September 11th - Tranquil Tours in the Salish Sea

Today’s trip started out by finding some surfing Stellar Sealions in Dodd’s Narrow’s and Porlier Pass. These giant pinnipeds are a common sight (and sound!) in the fall, winter and spring. It’s great to see them back in our waters in such great numbers, and of course fun to watch them surf in the waves!

North of Galiano Island, one of the long and narrow Gulf Islands facing the Strait, is where we encountered humpback whale “Two Spot”. Humpback whales are ID’d by the pattern and trailing edge of their flukes, as well as their dorsal fins. This whale was aptly named after the two spots on its fluke! We watched it feeding, doing deep dives, and fluking before leaving to enjoy seals and the boat ride back to the dock.

Our afternoon tour departed at 3:30pm and encountered 3 humpback whales! We weren’t able to get the ID of one that was doing long, erratic dives, but not too long afterwards we encountered Divot and calf traveling along the east side of Valdes Island. Lots of humpback whales traveling and feeding in the Strait of Georgia!

Here are the best photos taken by marine naturalist Brad Farrow throughout the day!

Divot and Calf. Photo by Brad, 3:30pm tour

Jilann LechnerSeptember 13, 2021Comment