Eagle Wing Tours

 




Coming Soon: Interactive, multimedia "Captain's Blog"

In an effort to continue to lead the whale watch industry both on-line and on the water, we are developing a new style of trip journal that lets you visually travel over each trip's exact route, viewing the wildlife and scenery along the way - just as we saw it!

Our newest team member, Chris, has been creating blog entries like these on his own personal website for some time and is bringing the feature to Eagle Wing Tours. Stay tuned for a June 2009 launch!

December 2009

  • December 2nd Thursday 9:30am tour:

What

Jeff Lamarche

Captain/Biologist,

Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours
Fisherman’s Wharf
Victoria, B.C., Vancouver Island, Canada

W (250) 384-8008  F (250) 381-8190
Toll-free in U.S.A. & Canada 1(800) 708-9488
whales@eaglewingtours.com
www.eaglewingtours.com

 


 

December 2009

  • December 2nd Thursday 9:30am tour:

What


September 1 2009


Christopher Zylstra, Captain, Eaglewing Tours

 


July 9 2009

I have lost track of how many days, and trips in a row that we have consistently observing orca - killer whales - on each trip. Anyway, it's been many, many trips now of spectacular orca sightings. As a guide, albeit a new one to Eaglewing, this has been, truly, my best year so far for sightings. I suspect however, that being new to Eaglewing Tours might be the reason, and not the whales. You see, compared to other companies that I have worked for and close to, Eagle Wing truly has the passenger's interests in mind foremost, over and above their own. What does this mean? Well, many companies will limit the distance captains may travel in order to go and find the whales, even if they are close enough to be seen in a typical 2.5 - 3 hour trip time. Much to my surprise when I first began at Eaglewing, we are encouraged to travel afazr, and to do our very utmost to find the whales and provide as good a trip as possible for our passengers. As a guide this makes my job so much more enjoyable, because I get to use my skills to the fullest.


So, when thinking of coming whale watching in Victoria BC, or on Vancouver Island in general, consider Eaglewing when you want the absolute best value for your money, when you want a top notch custmer service experience, and the best possible chance of seeing whales (over 95%!).

Christopher Zylstra, Captain, Eaglewing Tours

 

July 04 2009

Happy Independence Day to our American friends! So many Americans visit Victoria and Vancouver Island for their summer holidays, and choose to spend the day or weekend whale watching with us, that we end up celebrating July 4th ourselves. And to our American brothers and sisters let me say that it's an honour and privilege to mark the day with you.

And what a day it has been! One of the local killer whale (or "orca") families J pod has been joined by K pod today providing us with behavioural displays that take your breath away. Almost is if they know the importance of the day, the pods are celebrating in their own way; breaching the surface often, making close passes to drifting vessels and showing off with grace and power why they are the top of the oceanic food chain. As it so happens today the animals are sticking to the US side of the border that runs right through their favourite areas.

We wish everyone a safe and exciting 4th of July weekend and extend an invitation to anyone curious about nature and her majestic creatures to join us aboard the premiere whale watch vessels in the Victroia BC fleet, with some of the industry's most experienced and capable crew members. Our passion for the orca whales will excite the mind and our high speed vessels will thrill your body! Welcome aboard!

July 3 2009


Our tours lately are incredible! (if we do say so ourselves ;>) ) But, really, all three resident orca pods are in the Victoria and Vancouver area now and we are witnessing all sorts of behaviour types. Orca - or killer whales - are the most socialized animals in the world's oceans with the local Southern Residents exemplifying this. As large family groups each pod have familiar traits and behaviours that we watch and explain to our guests on each trip. Being highly social, it is not rare to see the breaching (jumping right out of the water), spyhopping (rising vertically out of the water as far as their pectoral fins), and rubbing up against each other on your adventure with us. Our state of the art hydrophones listen in to the "choral arragements of the sea" as the pod members communicate to each other in their beautiful, songlike language.

If you are considering whale watching read our Trip Advisor reviews - reviews by actual passengers - and find out why we are the number one whale watching tour company in Victoria. Yes we have the fastest, nicest boats and longer trips with a guranteed whale sighting policy. But we know that the bottom line is always customer service. At Eagle Wing we take our commitment to you, and to providing you with the experience of a lifetime very, very seriously.

Christopher Zylstra - aka "Fluke Shot"
Captain, Eagle Wing Tours

 

May 2009

  • July 2nd Thursday 9:30am tour:

What a day to be out on the water! Flat, calm, warm sunny skies and lots of whales near Alden Bank, Washington approaching Point Roberts. J pod and a portion of K pod were very spread out feeding and foraging. J1 Ruffles still looks amazing at 58 years of age (born est: 1951). As the trip time went on we noticed the behavior of the whales change rather quickly into an immediate direction change, all traveling north. Two groups were merging and getting closer together as we had a new born from J pod surprise us with mom porpoising fast.  Vancouver, BC was just off in the distance beyond as we watched motionless in the water as they as a family continued onward into the sunset as they say...in search of likely food (fish) off the Fraser River. We also say a Bald Eagle in a tree top in Johns Pass on Stuart island, and a group of about 20+ Stellar Sea Lions on Boiling Reef on Saturna Island, BC.

Sure am looking forward to the next tour!

  • May 22  2:00 pm departure

Since our morning trip, the 26-member killer whale (orca) pod we call J pod, had moved 10 miles northeast along the coast of San Juan Island. They continued to be spread along a line of about 6 miles, separated into familiar "matrilineal groups".

Having traveled about 45 miles since seen yesterday afternoon,  when they were last seen heading in the direction of Vancouver, the "J's" were taking it easy, resting and making very little noise underwater according to our eavesdropping via underwater microphone.

Guests ooohed and aahed at the sight as they rhythmically rose to the surface for each loud breath and we discussed these wonderful animal's effective breathing abilities (they replace 86%of the oxygen in their body with one breath!).

Conditions were ideal with a light wind coming from the South, clear skies overhead and an ebb tide keeping the orca (killer whales) from leaving our area too quickly.

On our return trip we witnessed a bald eagle attack and drown a seagull who had apparently stepped over the line when pestering the majestic raptor. Yikes! What a sight!

Many thanks to my passengers, in particular 4-year-old Henry from England who showed the inquisitiveness of a child and the patience and manners of a grown man. Impressive!

Christopher Zylstra, Captain, Eagle Wing Tours
______________________________________________________________________

  • May 22, 10:00 am departure
J pod were reported to be making their way south, down Rosario Strait this morning and I estimated they'd be within less than an hour's run from Victoria harbour by departure time. This gave us enough time to investigate the oddly named "whale Rocks, en route for the marine mammals commonly seen there, Sea lions.

Sure enough, basking in all of their hulking glory were three Stella's sea lions - each weighing at least 1,500 pounds (or 700 kilos). Massive! Grunting and growling at each other over some perceived slight by the other they were a very entertaining sight. So much so that we almost missed the bald eagle in front of us as it darted from the sky into the water to retrieve a fish for his breakfast. Wow.

Soon reports of the whale's arrival in our vicinity cam e in and after a short mile long hop offshore we were entertained by the " J 14's" a matrilineal group of 5 whales that included a large bull, two grown females, a juvenile and a calf less that 3 months old.

The orca (killer whales) flapped their tails on the water for us, surprised us with an unplanned close encounter, and wowed by appreciative passengers who, one and all, reported having their expectations exceeded by the experience.

Give us the chance to impress you too and book a tour! we're seeing whales every trip right now!!!

Christopher Zylstra, Captain, Eagle Wing Tours.

  • May 20, 10:00 am  departure
    •

     

    15-20 knots of wind, 2-3 foot water chop and a boat that is designed to float across the top of these conditions...YEE HAA! 

    J pod sighted early in the morning traveling north bound up the west side of San juan Island.  Reports indicate that they are in a resting pattern. When whales are resting they essentially 're-charging' their batteries/energy levels. When they are in this resting pattern they are typically all grouped up together in a tight swimming formation. When they are in this formation they are swimming very slowly and almost are synchronized when they come up air.

    Our guests were all in great spirits, and very much looked forward to seeing the orca.  They were not disappointed: great boat ride, seals, marine birds, beautiful scenery & over 23 Killer Whales close together swimming slowly offering ideal photo opportunities.

    One of the more moments was viewing the two new born orca calves: J44 & J45. J45 who is un-named and un-sexed is the offspring to J14 Samish, who now has 4 children.  J44 is the little munchkin of J-17 Princess Angeline, who also has 4 offspring.

    These little ones are between the ages of 3-4 months old. Their 'to be white' markings are at this time very jaundiced in colour...a very deep orangey brown colour. These little ones were right in the middle of the family group as they traveled north. To keep up with the pace of the mature animals they usually 'draft' them. As the adults surface they create a small wave, which the little ones then surface onto and glide right along with the rest of the group.

    Here is hoping that these new orca calves are going to be ok...50/50 chance they will not survive the first year due to toxic milk from mom because of pollution in the environment.

    Cross your fingers everyone!

    Brett Soberg, aka 'Critter', owner/operator, Eagle Wing Tours


    • May 19, 10:00 am  departure
    The South end of the San Juan Islands is beautiful with bald eagle nests, seal haul outs and some incredible shoreline. We were fortunate to visit the area this morning alongside the 26 member, killer whale family "J pod".

    A familiar sight to us seasoned whale watchers, J pod appear quite healthy this year, well fattened from a winter of feeding deep into Puget Sound and offshore. We watched breathlessly as the newest calf, J 45, plunged through the waves ahead of her mother with all the energy of a wound up spring!

    Passengers and crew alike had a wonderful time discussing the whale's habits and habitat and many great questions were asked by some very young, budding marine biologists!

    Thanks everyone for a wonderful trip and your great enthusiasm.

    Christoper Zylstra, Captain, Eagle Wing Tours.
    _____________________________________________________________________
    • May 18, 2:00 pm departure
    _____________________________________________________________________________________________

    • May 15th Friday 2:30pm tour:

    The afternoon is warm, flat calm waters and lots of whales. J pod traveling north towards Stuart Island. We took our time and followed our early morning trips footsteps. with the exception of a pair of Bald Eagles at Kelp reef. Perfectly situated on top this big nautical marker they proudly perched virtually motionless allowing for flawless photo opportunities. J pod came out of their resting pattern and surfed in the wake of a large freighter...their dorsal fins riping through the water literally like a hot knife through butter..AWESOME!  This was followed by a few breaches (jumping killer whales). We left the area near Moresby Island with having been blessed with a wonderful encounter with J1 Ruffles (58 years old). On our way home we stopped by a family of Transient Orca who had been found a Little earlier. Excellent seeing two genetically distinct groups of Orca on the same whale watching boat trip.

    Brett Soberg, Owner/Operator, Eagle Wing Tours

    _____________________________________________________________________________________________

    • May 16 2009 10:30 am


    The question first coming to mind each morning, "where are the whales?", has been answered before departure. J pod, a family group of 26 resident orca (killer whales), had been spotted along San Juan Island's western shore.

    Along the way it became apparent that letting the whales move toward us would save travel time (and carbon exhaust) and allow us extra adventure time. We stopped at the Chain Islets and explored the cormorant and gull colonies, observed the winking, squinting northern harbour seals basking on their uncomfortable looking rocky perches and discussed peculiar and interesting facts about just about everything we saw.

    The main attraction couldn't wait for too long so we cleared the islets after a good look and made weigh for the western coast of San Juan Island. There, trusty J pod were traveling slowly (2-3 kn) up-coast in familiar matrilineal groups. Newly and grandly "sprouted" J 30 seemed to be particularly proud of the new square footage to bee seen in his dorsal fin. Born in 1995, J 30 has now reached puberty, signaled by the sudden growth in his great dorsal fin. What a sight!

    And that's only how the trip began! Our time with the whales was breathtaking and a real treat for everyone aboard - even myself!

    Pick up the telephone or drop by family-friendly fisherman's wharf for information and a look at our modern, ultra-high performance vessels.Your safety is assured and satisfaction guaranteed - oh, and so are the whales! That's right, if we come back without having seen whales all passengers are eligible for a free trip on any of our future departures.

    All whale watching tours are not created equal. Eaglewing is a recognized premium operator with the highest customer service supported by a whale guarantee.

    - Christopher Zylstra. Captain, Eagle Wing Tours

     

    • May 15th Friday 10am tour:

    Victoria, BC truly is a beautiful city to call home. This morning we had a report of whales off the west side of San Juan Island. It proved to be J pod minus the portion of k pod that we have had over the past 5-6 days.  Our journey began with a magnificent display of an adult bald eagle and a healthy sized haul out of Pacific harbour seals. Great Chain Island in oak Bay was delightful with another Eagle sitting high atop all of the Double Crested Cormorant nests (about 150). We made our way to the whales and they were all in a tight resting formation...23+ orca all in a row like dominoes synchronizing their breathes swimming slowly. It truly was a perfect sight...the sound of each individual breath of air piercing the area like old faithful. On the way home we stopped to admire about 3-5 Dall's Porpoise resting & recharging their lungs before going back down on a deep dive hunting for food. Chatham Island, Vantreight & Strongtide Island were great, except for the high and dry 40' cruiser that apparently misjudged the tides. The narrow channel of water, Strongtide, was a lovely peaceful drift and provided many photo opportunities.

    Our new boat is performing so well...fuel efficient and fast!

    Brett Soberg. Owner/Operator Eagle Wing Tours
    ______________________________________________________________________

    May 14th Thursday 10am tour:

    J pod again! We're on a roll with J pod as the other two resident pods have yet to make their official arrival in our waters (their summer feeding grounds).

    Aboard Eaglewing everyone was comfortable and in great position to view all 26 members of the killer whale pod - considered the apex, or top, predator in the sea.

    While we watched some classic traveling behavior complete with porpoising right out of the water by two of the pod's younger males, a great discussion carried on among us about killer whales around the world and the different adaptations each group has made to their surroundings wherever they live.

    Thank you to all my passengers who made the trip a wonderful and rich experience.

     

    Christopher Zylstra, Captain, Eagle Wing Tours

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________

    • May 13th Wednesday 10am tour:

    Aboard our new offshore catamaran "Eaglewing" 8 excited guests and myself left Victoria harbour with little information to go on with regard to J pod's location. A family of 26 killer whales, or, orca, the pod ranges within an eighty miles radius of Victoria for more than half of the year.

    The afternoon before I had left them heading North and had later learned from sources that the pod had continued North through Swanson channel - usually a sign that they are going to Vancouver, attracted by the world's greatest salmon bearing river, the Fraser.
    All other Victoria based vessels accepted their inability to get that far North in one trip and puttered around local waters hoping for Transients or maybe some porpoise.

    Not us. It's a long way to go without a confirmed sighting to go on, but at Eaglewing we guarantee whales for our guests so that means giving it the best effort we can.

     I had everyone on the boat peering into the distance when we arrived in North Rosario Strait but I'm not sure they really believed we were going to find them. And yet, there they were, right where we had hoped! Great job everyone! Fantastic sightings of Ruffles, Granny, Mike and more of the tightly knit family group.

    Many thanks to my wonderful passengers who kept the faith and asked so many great questions. Your enthusiasm is wonderful and makes my job a real pleasure.

    Christopher Zylstra. Captain, Eagle Wing Tours.
     ____________________________________________________________________

    • May 10th Saturday 2:30pm tour:

What a day to be out on the water! Flat, calm, warm sunny skies and lots of whales near Alden Bank, Washington approaching Point Roberts. J pod and a portion of K pod were very spread out feeding and foraging. J1 Ruffles still looks amazing at 58 years of age (born est: 1951). As the trip time went on we noticed the behavior of the whales change rather quickly into an immediate direction change, all traveling north. Two groups were merging and getting closer together as we had a new born from J pod surprise us with mom porpoising fast.  Vancouver, BC was just off in the distance beyond as we watched motionless in the water as they as a family continued onward into the sunset as they say...in search of likely food (fish) off the Fraser River. We also say a Bald Eagle in a tree top in Johns Pass on Stuart island, and a group of about 20+ Stellar Sea Lions on Boiling Reef on Saturna Island, BC.

Sure am looking forward to the next tour!

Brett Soberg (aka: 'Critter'), owner/operator Eagle Wing Tours



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