This afternoon, we headed north from Nanaimo after receiving a report of orcas spotted from shore in North Nanaimo. These sightings provided us with a starting point, and we navigated through the choppy waters in search of the elusive predators. After some time, we finally caught sight of black dorsal fins cutting through the waves—the unmistakable sign of orcas. With a closer look and the help of some identification photos, we confirmed that this was the T069s a transient orca family that we don’t often see in these waters.

T069 Komox ♀ (~1974)
T069C Kye ♂ (1995)
T069E Kodiak ♂ (2004)
T069F Kin ♂ (2010)

Transient orcas, unlike their fish-eating resident cousins, are mammal hunters. The T069s are known for their expertise in hunting seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals. While we didn’t witness any predatory behaviour during this sighting, the T069s were actively moving north, likely searching for prey. They maintained a steady pace, and we followed them as they travelled through the island chain off Nanoose Bay. After an hour of following the pod, we turned back toward Nanaimo, leaving the T069s to continue their journey.

On our way back, we made a planned stop at Snake Island, a popular resting spot for Harbour Seals. This group of seals was hauled out on the rocks, resting and taking advantage of the sun. Harbour Seals are common in the Salish Sea, and Snake Island is one of several places where they congregate.

While the seals appeared relaxed, their presence in this area was a reminder of the ongoing predator-prey relationship in these waters. With transient orcas like the T069s nearby, these seals are potential targets, though today they seemed to be enjoying a peaceful moment.

After Snake Island, our two vessels split up to cover more ground. One boat headed toward Harmac, where we found a group of California Sea Lions on the log booms. These large, noisy animals are regular visitors to the area during certain times of the year. California Sea Lions are often seen resting in groups, and today was no exception as they competed for space and made their presence known with their characteristic barks.

While one boat observed the sea lions, the other vessel had an unexpected encounter with a second pod of orcas. Due to the rough seas, it was difficult to identify this group clearly, but we did catch brief glimpses of smaller dorsal fins before they disappeared into the waves. Unlike our earlier sighting of the T069s, this encounter was fleeting, but luckily the naturalist was able to snap a couple of photos which we could get an ID from. It turned out to be T036A1 Tierna travelling with her calf, T036A1A, but this one surface was all the time we got to spend with them.

Today’s tour provided a range of marine mammal sightings, from the less common T069s to the more commonly observed Harbour Seals and California Sea Lions. While the sighting of the second orca pod was brief, it added an unexpected element to the day. Encounters like these underscore the unpredictability of wildlife watching in the Salish Sea, where each day on the water can bring something new.

Photos from today’s tour were taken by our onboard Marine Naturalists Aly Kohlman and Desarae Poier and can be viewed below!