Today we had 2 great trips that took us off Victoria then Sooke. Our first run took us near Hein Bank off the US waters for a group of Transient Orcas heading west. It was calm and the seas were almost like glass. Race Rocks again was full of wildlife including Sea Lions and Elephant Seals. Our afternoon trip took us to Race Rocks where the Transient Orcas were and we spent a great time with them. Another great trip through Race Rocks was included in the second trip.
Today took us off of Constance Bank to see J-Pod. It was a great tour that also took us through Race Rocks Eco Reserve. Lots of Seals Sea Lions and other wildlife were see. J-Pod was heading East in a tight group with lots of exciting activity seen.
We had an incredible trip today with J-Pod. We did get a call from Mark Grant Fishing Charters that whales were spotted off of Sooke. When we arrived we found all of J Pod 2 miles off of Sooke Harbour. It was a real treat to see J-44 (new calf) 1 of 2-3 calves mixed in the groups. Lots of playing and hunting was also seen by all the whales.
Todays tour took us right off of Sooke again to find T14 (orca). He was travelling west at a good pace 3 miles off shore. We also made a stop at Race Rocks for the Sea Lions, Elephant Seals and other marine animals. It was a great calm day!
We had an excellent trip that took us off of Victoria to view the T-10’s (Transient Orcas). They were heading towards Race Rocks at a slow speed but excellent to see T10 B, the big male.
Race Rocks was wonderful as usual as many Stellar, California Sea Lions were sunning themselves on the Rocks. 3-4 adult Elephant Seals are still there as well.
Last night while training on the Spirit of Sooke (Coast Guard Vessel) we had a group of 4-5 Transient Orcas swim right past. They were breeching, spy hopping. lots of activity. There are a lot of seals in the area, so they may have been feeding.
We started our tour that took us across the Juan de Fuca Strait to the USA beaches. We passed 30+ Dahls Porpoise mid way across, what a great sight. We had a Gray Whale (Barney) that has been in Crescent Bay every year for a month or more. After spending time with Barney we headed back to our waters and went through Race Rocks Eco Reserve. There we viewed Stellar Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, California Sea Lions and many other incredible animals.