It was a perfect day to set out for a sail, the clouds were out high in the sky, and so were the whales! With two vessels on the water, luck seemed to be on our side as we received reports of blows just around the corner. Sure enough, as we entered the Strait and scanned the water, signs of whales began to appear.

Typically, we spot the tall, bushy blows first, but today, our humpbacks were feeling particularly energetic. Large splashes at the surface gave them away before any blows did! Identifying these rambunctious whales took a bit longer than usual; it’s not easy to snap clear ID photos on a rocking boat when whales are popping up in every direction. After some persistence, we managed to get good looks at a few tail flukes and dorsal fins and confirmed we were watching Prowler (BCX1660) and Scuba (BCY1225).

So what was behind all the breaching, pec slapping, cartwheeling, and chin slapping? After spending time observing these spectacular displays, we believe the motivation behind the behaviour was aggression. Several pods of orca were moving into the area, and it was clear the humpbacks were not pleased. This afternoon, it seemed they were sending a very loud message: not in our backyard.

When most people picture a humpback whale, they think of a gentle giant, slow-moving, peaceful, and passive. But when it comes to the humpbacks that spend their summers feeding in the Salish Sea, that couldn’t be further from the truth. These whales are built for fight, not flight.

With massive pectoral fins (the largest of any whale species), barnacle-encrusted bodies, and sheer bulk on their side, some weighing in at over 35 tonnes, humpbacks aren’t ones to back down. In fact, over the years, we’ve documented numerous cases of humpbacks not only standing their ground when orca are near but actually charging toward them.

There’s a long-held assumption that it’s the orca, especially the mammal-eating Bigg’s (transients), that initiate aggressive encounters. After all, they are apex predators, known for working cooperatively to hunt seals, sea lions, and yes, on rare occasions, young baleen whales. But in the Salish Sea, we are starting to see a pattern; it’s often the humpbacks who start the fight. Whether out of protectiveness, confusion, or something that resembles revenge, these giants are not afraid to stir up trouble when orca pass through their feeding grounds.

Take Valiant, for example, one of the most memorable humpbacks we’ve come to know. As a young calf, Valiant was severely injured in what we believe was an orca attack. The scars are still visible today, etched into their tail like a memory. Since then, we’ve witnessed Valiant charge at fully grown adult male orca, tail-slapping, trumpeting, and thrashing with what appears to be a personal vendetta. On more than one occasion, she has swum directly toward orca, sending sea spray flying as she barrels in, undeterred and unafraid.

Scientists across the North Pacific have been increasingly documenting these “mobbing” behaviours, sometimes with multiple humpbacks joining forces to disrupt orca hunts, even when the target is a sea lion or porpoise. Whether these are acts of altruism, misdirected aggression, or calculated retribution is still up for debate. But one thing is certain: humpbacks in the Salish Sea have attitude. They may come here to feed, but if you’re a transient orca, it’s best to watch your back, because these humpbacks aren't just built for survival; they’re built for battle.

The orca battling the humpbacks today were:

T065 Whidbey II ♀ (~1971)
T063 Chainsaw ♂ (~1978)

One of the most remarkable displays of coordination and strategy in the Salish Sea comes from the transient or Bigg’s killer whales. These apex predators are highly social and intelligent, and when it comes to taking down large prey, like baleen whales, they sometimes join forces with other pods to accomplish what a single family group couldn't manage alone.

Unlike resident orca, which stick to a diet of fish, transients hunt marine mammals, and occasionally, even target massive humpback whales. When this happens, it’s not uncommon to see several transient pods working together. This kind of temporary alliance can result in a group of 10 to 15 or more killer whales, combining their efforts in a sophisticated, cooperative hunt. These orca often begin by chasing and harassing the whale, forcing it into a defensive posture or trying to separate a calf from its mother. Working in shifts, they wear the whale down, biting, ramming, and pulling at flippers or flukes, all while keeping just out of reach of the whale’s powerful tail and 16 - 18 foot barnacle encrusted pectoral fins (it is belived by scintists these barnacles with hard sharp shells may act as armour).

Each individual seems to know their role. Some orca may focus on cutting off the whale’s escape path, while others dive beneath it to strike from below. The communication between them is mostly silent, relying on body language and coordination, a crucial adaptation when hunting marine mammals that can hear and evade echolocation clicks. It's a hauntingly effective tactic, and one that shows just how intelligent and adaptable these predators are.

While such events are rare to witness, they remind us of the complex dynamics of the Salish Sea. These moments challenge our understanding of predator-prey relationships and underscore the importance of every species in this rich and dramatic ecosystem.

So far, when we’ve been fortunate enough to witness these powerful interactions, both species seem to eventually go their separate ways with little to no visible damage, as far as we can tell. At this point, the encounters appear to be more of a standoff and chase-away strategy. Sometimes we see the humpbacks flee, but more often than not, they hold their ground and end up sending the orca packing!

As both populations continue to grow and their territories increasingly overlap, it's likely we’ll witness more of these intense and fascinating interactions in the future! After a once in a lifetime experience watching two giants duke it out in nature’s boxing ring, we had more to see!

The Strait of Georgia is a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem, teeming with life above and below the surface. As we travel through these nutrient-rich waters, it’s not just whales we’re on the lookout for, this region is home to a wide variety of coastal wildlife that adds to the magic of every trip.

Harbour seals are one of the most commonly spotted marine mammals in the Strait. With their rounded heads and big eyes, they’re often mistaken for being shy, but don’t let their cute looks fool you, they’re incredibly well-adapted hunters, feeding on a variety of fish and squid. Fun fact: their nostrils are specially shaped to stay closed while diving, and they can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes! You’ll often see them hauled out on rocky shorelines, soaking up the sun during low tide.

Overhead, bald eagles reign supreme. These iconic raptors are often spotted perched high in coastal trees or soaring over the water, scanning for fish. With wingspans reaching over 7 feet, they’re truly a majestic sight. Interestingly, bald eagles don’t get their signature white heads until they’re about five years old. Until then, they’re mottled brown and easily mistaken for a different species.

Cormorants are another common sight along rocky outcrops and navigational markers. These sleek, black seabirds are expert divers, propelling themselves underwater with powerful webbed feet. Unlike many other seabirds, cormorants don’t have waterproof feathers, so after hunting, you’ll often see them standing with wings spread wide, drying off in the sun.

And let’s not forget the ever-entertaining river otters! These playful mammals are a delight to watch as they slide across docks, tussle with one another, or snack on freshly caught fish. While they’re sometimes seen making a mess with leftover shells and fish bits, river otters play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control fish and invertebrate populations.

The Strait of Georgia offers an incredible opportunity to witness the richness of coastal life in action. Every tour is a chance to encounter something new, reminding us of the delicate balance and diversity that make this region so special. With that, we continued back to the dock with memories to last a lifetime!

Enjoy the spectacular photos below by Aly Kohlman and Hayleigh Hilbert.

June 25, 2025, 10:30 AM - A battle of the species in the Strait.