Amazing Humpback Sighting!

August 16, 2010

This afternoon was absolutely incredible and the trip I have been waiting for for years. Our trip started out by viewing a resting J-pod (and more) as they moved slowly across the Victoria waterfront literally minutes from the harbour. As the whales made their way towards Trial Island, we watched some whales spyhop and tail-lob. To see the whales surface and dive in unison with over 30 whales was stunningly beautiful against the backdrop of Beacon Hill Park. There were rumours that humpbacks were about, so we left the orcas in search of them. We encountered a mother and calf humpback whale a few miles south of the orcas. We really had no idea what we would experience. It started with a cartwheel, where a whale throws its tail through the air and turned in to the most amazing humpback whale encounter I have ever had the privilege to witness. Simply put, it was a breach-fest! One of young guests counted 42 from the mother and calf with each whale breaching several times. It is hard to describe what it is like to see a humpback whale breach. I hope the pictures do it justice.