photo gallery

Between 2006 - 2011 I realized my ultimate on-the-water professional ambition: Spending every day tracking, observing and accompanying local orcinus orca pods and other whale, marine mammal species, and sharing my enthusiasm for this world with visitors from around the world. Oh, right....In command of the fastest, most capable sea-going vessels ever designed and modern camera gear in hand it would have been criminal not to get at least a couple nice shots...

  • Pinnipeds

    Pinnipeds (13)

    Seals and sea lions... 4 species are regularly seen in the area.
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on June 4, 2009
     
  • Orca Acrobatics

    Orca Acrobatics (15)

    No one knows why orca breach (jump out of the water) but I've got my theories. Because it feels good! No, I've no proof but does there need to be another reason?
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on October 27, 2007
     
  • Baleen Whales

    Baleen Whales (17)

    Humpback and gray whales are regular features on our trips, especially if orca are out of range that day.
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on November 10, 2007
     
  • Marine Mammals - other

    Marine Mammals - other (9)

    Dall's porpoise and Northern river otters
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on October 29, 2007
     
  • Birds

    Birds (9)

    A "coastal sea", as our working area can well be described, is home to both stationary and transitory birds who depend on the ocean for food. While not a place where breeding and homemaking can really be accomplished, the sea is so nutrient rich that its challenges are more than worth the risk if suitable adaptations can be made.
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on November 9, 2007
     
  • Some of my best friends are Rigid Inflatable Boats...

    Some of my best friends are Rigid Inflatable Boats... (7)

    RIB's vs. Dr. Doom? RIB's no question. RIB's vs. The US Air force? Probably too close to call.
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on October 28, 2007
     
  • Orca dorsal fins

    Orca dorsal fins (7)

    Call them photographic studies on orca as they move through their watery environment.
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on October 29, 2007
     
  • Whale watching illustrated

    Whale watching illustrated (17)

    People come from all over the world to Victoria to go whale watching. The industry here is mature, well regulated and takes responsibility for its impact on the ecosystem it relies so heavily on. Have a look at us in action!
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on October 5, 2007
     
  • Seen on the water

    Seen on the water (21)

    US and Canadian military craft ply the same waters as the marine animals we observe every day. As a result we see some pretty serious hardware out there and I can't help but collect shots of them. Included here also are some more traditional craft.
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on October 28, 2007
     
  • Orca Behaviour

    Orca Behaviour (11)

    Day in, day out observation of these animals provides an opportunity to witness many behaviours. Orca have the largest brain of any animal in the ocean, and, scientists believe, the most highly organized social system in the world aside from humans.
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on October 29, 2007
     
  • Landscapes - our home and native land

    Landscapes - our home and native land (7)

    It's not enough that we can zip out the "back door" and witness these amazing animals in their natural habitat, no - we're lucky enough to have places like these as the backdrop for our viewing pleasure.
    from Registered CommenterChristopher Zylstra on November 9, 2007