Maryla Rogers of Merritt is the winner of our first draw of 2022 in the Go camping BC logo game. Maryla has won a 3 hour whale watching tour for two with Five Star Whale Watching in Victoria, BC.
In 2021 Five Star Whale Watching had a record number of sightings of Bigg’s Killer Whales (the Marine Mammal Eaters) and a record number of Mom & Calf Humpback Whale pairings. There were more than 1000 orca sightings, making them present more than 90% of the year, a new high. Often they were seen in the Salish Sea, with more than one pod hanging out together.
2021 was also a record year for humpback whales. In particular a record number of Mom & calves have been seen in the Salish Sea. During the 2021 season, 21 calves have been photographed and documented by whale watchers and researchers throughout inland Washington and British Columbia. According to the Center for Whale Research, that is the highest annual number on record so far for the region, and is nearly twice as many as were reported in 2020, when 11 calves were documented.
“2021 has been an incredible year for female humpbacks coming into the Salish Sea with new calves,” says Alexa Desautels, Head Naturalist with Five Star Whale Watching. “Calves only travel with mom for a year or so and then they’re on their own. Once they’re familiar with our waters, they will often return year after year to feed.”
On July 1st (Canada Day) we also witnessed a humpback whale breach over 50 times! “Watching a 30-40 ton whale breach is always a thrill” said Andrew Lees, Captain and owner of Five Star Whale Watching.
We also encountered gray whales, minke whales, porpoise and both seals, sea lions & otters during our tours in 2021. Join Five Star Whale Watching this year and Discover the Wonders of the Salish Sea! As a special treat for Go Camping BC readers/users Five Star offers a 25% discount! Use the code CG2022 on line http://www.5starwhales.com/ or mention the code when you book by phone 250-388-7223.