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.
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.
