The sun was shining brightly, and we were eager to begin our search following a vague report near the Sunshine Coast earlier that morning. Excited to investigate what had been sighted, we boarded our semi-covered vessel, Kula and set out into the Strait of Georgia.

The journey across the Strait is approximately 30 nautical miles, giving us ample opportunity to scan the waters along the way. A shore-based report later confirmed that orcas had been seen travelling along the coast, which only heightened our anticipation. But before we could locate the orcas, we were thrilled to encounter the big, bushy blows of a pair of surprise visitors—humpback whales! This pair, most likely engaged in feeding, included Spock (BCY1134), who migrates from Mexico, and Beak (BCX1606), who comes from Hawaii. These whales may have been fasting for up to six months during their migration, so it's no surprise they were hungry! Early-season feeding is typical as they work to replenish energy stores in preparation for their return journey. We spent some time with them near Halibut Bank, an area rich in nutrients and an ideal feeding ground.

After a rewarding encounter with the humpbacks, we decided to continue our search for the orca. We didn’t have to go far! Soon, we spotted the iconic black dorsal fins shimmering in the sunlight just off Bowen Island, only about 10 nautical miles from our previous stop. It was the T071Bs. The whales present today were:

T071B Hood ♀ (2000)
T071B1 Zengo ♀ (2013)
T071B2 Tasli/Nemo ♂ (2018)

Hood is the matriarch of the T071Bs, and she undoubtedly runs the show. Orca mothers begin teaching their calves essential life skills almost from birth. Even complex behaviours like hunting are introduced early, we often see young calves actively participating in coordinated hunts. During these moments, the mother typically positions herself between the calf and the prey, both to protect and to instruct. One day, those calves will become skilled hunters themselves. In Hood’s case, she has quite the team: her 12-year-old daughter, Zengo, and her 7-year-old son, Tasli (also known as Nemo). At these ages, they’re more than capable of contributing to cooperative hunts. Together, the trio works efficiently to pursue prey such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, and occasionally even large baleen whales. An adult orca consumes around 300 pounds of food per day, which means this small pod needs close to 900 pounds daily. After a successful hunt, orcas are known to share their catch, so even the youngest calves, who might not yet contribute significantly to the hunt, are ensured a meal thanks to their mother's care. After spending some quality time observing the T071Bs, we made our way to the White Islets to see what other wildlife we could find.

Sure enough, we were greeted by the unmistakable growls of Steller sea lions, wrestling with one another for the best sunbathing spots on the rocks. These animals are quite social and are often seen hauled out in large groups, although their version of socializing is a bit different from that of orcas. While orcas are tactile and affectionate—often seen swimming side by side and touching each other—the Stellers, though equally close in proximity, seem to grumble constantly about their neighbours! We were then treated to a spectacular sight, one of the region’s largest birds of prey enjoying a fresh catch, having plucked it from the ocean with its powerful talons. These birds engage in a form of prey sharing as well, though it's more of a chaotic free-for-all, unless you're their chick. In that case, the parents ensure their young are well-fed. These raptors can eventually grow to weigh around 9 pounds with an impressive 8-foot wingspan, so it’s no small task for the parents to provide for them.

After an unforgettable day, we crossed back over the Strait and returned to Nanaimo, thrilled to have encountered both of our whale species on a single tour.

P.S. For those curious about the engagement charter that departed after our tour—she said yes! 😊

Enjoy the photos below taken by Marine Naturalist Aly Kohlman.