June 10th - After a beautiful day of searching we found orca close to home!

The weather was great as we set off the dock at 12pm and headed northeast towards Entrance Island. We scanned for whales in the Strait of Georgia and checked out harbour seals and Steller sea lions that were hauled out near the lighthouse. What a large, loud and lovely group of pinnipeds!

Harbour seals hauled out at Entrance Island.

A large group of Steller sea lions. Can you spot any males? They are much, much larger!

We continued south along the east side of Gabriola Island and then headed into the Gulf Islands. The water was calm, the skies sunny, and we had a great time searching around Saltspring Island. We visited more seals in Active Pass and then started to head north again. On our way back Captain Rodrigo found orca!

Thar she blows!

The T100’s, an orca pod of 4 whales, were near Yellow Point and heading north toward Dodd Narrows. We watched them for an hour as the male swam apart from the rest and then joined up into a tight resting group. The conditions were perfect - we could hear their beautiful exhales before we could see them sometimes!

Transient killer whale T100C “Laurel”

And the other side! Can you notice the distinguishing notches in the fin and the details of the eye patch? Those are some of the ways we identify individuals.

The matriarch of the pod, T100 “Hutchins” is estimated to be born in 1979 and has three offspring that travel with her. The largest and most impressive fin belongs to eldest sibling T100C “Laurel” who was born in 2002. He has a noticeable notch in his dorsal fin about half way down and his fin will get even bigger as he ages - possibly up to 6 feet!

Here are some of the best photos taken that day by marine naturalists Natalie.

If you’re interested in coming whale watching with us tours are bookable directly online at www.vancouverislandwhalewatch.com. Hope to have you out on the water with us!