T124C, a lone Biggs orca born in 1992, in Saanich Inlet yesterday. He was difficult to track with his unpredictable, zig-zagged surfacing, but the patience was worth it when he out of no where surfaced near the boat! Motors were turned off, and we were able to have an amazing look at him.
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!!!
The month has flown by, as we gear up for Canada Day! Yesterday was a windy day, meaning the waters would be choppy. Good thing our vessels and Captains handle rough seas well!!
Reports of Biggs Orca (mammal eaters) came in as our Captains left the dock with BC TIKA, LUNA, and NOVA! They were seen north of Orcas Island, chasing and hunting prey. Their diet consists mostly of harbour seals and porpoise, and we often encounter them chowing down! By afternoon the pods were near Vancouver and quickly moving out of range. The pods were identified as T65A's and T49A's, who are known to hang out together!
Humpback whales were encountered in the afternoon!! They were seen foraging throughout the Salish sea. We are so lucky to have local waters that can support so much life!!!
~ Stay tuned for whats next!!
Photo Credit: Captain Russ
What a beautiful Saturday in the capital region!! Perfect whale watching conditions as our captains left the dock.
It wasn't long before reports came in of Biggs Orca (mammal eaters) heading into range! Our fleet headed northeast of Victoria near Vancouver in the morning. By the afternoon that pod was out of range but by then other pods moved into the area!
~Stay tuned!!
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!!
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
The weather conditions were perfect, with clear sunny skies and calm seas we sent our fleet out to see who was in the area for the day! It didnt take long before reports of animals came in!
The Resident Orca's (fish eaters) are FINALLY back!!! They have not been seen in the area since April, so we are very excited!! This ecotype of orca specialize in eating Chinook Salmon, and with fish stocks so low the Southern Resident orca population is dwindling!
Not only did the Residents make an appearance, but the Biggs Orca (mammal eaters) were also present! They have been frequenting local waters all seasons and we are always pleased to encounter them!
~ Stay tuned!!
Happy Sunday! With sunny skies and calm seas BC ORCA and BC LUNA left the dock to see who was in the area for the day!
It wasn't long before several groups of Biggs Orca (mammal eaters) were picked up in the Salish Sea! Our coastal waters are so productive that they are able to support a variety of life, including many species of marine mammals. Seals and porpoise's make a large part of the Biggs Orca diet, so the pods often come in to hunt for their favourite prey!
By the afternoon the whales were very close to Victoria so our passengers got to spend more time on scene!! The whales were still in hunting mode as they foraged throughout the area. Pods are often seen celebrating their success after a meal!
~ Stay tuned for whats next!!
