The salty breeze was fresh as we left the port of Nanaimo, with the horizon promising adventure. Our small group buzzed with excitement, especially after receiving word from the lighthouse keeper on Entrance Island. He had reported a sighting of orca—transient orcas, to be specific, the elusive hunters of the Pacific Northwest. We set a course toward the island, eager to catch up with these magnificent marine mammals, knowing that every wildlife encounter here is unique and unforgettable.

As we approached Entrance Island, it didn’t take long to find them—the T002Cs.

T002C Tasu ♀ (1989)
T002C1 Rocky ♂ (2002)
T002C3 Lucy ♀ (2011)
T002C5 (2020)

This pod of transient orcas was moving swiftly northwest through the rolling waves, their black dorsal fins cutting through the water like sleek daggers. Their presence always sparks a sense of awe and intrigue.

We watched as they moved with purpose, taking deep dives that left us guessing where they’d surface next. Every appearance brought a new sense of anticipation—the sheer power of their movement, the grace with which they sliced through the water, and the knowledge that at any moment, we might witness a hunt. Although they seemed to be scouting for a meal, our time with them eventually ran out. As they continued their journey, we too moved along, the image of those towering dorsal fins etched in our minds.

Not long after bidding farewell to the T002Cs, we found ourselves southeast of Entrance Island, where two humpback whales were travelling together. Their names were Sherwina (BCY0961) and Orion (BCX1251), and they too seemed to be on the move, taking relatively short dives of around four minutes.

Humpback whales are known for their long migrations, and the coastal waters of British Columbia offer them a summer feeding ground rich in krill and small fish. Watching Sherwina and Orion surface, with their massive bodies glistening in the sunlight, was nothing short of breathtaking. There’s a quiet grace to humpbacks that captivates all who encounter them—the slow arch of their backs, the towering spray from their blows, and the anticipation of their next move. After some time, we moved on, content with the peaceful encounter.

As we navigated further along the coastline, two of our boats had a brief moment with another humpback whale: Vanta (BCX1730). Unlike Sherwina and Orion, Vanta was taking much longer dives, disappearing beneath the surface for up to ten minutes at a time. Humpbacks are known for their individuality, with each whale exhibiting distinct behavior, and Vanta’s deep dives suggested a different focus, perhaps feeding or simply exploring the depths. We managed to capture an ID photo before moving on.

Our journey brought us to Stinky Rocks, a name well-earned by the massive Steller sea lions that gather there. These formidable creatures are among the largest pinnipeds in the world, and their loud growls echoed across the water as we approached. We also spotted several harbor seals lounging on the rocky outcrops, their sleek bodies blending with the shoreline. It’s easy to forget how dangerous these waters can be for them, with transient orcas like the T002Cs nearby, ever ready to hunt.

The scene was chaotic but full of life—a contrast to the quiet grace of the whales we had just left. Sea lions jostled for position on the rocks, some sliding in and out of the water with ease, while others basked in the cool air. There’s something endearing about their awkward movements on land, which vanish the moment they slip back into the sea, becoming agile and fluid once more.

As we cruised away from Stinky Rocks, our day took another unexpected turn. One of our boats spotted another pair of humpback whales: Professor X and Notcho. These two whales surfaced with perfect timing, their powerful blows catching the sunlight and creating small rainbows above the water—a moment of magic that left everyone on board in awe.

There’s a certain thrill in recognizing these animals by name. Humpback whales have distinct markings on their flukes, allowing researchers and whale watchers to identify individuals and track their movements over time. Knowing that we were seeing whales with their own unique stories added a personal dimension to the encounter, deepening our connection to the natural world around us.

Our final whale sighting of the day was a peculiar one. As we neared a barge not far from where we had seen Professor X and Notcho, we noticed a lone humpback whale interacting with the vessel. Identified as HW-MN0502814, this whale appeared curious, lingering near the barge in a way that was both intriguing and unexpected. Humpbacks are known for their curiosity, often approaching boats and barges out of interest rather than fear, and this particular whale seemed to embody that behavior.

While we couldn’t spend as much time with this mysterious visitor as we might have liked, it was a fitting final encounter, a reminder that the sea holds endless surprises.

As we neared the end of our journey, we made one last stop at the Harmac Pulp Mill, where a colony of California sea lions was gathered. Unlike their larger Steller cousins, these sea lions are more agile and playful, darting in and out of the water with a sense of ease. Their barks filled the air, providing a lively soundtrack as we prepared to return to Nanaimo.

With the sun beginning to dip toward the horizon, we made our way back to the harbor, our hearts full from a day of extraordinary wildlife encounters. Each species we encountered had its own rhythm, its own story to tell. From the powerful transient orcas to the gentle giants of the sea, the humpback whales, and the bustling colonies of sea lions, the waters of British Columbia are alive with wonder.

Please enjoy all of the photos from the day captured by our onboard Marine Naturalists Desarae Poier, Rodrigo Menezes, and Vanessa Vereschahen.