Zodiac Adventure 2pm Oct 22

The 2pm Zodiac left Victoria Harbour with Skipper Mark at the helm. We headed east under clear blue skies. With calm waters all around we soon made our way to Middle Bank where it had been reported that Orca had been seen. It wasn't long before we saw the whales surfacing. K 20, a female with a very tall strait fin, K 11, the new matriarch of K Pod passed by the Zodiac. L 87 who has been accompanying K pod on several occasions was also seen. Later K 42 , the new active baby this year came swimming by tail lobbing and surfing with his sibling. His mother was close at hand. Another youngster, K 38 was seen breaching. It appeared that several members of the pod were heading out west. We left them and travelled to Chain Islets where we encountered Harbour Seals, Cormorants and Harlequin Ducks. It was another great trip enjoying the scenery and the abundant wildlife in these waters.
Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic"

Zodiac Adventure 11am Oct 22

It was a picture perfect Wednesday, 22nd of October on the BC coast. The view of Vancouver Island with its green forests and rocky shoreline bordered one side of the Strait of Juan de Fuca while the magestic Olympic Mountains in Washington State rose on the other. The view was spectacular. Our experienced Skipper Mark headed the 11am zodiac out west in search of Orca. We exhausted our search while checking all the possible bays and inlets and headed toward Race Rocks to observe the many Steller Sea lions growling at each other while the bigger males maintained their lofty perches. Several colour morphs of Harbour seals were seen on the smaller rocks. Although the Orca remained illusive on this trip our international visitors enjoyed their BC west coast experience. Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Adventure Oct 21

It was another enchanting day on the water once again. On board the 12.15 Ocean Magic trip were many international visitors from as far away as Switzerland and New Zealand. They were amazed to see so much interesting marine mammal and bird life that congregate in these nutrient rich waters. The three hour trip gave everyone good looks at the exciting behaviours of a family of Transient Orca. Capt. Gord took us near Bentinck Island off Metchosin, where the Orca had been reported earlier. The gathering of gulls above the foraging Transients indicated a kill. These animals are the top predator of the ocean. They were in a playful mood following their lunch and kept us entertained. Later, a visit to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, provided an opportunity to observe the Steller Sea Lions flexing their muscles, as well as colour variation Harbour Seals, lounging on a rock. We relocated the Transient Orca making another kill near Beacher Bay. A pair or Bald Eagles were also seen at this location. Sean and Derek, the two naturalists on board shared their wealth of knowledge with us all. Although it was chilly out there today, the magic of the Orca warmed our hearts and souls.
Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic"

Zodiac Adventures Oct 19

The 10am and 2pm Zodiac Adventures set out into calm water and sunshine. Capt James "Radar" took us west to Race Rocks and we took in the Ecological Reserve. California Sea Lions barking, Stellar Sea Lions growling and Harbor Seals fast asleep. We then caught up with some Transient Killer Whales, the T46B's and the T49A's . These mammal eating Orca were headed west along the rugged shores of southern Vancouver Island. Our 2pm trip got to witness these mighty Killer Whales working the shore line for food. They put on a great show as they searched and caught their prey. We had it all this day, spyhops, breaching, porposing, lunging, and fluking. Just a picture perfect west coast whale watching adventure. Photos by Clint "Orcawizard"

Ocean Magic Adventure Oct 18

Capt Chris took the Ocean Magic Adventure west to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve here we enjoyed viewing the many Stellar Sea Lions, California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. We then caught up with some Transient Killer Whales. These mighty Orca are the top of the Oceans Food Chain. We identified these whales as the T2 Pod, a group of females and younger calf's.We also caught up with two more Orca, Mika our on board Marine Biologist and Derek our Naturalist identified them as T21 and T20 transient Killer Whales. These two whales have been shadowing along close to the T2's for the past few days. Just another perfect whale watching day!!
Photos by Clint "Orcawizard"

Zodiac Adventures Oct 18

The two Zodiac trips, the 10 am and the 2pm were very successful in locating Transient Orca today. It was a gorgeous Autumn day with lots of sunshine and calm seas. With Skipper Mark at the helm we headed south east and encountered T 20 and T21 foraging off Oak Bay Flats. They were very illusive and zig-zagged all over. They were relocated in the afternoon heading out west. Our 2 pm trip took us out west a little way where we met up with the T46's and T49's near William Head. We had good looks at the two females with their four young ones in tow. Even further west we encountered the T2's but they were very illusive with 4-5 minute dives. A visit to Race Rocks gave us very good looks at Steller and California Sea Lions as well as Harbour Seals. There were many different gulls on the water today, indicating the abundance of food within these waters. Another GREAT day on the water viewing BC's incredible wildlife.
Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic"