. The whales were spread out and foraging over several miles; the sounds of their echolocation clicks and calls were easily picked up by our hydrophone. The young "sprouter" Blackberry provided some of the excitement on this trip as well as he did a spectacular lunge and chase after a salmon off our starboard side. Not to be outdone, Ruffles (J1) also put on a magnificent show, playing in the wake of a large freighter before swimming by the Orca Spirit. On the return trip to Victoria, we stopped at Great Chain Island, where we saw not one but two bald eagles at the cormorant colony! It was an excellent end to a spectacular day, proving once again why the 5 pm trip is a staff favourite.

Sunday, May 20th

This afternoon the Orca Spirit and an intrepid group of passengers and crew headed east to False Bay on San Juan Island to catch up with J-pod. The rain showers only added to the true west coast experience, and we encountered our southern residents in a playful and inquisitive mood. In addition to a great visit with Ruffles, we also spent some time with J16 (Slick) and her family, including the new calf (J42). A highlight of the trip was a baby spyhop from the newest member of the community, but we were also treated to some pectoral slapping, tail slapping and even a breach!

Saturday, May 19th

This morning, the Orca Spirit headed to the waters off of the northwest end of San Juan Island, where we encountered J-pod spread out and travelling northward during a strong ebb tide. It was a fantastic tour, as we spent time with the 25 member pod of resident (fish-eating) killer whales. We had an excellent encounter with J-27 (Blackberry), a spectacular sprouter male, and several other orcas. The southern residents are a playful group of whales as was evident when several whales decided to "surf" in the wake of a large container ship. We also had an excellent look at J16 and her family, including the new calf J42. It was an amazing sight.

In the afternoon, we travelled north to Boundary Pass to meet up with J-pod that were still spread out and likely foraging in the nutrient-rich, current-swept waters. With the engines shut down, we drifted in the current and watched as the whales swam northward. The highlight of the trip was a sighting of J1 (Ruffles), the eldest male in the southern resident community and a truly spectacular animal. It was an excellent way to end another great trip!

Friday, May 18th

Although this morning tour started off a little cool on the water, it did not take long to warm up. We decided to head to the southern end of San Juan Island in hopes that we would make this day 4 with our resident orcas, J-pod. After 30 minutes looking up San Juan Channel and the Rosario Strait, without seeing any orcas, we made our way to Hein Bank in search of a Minke Whale. After only being on scene for 5 minutes, we were pleased to see a beautiful solo Minke. With the calm water the viewing of this amazing whale was breathtaking. Although we only got a glimpse of the back and dorsal fin of this 11 metre mammal, it was totally worth the effort.
We then headed back to Trail Island were we took some great pictures of Harbour Seals basking in the overcast sun.

In the afternoon we got word that J-pod had been spotted traveling south from Cherry Point Washington just as we were leaving the harbour. We knew in order to get to the whales we were in for a long ride and after we confirmed with all the passengers that we could extend the tour time, we were off.
After a long ride pass the southern tip of San Juan Island, up the west side of Lopez Island and north into the Rosario Strait, we were surround by J-pod. We got a great look as Slick (J16) and her new calf (J42) as they passed off our stern. Then, everyone had a smile on their face as Mike (J26) and Blackberry (J27), two sprouting males, surfaced side by side with wobbly dorsal fins. After a short by fantastic viewing, we were on our way home.

We had a great day on the water and all were pleased to view the amazing country side and the wildlife living within it.

Thursday, May 17th

Our morning tours began as we headed east to the American group of San Juan Islands. After 2 days of the same behaviour, we were pleased to meet back up with J-pod, who were on their way north up the coast of San Juan Island. The whales were spread out and feeding on the salmon.
We enjoyed the group as they passed by, allowing us to get a great view of each whales' saddle patch. The guests were eager and helpful when identifying each individual whale. We were pleased to see Slick (J16), her new female calf (J42), Ruffles (J1), Granny (J2) and Mike (J26) and Blackberry (J27), two sprouting males.

The afternoon tours were filled with a lot of excitement. J-pod, although feeding, was displaying their playful side. We were able to see many breaches, spyhoping and tail lobbing, as the group headed north to turn point. On the way back to our dock, we stopped at Discovery Island and The Chain Islands to view the many Harbour seals hauled out on the rocks. We also saw many Cormorants in their large community nest, Pigeon Guillemots on the water surface and enough seagulls to repopulate the earth. Another wonderful day on the waters surrounding Victoria and Vancouver Island.

Wednesday, May 16th

On our morning tour we ventured east through a choppy Strait of Jan De Fuca and then into the Haro Strait. As we came to the west shore of San Juan Island we were greeted by calmer waters and one of our resident pods, J-Pod.
As we arrived it was evident that the 25 members of J-pod were spread out over several kilometers foraging. The Orcas come to this area in the summer months to feed on the salmon, as they are running north to the Fraser River to spawn.
Slick (J16), her eldest son Mike (J26) and her new, 2 week old, calf (J42, female) were leading the way, closely followed by Ruffles (J1) and Granny (J2). We were all pleased to get a wonderful view of the whales in their natural habitat.
As we were getting ready to head back towards Victoria, we enjoyed several breeches, tail lobbing and even a spyhop. After a great viewing and then seeing rhinocerous auklets, pigeon guillemots, a Bald eagle and Harbour seals, it was hard to believe it was only a 3 hour tour!

Tuesday, May 15th

Our morning tour began by heading west in search for Orcas. We went as far as Secretary Island with no success finding the whales. We then toured into Beecher Bay where we came across 6 bald eagles spread throughout the tree tops. Whirl Bay was our next stop, we came across a beautiful eagles nest high in the trees and were pleased when the eagle returned.
We were still full of hope and decided to see if we could find any transient Orcas feeding in Race Rocks. Although we did not find any Orcas, we were fortunate enough to see several Stellar and California sea lions, Harbour and Elephant seals and an immature bald eagle. As we headed east to Trail Island we came across a small group of Harbour Porpoise that were eager to ride the wake of the boat. Despite the lack to whales, we had a great tour of the local wildlife, scenery and a wonderful group of passengers.

With the sunny skies and an eager group of passengers, we headed east with news from the Spotter that J-Pod had been spotted off the west side of San Juan Island. Once on scene we were greeted by a very active, feeding group. We enjoyed the view as one calf breached 7 times. It seemed the longer we stayed the more active the whales got, the show just kept continuing! As we travelled offshore, we came across Ruffles (J1), a 56 year old male and his mother, Granny (J2) 96 years old. As they past by the boat, they surfaced in unison and we could barely talk over the loud blows. We stopped at The Chain Islands to view hauled out harbour seals, a large bald eagle and many other sea and shore birds. As we headed back to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, we were all in agreement that we had just had a great tour on the waters surrounding Vancouver Island.

Monday, May 14th

We started the week strong with an amazing afternoon tour. Our whale spotting network lead us to the north west side of the American San Juan Islands.

Although the whales were along the shoreline and hard to view at first, our patience prevailed. We had a great afternoon in the sun watching J-pod. When we first got on scene they were spread out feeding, but after a few breeches, tail slaps and a spyhop, they group together in a resting pattern. While resting, we were able to see all 25 members surface within moments of each other. This behaviour allowed us to get a good look at J42, a 2 week old female calf, born to Slick (J16).

On our tour back to Victoria we stopped at The Chain Islands where we saw an immature bald eagle perch on the rocks next to the Cormorant’s next and many harbour seals both hauled out on the rocks and swimming in the surrounding waters.

Saturday, May 12th

This morning we headed to the waters of Hein Bank in search of minke whales.
Arriving on scene, we saw some frenzied bird action with both rhinoceros auklets and several gulls engaged in feeding in the rich waters, which was a great sign. We were not disappointed as we saw at least one minke whale surface repeatedly. We also had a visit from an inquisitive harbour seal that was undoubtedly enjoying the feast. Satisfied with this great minke sighting, we traveled to San Juan Island in search of our southern residents. Although J-pod proved elusive today, we had a great cruise up the west side of the island. We visited the scenic Lime Kiln Lighthouse and stopped at an enormous eagles nest. Our last stop of the trip was the Chain Islets, where we saw more harbour seals sunning themselves, several cormorants and even a harlequin duck! It was another great morning aboard the Orca Spirit.