We were feeling optimistic—the wind had died down, the waters were calm, and we had a promising report to check out. The best way to start the day!
Two boats headed out, travelling south into the Strait to investigate the area. As we made steady progress toward Richmond Airport, we kept an eye on the water for any signs of whales. Whether we have a report or not, we always spread out a bit to increase our chances of spotting something because nothing is ever guaranteed out here. While Keta was some distance away, Kula suddenly spotted massive splashes in the distance! It looked like some very excited humpbacks were performing acrobatics on the horizon, so we zoomed off, hoping to catch them in action before the activity ended.

Whale acrobatics like breaching, tail slapping, pectoral fin slapping, and tail lobbing are always a treat for guests and naturalists alike, they require an enormous amount of energy from the whales. This kind of behaviour often doesn’t last long, as the whales use these actions to communicate, show dominance, or play. As we sped toward the splashes, we were thrilled to see more of this energetic behaviour—it looked like we had two humpbacks displaying their talents. After quickly snapping some photos, we identified these two as Kraken/Monarch/Pyramid (BCZ0180) and Kappa (BCX0158). These two whales splashed away, using their massive pectoral fins and incredibly strong tails to smack the water with a thunderous splash. But, as quickly as the acrobatics began, it stopped. We were lucky enough to capture a few photos before the excitement ended—such moments are always exhilarating for guests, especially when humpbacks exhibit such dynamic behaviour.

After spending time with Kraken and Kappa, we continued on our journey, determined to check out the whales that had been reported earlier in the day. Sure enough, we found them! Soon, we came upon a pod of Transient (Bigg’s) Orcas, known for their stealthy hunting and social interactions. The pod consisted of:

T035A Lester ♀ (1998)
T035A1 Opal ♀ (2010)
T035A2 Topaz ♂ (2013)
T035A3 Garnet (2018)
T035A4 ♂ (2022)

This family of Transient Orcas was travelling together, their sleek black dorsal fins slicing through the water in unison. As they moved together, we noticed the youngest member of the group, T035A4, was still learning the ropes of Orca life, closely following its mother and siblings. Although we were in for some excitement, as one member of the pod (identified as T035A3 Garnet) spotted a Steller Sea Lion, and suddenly, a chase was on! We watched in awe as the Orcas launched into a quick and intense hunt, with the sea lion attempting to escape their coordinated efforts. The chase didn’t last long—these top predators are efficient hunters, and soon the family was enjoying a successful meal.

After the thrill of the hunt, the Orcas regrouped and continued travelling together. We left them to their journey and continued exploring, only to spot two more Orcas in the distance:

T065 Whidbey II ♀ (~1971)
T063 Chainsaw ♂ (~1978)

This pair was travelling a bit farther apart from each other than the previous pod. Chainsaw, known for his distinctively notched dorsal fin that looks as if it has been cut with a chainsaw, is always a thrilling sight for seasoned whale watchers. Whidbey II, a much older female and the matriarch of this tiny group, travelled with a steady pace, her many years of experience reflected in her confident movements.

As we watched these two, we spotted Humpback Raptor (BCY0458) and her calf nearby, gliding gracefully through the calm waters. It was fascinating to see them in such proximity to the Orcas, as these two species often share the same habitat but have different roles within the ecosystem. While Orcas are apex predators known for their complex social structures and hunting strategies, humpbacks typically feed on krill and small fish, using a variety of feeding techniques. However, the interactions between species can sometimes be tense. Orcas are known to prey on seals and sea lions, and it’s not unheard of for them to target a weak or vulnerable whale calf, although Raptor’s young one appeared healthy and strong. As Raptor swam close to her calf, the two humpbacks maintained a safe distance from the Orcas, showcasing the natural instinct to stay alert to potential threats. This interaction offered our guests a unique glimpse into the dynamics of life in the Salish Sea, highlighting the intricate balance between predator and prey.

Finally, we came across yet another group of humpbacks. This time it was Mathematician (BCY0785) and Stripe (BCZ0004), a familiar pair often spotted in the area. They were swimming together, their rhythmic surfacing and diving captivating everyone on board. After staying with them for a few minutes, we departed and headed towards home, where we found one more. It was Professor X (BCX1965), another well-known humpback. After a few surfaces, we departed them as well.

As usual, we stopped off at one of our favourite spots known as Stinky Rocks to check out the pinnipeds. We saw the Stellers fighting for space on the rocks, while the Harbour Seals lounged nearby. Today we even got some extra wildlife as we were coming and going, as the local Great Blue Heron and River Otter family greeted us at the docks! It was a perfect way to wrap up our day on the water.

Check out the pictures below taken by Marine Naturalists Val Watson and Aly Kohlman!