04-16-15: Orcas on the Hunt, Blue Whales, Humpbacks and More
Check out some of the video we shot. Amazing out there today – as we exited the harbor mouth a lone humpback whale greeted us with a breach. This was a good sign.
Ten more minutes and we were with a pod of Orcas on the prowl. We were treated to multiple breaches by the youngest whale in the clan.
We were patient, waiting our turn to view them closer and letting the Monterey whale boats leave the scene. As soon as we were alone with the pod, they came right up to the boat and circled us within a few feet! It gets better. Up pops a large harbor seal and it swims right to our boat, hugging the side for protection.
The orcas were swarming and the seal along with the Sanctuary were the center of their attentions. This dramatic predator prey interaction played out as expected. The harbor seal became lunch for the Orcas and our passengers had the wildlife observation experience of a lifetime!
It’s hard to beat a good Orca event like this, but the show was not over. We ventured out further and found several huge blue whales inside the bay.
All aboard got many good looks at them as they turned and came towards Sanctuary. It was awesome! To top it all off, we had black footed albatrosses soaring around them. It was a good day.