Marine wildlife tours are always unpredictable and thrilling, offering glimpses into the behaviours of some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures. On this particular trip, we set out with exciting news: the orca pod we had spotted earlier in the day heading south had turned around and was now moving north. What followed was an unforgettable day filled with orcas, sea lions, and humpback whales, each encounter bringing its own surprises and scientific intrigue.

As we ventured out to Northumberland Channel, we quickly spotted the orcas. The first pod we encountered was the T018s, a family of transient orcas. Also known as Bigg's orcas, these transient orcas are marine mammal hunters, specializing in prey like seals, sea lions, and even porpoises. Unlike resident orcas, who primarily feed on salmon, transient orcas are top predators in their environment, relying on stealth and collaboration to hunt marine mammals.

T019 Nootka ♀ (~1965)
T019B Galiano ♂ (1995)
T019C Spouter ♂ (2001)

What stood out about this sighting was that the T018s were traveling without their matriarch, T018 herself. In orca society, family groups—called matrilines—are usually led by the oldest female, and offspring often remain with their mother for life. The T018 matriarch’s absence raised questions. Is this a temporary separation, or are we witnessing a more permanent shift in their family dynamics? Such changes in transient orca pods offer valuable insights into their social behavior and mobility patterns, which are less rigid than those of their fish-eating cousins.

A little further south, we encountered another interesting family unit: the T060 brothers. These two male orcas have split from the rest of their family and travel just with the two of them the majority of the time. Given that males are thought to stick with mom for this whole life this is an interesting change. Their impressive size and physicality make them stand out among orca pods, and their presence in proximity to other transient pods is a testament to the fluid social structures these marine mammal hunters exhibit. They were actually travelling with another pod earlier in the day, so we know that they do like to socialize with other whales.

T60D Onca ♂ (2004)
T60E Lynx ♂ (2008)

Finally, we came upon the T023s, another well-known transient orca family, passing through Dodd Narrows. Transient orcas are known for their ability to navigate narrow, complex waterways like these, a skill essential for hunting marine mammals that often hide or seek refuge in shallow coastal areas. Seeing the T023s was a reminder of how adaptable these creatures are.

T023 Janice ♀ (≤1964)
T023D Axle ♀ (1993)
T023D3 Robin ♂ (2012)
T023D4 Sixx (2015)
T023D5 (2019)

After observing the transient orcas, we made our way to the log booms at Harmac to visit a hual-out of California sea lions. These charismatic pinnipeds are a frequent sight along the Pacific coast, especially in autumn and winter when they gather in large groups. Sea lions are highly social and are often seen basking together on floating logs, platforms, or docks. Their loud, barking calls fill the air as they communicate with one another, vying for the best resting spots or establishing dominance.

California sea lions are an important part of the marine food web and are a favorite prey species for transient orcas. Their presence near orca hunting grounds reminds us of the delicate balance between predator and prey in marine ecosystems. Despite being agile in the water, sea lions are vulnerable to predation, especially from the highly coordinated hunting strategies of transient orcas. Observing them in their natural habitat—lounging and socializing—provides a fascinating glimpse into their behaviors outside of predator-prey interactions.

The day’s marine adventure didn’t end with orcas and sea lions. As we ventured into the open waters of the Strait of Georgia, we were fortunate enough to encounter three humpback whales traveling together: Kappa (BCX1058), Bandit (BCX2081), and Prowler (BCX1660). Humpbacks are known for their long migrations between feeding grounds in colder waters and breeding grounds in tropical areas. These massive baleen whales were likely feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of the Strait of Georgia, preparing for their next long journey south.

Humpback whales are filter feeders, using their baleen plates to strain tiny prey like krill, plankton, and small fish from the water. When traveling together, they often coordinate their movements to maximize their feeding efficiency, sometimes using techniques like bubble net feeding to trap schools of fish. While we didn’t observe this behavior on this trip, the presence of these three whales was a clear sign that the waters were rich with food, sustaining these giants of the deep.

Not long after encountering the trio, we came across another humpback whale: Wisp (BCX1333calf2021). Unlike the others, Wisp appeared to be in a more playful mood, displaying surface behaviors like rolling and tail lobbing. Tail lobbing is when a whale lifts its tail out of the water and slaps it forcefully on the surface, creating a loud sound that can travel great distances underwater. The exact reason for this behavior is still debated—some believe it could be a form of communication or play, while others think it may serve as a way to dislodge parasites or to signal other whales in the area.

Watching Wisp perform these playful antics was a mesmerizing experience. Humpback whales are known for their acrobatic displays, and each time they breach, slap their tails, or roll on the surface, we are reminded of their immense strength and grace. It was the perfect end to a day filled with extraordinary marine life sightings.

As we returned to the dock in Nanaimo, the day’s encounters left us in awe of the rich biodiversity that thrives in the coastal waters of British Columbia. From the social dynamics of transient orcas to the laid-back colony of California sea lions, and finally, the majestic humpback whales, we witnessed a range of behaviors that offer important clues about the lives of these animals.

Each trip is a reminder of the intricate balance that exists in marine ecosystems. These animals are not only beautiful to observe but also critical indicators of ocean health. Our interactions with them underscore the importance of conservation efforts aimed at protecting their habitats and ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the incredible creatures that call these waters home.

The photos from this day were captured by the onboard Marine Naturalist: Vanessa Vereschehen, and can be enjoyed below!