Posts tagged southern resident orca
Sightings Report for June 27th 2018

The day began sunny with calm winds, however they did build throughout the day so we had to move our sunset tour passengers to an afternoon trip! Our Captains were eager to leave the dock as there was reports that the Southern Resident Orca's (salmon eaters) were headed into the Salish Sea!!!

We are very excited that they are back, and hope that they can find the food they need to stay!! We have a lot of respect for these whales and hold them close to our hearts. Our boats are designed to have a low noise rating and our captains always abide by the whale wise regulations to ensure a positive encounter for everyone!!

~ Stay tuned!!!

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Sightings Report for June 22nd 2018

The day began with the sun shining but the wind picked up and the clouds moved in by the early afternoon.

In the morning our fleet caught up with the Southern Residents (salmon eaters) as they headed west through the Juan de Fuca Strait. They have now headed back out the the open ocean, we hope that they find enough food offshore and that we see them again soon!

BC TIKA went for an afternoon tour because she handles the best on rough waters. Captain Russ headed north east of Victoria to catch up with some Bigg's orca (mammal eaters)! They were identified as the T65A's, our guests were excited to see the brand new calf in the pod!!

~ Stay Tuned for whats next!!

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Sightings Report for June 21st 2018

It has been a hot week in the Victoria area, with the winds picking up into the next few days! There are so many whales in the area that its basically whale soup!

The Southern Resident Orca (salmon eaters) have stuck around and we have had the chance to interact with J and L pod as they forage along the San Juan Islands! They have been very active and social, often breaching and slapping the surface wit their fins. The winds picked up into our afternoon tours so our passengers were in for a roller-coaster ride! Luckily our boats handle rough seas well and everyone had a great time!

~ Stay Tuned!

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Sightings Report for June 12th 2018

It was a chilly overcast day with flat calm waters as we sent out BC TIKA and LUNA for morning tours! It wasn't long before reports of both Biggs (mammal eaters) and Southern Resident orca's (salmon eaters) were picked up! Our captains could not wait to get off the dock and see what the Residents were up to, and if they were finding the food they need!

Our fleet got the privilege to encounter members of L pod of the Southern Resident killer whale (salmon eaters) population! They were foraging through the Juan de Fuca Strait as they headed west, back out to the open ocean. We hope to see them again soon!! Biggs Orca (mammal eaters) were encountered off Otter Point in the afternoon, as they scanned for potential prey. Once successful they often celebrate by breaching, tail slapping and vocalizing!

~ Stay Tuned!!  

Photo Credit: Jim Carpenter

Photo Credit: Jim Carpenter

Sightings Report for April 5th 2018

The weather this past week has been very gloomy and cold, because of these conditions BC LUNA has spent a lot of time on the water! She is the best vessel for comfort and warmth, equipped with large windows so you don't miss the beautiful views of the coast.

Despite the weather our wildlife encounters have been consistent. Both ecotypes of orca have been seen in the area throughout the week. A super pod of transient orca (mammal eaters) were encountered north of the San Juan Islands just the other day! There were approximately 20 whales, which is very rare as they generally hangout in pods of 3-4 individuals. Residential orca (salmon eating) were also encountered chasing salmon throughout the Juan de Fuca Strait! 
Yesterday captain Gordon caught up with a pair of transient orcas just off the water front of downtown Victoria! They were identified as a male and female from different family pods, very unique experience.

Stay tuned for what we encounter next!

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Sightings Report for September 24th 2017

A great day for whale watching! The sun was out and the water was calm as our captains headed out to see what was in range for the day.

It wasn't long before reports of orcas came in indicating they were North of Victoria. Our fleet headed up to catch the action, and on the way stumbled upon a humpback feeding and resting in a channel among the San Juan Islands. 

Both ecotypes of orca were encountered throughout the day! The resident's (salmon eaters) were also seen around the San Juan Islands feeding on the salmon along the coastline. Bigg's orca (mammal eaters) were spotted moving quickly as they scanned the waters for prey, and socialized!

Stay tuned for whats next!!

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Sightings Report for September 22nd 2017

The sun was shining all morning but the clouds rolled through into the afternoon, lucky for us the wind remained calm, with the water ideal for spotting cetaceans as they surface!

Biggs Orca (mammal eaters) were encountered east and west of Victoria throughout the day so our captains had their pick and encountered several different groups! They were seen hunting and successfully making kills, as well as socializing afterward to celebrate!

Resident Orcas (fish eaters) identified as L pod are back and foraging for Salmon around the San Juan Islands! It was a pleasure to encounter these endangered species, because they have stayed offshore most of this season. 

A few individual humpbacks were also encountered foraging and resting in the Strait before making a stop in to see seals and sea lions at their favourite haul out sight, Race Rocks!

Take advantage of the 15% WhaleSale and come discover the Salish Sea with us!!

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Sighting Report for September 20, 2017

Early morning reports of orca were confirmed by the time our morning expeditions had left the dock.  All of our morning adventures headed towards the Juan De Fuca Strait between the southern end of Vancouver Island and mainland Washington state, USA.

All of our guests were thrilled to interact with the T11s (mother and son pod of Bigg's orca), the mammal hunting orca circled around a specific area that suggested they were hunting something close by.

The afternoon trips got to encounter the same pod of orca, as well as, a heap of marine mammal life on Race Rocks ecological reserve.  It was a great day to be on the water.

lets see what happens today on the Salish Sea ~ Stay Tuned!!