May 27th - T101's in Howe Sound, again!

After encountering the T101's in the northern Gulf Islands several times this past week, we heard news that they'd headed back to forage in Howe Sound.

Two brothers travel side by side. Photo by Lili Simon.

Photo by Lili Simon.

On May 19th we watched this family group travel quietly north through Howe Sound all spread out but still within range to communicate with one another. It's suspected that they travel along the shores of narrow channels and sounds like this to listen for their prey, other marine mammals. Once they are locked in on their prey, they can vocalize across distances of 10km or more to alert their family to come and join them for a feast!

Look at the size of that dorsal fin! Photo by Val Watson.

This is a very interesting hunting strategy to witness and one that we later saw them use in Trincomali Channel on May 24th and again in Stuart Channel on May 26th. On May 27th our guests enjoyed watching this family of 4 work their way through Howe Sound with a stunning scenic backdrop of the Coastal Mountains.

Photo by Val Watson.

Photo by Lili Simon.

And of course, a whale watching tour from Nanaimo wouldn't be complete without a neighbourly visit to the sea lion haul out at Entrance Island!

Steller sea lions basking in the sun on a barnacle and seaweed covered rock. Photo by Val Watson.

Thanks to everyone who joined us this past Sunday for a whale watching adventure!