We began our tour on Saturday the 21st with plans to head south looking for whales, but before we even made it out of the harbour we had a report of possible Orcas on the Sunshine Coast. Our boats Keta and Cascadia headed through the Strait of Georgia on the look out for the whales.

We arrived on scene and it wasn’t long before we saw a flock of seagulls hovering over the water, usually a good sign that whales are around. We spotted a large black fin, and then another, and then 2 more. We had a pod of 4 beautiful transient Orcas in the midst of a hunt. We shut down our boats to watch the show and the Orcas did not disappoint. It wasn’t long before we ID’d our pod.
Our matriarch today was T100, Hutchins, born around 1979, making her about 40 years old. She was with her eldest son Larel -T100C- born in 2002, her daughter Tharaya - T100E - born in 2009 and her youngest, Estrella -T100F - born in 2014. It is believed that Hutchins might actually be the daughter of one of our favourite matriarchs, T101, Reef.

Flocks of seagulls are usually a good sign that its lunch time for the Orcas. Photo by Val Watson

Laurel and his 10 year old sister, Tharaya - T100E. Photo by Val Watson

When the had finished this kill and eaten their fill we expected them to head off on the search for their next meal. The whales set off and made it about 100 meters before they had caught up to something else. There was lots of splashing, the whales diving over one another and then the birds returned, sure enough they had caught a second meal.

17 year old Laurel - T100C. Photo by Val Watson

Tharaya getting some air with her brother Laurel near by. Photo by Val Watson

One of our whales was extremely excited, displaying this by leaping out of the water, not once, not twice, but 4 times. It was Tharaya, T100E. She is T100’s second daughter, and was born in 2009.

T100, Hutchins (right) and her daughter Tharaya. Photo by Val Watson

As our hour with the whales passed we decided to head to the White Islets, 2 very small islands, to look for other wildlife. We quickly found out why the Orcas were getting so lucky with their lunch. The rock was packed with pinnipeds and birds. Dozens of Harbour seals were hauled out, relaxing away from the hungry orcas, joined by a large brown pelican. On the other side of the small island were dozens of Steller Sea lions. Many large males were arguing and fighting for prime napping spots while females tip toed around the massive males, trying to stay out of their path. Steller sea lions are starting to show up in larger groups as their mating seasons draws to a close. It was incredible to see so many large males in one area.

Brown pelican cruising to the White Islets. Photo by Val Watson

Steller Sea Lion pup hanging out with a sleepy mom. Photo by Val Watson

Sleeping male Steller Sea Lion. Photo by Rebeka Pirker

On the way back to Nanaimo Cascadia stumbled upon 2 very sleepy humpbacks who weren’t doing much, so they made the choice to head back to Nanaimo. Keta also stumbled upon these 2 who were still very sleepy, though they managed to get a dorsal photo of them. Keta also found 2 other humpbacks on their way back to dock, one of which was Split Fin, BCZ0298. Split fin was traveling with another whale who has yet to be ID’d.

One of the sleepy humpbacks showing off their dorsal. Photo by Val Watson

Split fin (right) and their traveling companion. Photo by Val Watson

Join us on daily tours at 12 pm in our open boats to have your own whale encounter!

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September 21st - Adventures on the Sunshine Coast

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