November 2, 2024 - Playful Humpback Encounters and Orca Sightings

It’s not every day you get to witness the personalities of whales come alive in such playful and interactive ways. Recently, our crew and guests had the privilege of encountering Yakima (BCX2182), a humpback whale with a unique fondness for play, and sightings of the iconic T046s and T035As. This unforgettable experience showcased the diversity and wonder of marine life in the Salish Sea.

The moment Yakima surfaced, we knew we were in for something special. Humpback whales, while known for their acrobatics and awe-inspiring breaches, don’t often show their playful side in such a direct way. Yakima, however, had other plans. They surprised us all by picking up a stick—yes, a stick!—and tossing it about in the water, almost as if they were a puppy discovering a new toy.

Watching this gentle giant interact with such a simple object was mesmerizing. She nudged it with her massive head, spun it with her pectoral fins, and even appeared to balance it momentarily. Our guests watched in delighted disbelief as Yakima showed off their skills, proving that whales, like us, sometimes just want to have fun.

As we followed Yakima’s playful antics, we noticed another humpback close by. Beak (BCX1606) kept pace with Yakima, moving in sync as if they were in silent communication. Was this a friend, family member, or perhaps even a new acquaintance? In the world of humpbacks, relationships can be complex, and while they aren’t typically as social as orcas, they sometimes travel in pairs or groups for short periods.

As if Yakima and Beak weren’t enough excitement for one day, our trip took an even more thrilling turn when we spotted two well-known orca families, the T046s and T035As. These transient orcas, also called Bigg’s killer whales, are some of the most formidable hunters in the ocean. Unlike their fish-eating resident counterparts, transient orcas primarily hunt marine mammals, including seals, sea lions, and porpoises.

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

T122 Centeki ♀ (~1982)
T046D Strider ♂ (2000)
T046E Thor ♂ (2003)
T046F Loki ♂ (2012)

The T046s are especially famous in these waters, previously led by their matriarch T046 who passed away a couple of years ago, now the eldest daughter, T122 Centeki seems to be in charge. This pod is known for its close family bonds and precise hunting skills. Alongside them was the T035As, another well-established family with their own distinct hunting techniques. Watching these orcas cruise through the water, with their tall dorsal fins cutting through the surface, was a humbling reminder of the raw power and intelligence these creatures possess.

Days like these remind us why we do what we do. Each whale-watching trip offers something unique and unexpected, a glimpse into the lives of some of the whales and other wildlife. From Yakima’s playful antics to the powerful presence of the T046s and T035As, the Salish Sea is a dynamic and ever-changing stage, where nature’s wonders unfold in their own time. Th board Marine Naturalist Aly Kohlman captured some amazing photos from the day, which are available for your viewing below!

Yakima balancing the stick on their nose.

The stick balancing on Yakima’s rostrum.

The stick balancing on Yakima’s pectoral fin.

T046E Thor surfacing with his eye patch visible.

T035A4 surfacing in front of T035A2 Topaz.

T046E Thor breaking the surface of the wave.

T122 Centeki surfacing in front of T046F Loki.

T122 Centeki with water rolling off her back.

It’s rare to see all these matching Harbour Seals on the haul-out.

Steller Sea lions on the log booms of Harmac.

A Bald Eagle caught a gull in the Harbour.

A pair of Bald Eagles on the chip barge.

Jilann LechnerNovember 2, 2024WhalesComment