04-16-15: Orcas on the Hunt, Blue Whales, Humpbacks and More

Moss Landing Killer Whales
Female killer whale on the hunt. It was over moments later. Photo: Michael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com

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.

Moss Landing Killer Whales
This was a group of female with a young calf. Photo: Michael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com

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.

Moss Landing Killer Whales
This young calf repeatedly breached. Photo: Michael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com. 04-16-2015

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.

Moss Landing Killer Whales
On the prowl. Photo: Michael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com. 04-16-2015

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!

Blue Whale Just Outside of Moss Landing
There have been a few blue whales hanging out a few miles northwest of Moss Landing. Photo: MIchael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com. 04-16-2015

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.

Blue Whale Just Outside of Moss Landing
The krill was shallow. This made for good blue whale watching as they were not going as deep and staying nicely. Photo: Michael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com. 04-16-2015.

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.

 

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