September 4, 2025, 10:30 AM - A double species morning!

This morning, both Kula and Cascadia left the dock with eager crews and passengers, ready to explore the ever-changing wonders of the Salish Sea. The waters were calm and the skies inviting as we made our way across the Strait of Georgia toward Halibut Bank, a hotspot well known for its productivity. This area is a buffet table for many marine species, and today, it didn’t disappoint.

It was here that we encountered two familiar humpbacks: Nalu (BCY1072) and Grizzly (BCY1330). Judging by their behaviour, they had clearly been feeding successfully. We were treated to an incredible thunderous breach, a graceful pec slap, and several powerful fluke dives. Each movement of a humpback’s 30- to 40-ton body takes an immense amount of energy. A single breach is the equivalent of a human running a marathon in terms of effort, so when we see behaviours like this, it’s a strong clue that the whales have had a productive meal and have calories to spare. These nutrient-rich waters provide the energy reserves humpbacks need to fuel their long migrations and complex behaviours.

Not far away, we came across Bandit (BCX2081), another well-known humpback in the area. But instead of acrobatics, Bandit was taking it easy, floating at the surface in what looked like a peaceful nap. Just as we humans often feel drowsy after a hearty meal, whales, too, can rest after foraging bouts. This downtime is crucial for digestion and recovery, and we gave Bandit plenty of space to continue their rest undisturbed.

With Bandit behind us, it was time to switch back into search mode. A shore-based report had come in from north Nanaimo of some significant splashing activity, so we made our way back across the Strait, anticipation building. Sure enough, as we arrived, we realized we had stumbled into a T-party! The orca present at the party were:

T060D Onca ♂ (2004)
T060E Lynx ♂ (2008)

T065A5 Indy ♂ (2014)

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

T069E Kodiak ♂ (2004)

T075B Pebbles ♀ (1995)
T075B2 Jasper ♂ (2015)
T075B3 Rubble ♂ (2017)
T075B4 Petra ♀ (2021)
T075B5 ♀ (2025)

T100 Hutchins ♀ (~1979)
T100C Laurel ♂ (2002)
T100F Estrella (2004)

T101 Reef ♀ (1969)
T101A Rush ♂ (1993)
T101B Lagoon ♂ (1997)

T124D Field ♀ (1996)
T124D1 Salish II (2014)
T124D3 Lupine ♀ (2022)
T124D4 Dune (2024)

For those new to the term, a “T-party” is what we affectionately call a social gathering of transient orca. Unlike the resident orca that spend much of their time in large, tight-knit family pods, transient orca are more fluid in their social structures. They often travel in smaller groups (1 to 8 whales), but when the conditions are right, plentiful prey, overlapping ranges, or perhaps just the chance to socialize, multiple families may come together. These gatherings are spectacular to witness, as they can include dozens of orca all travelling, hunting, and interacting together. Today’s party, however, had a clear sense of purpose. The orca were moving steadily southward, their synchronized blows and sleek dorsal fins slicing the calm waters with determination. Whatever their destination, it was clear they were on a mission.

Before we headed back to Nanaimo, we made one final stop along the coastline, where a cluster of harbour seals were hauled out on the rocks. With their big eyes and whiskered faces, it’s easy to admire them for their charm alone, but harbour seals play a much bigger role in this ecosystem. They are one of the primary food sources for the transient orca, sustaining these apex predators and supporting the population’s growth. In turn, that growth allows us to witness incredible events like today’s T-party. In many ways, the humble harbour seal is an unsung hero of the Salish Sea, linking the food web in vital ways.

As we turned for home, we reflected on just how fortunate we are to share these waters with such an abundance of life, from the energy-fueled breach of a humpback, to the sleepy surface rests of satiated whales, to the excitement of an orca gathering, and finally, to the quiet presence of the seals who help make it all possible. Every trip is unique, but today reminded us once again of the intricate connections that tie this ecosystem together.

Photos below taken by Hayleigh Hilbert and Aly Kohlman.

Nalu going down. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Grizzly fluking. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

The underside of Grizzly’s tail. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

A pec slap! Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Another fluke from Grizzly. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Nalu’s dorsal fin. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Bandit fluking. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T124D Field with T124D4 Dune in tow. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

T100C Laurel surfacing. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T060E Lynx. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Left to right: T124D Field, T101 Reef, T124D1 Salish II and T124D3 Lupine. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Left to right: T124D Field, T101 Reef, T124D1 Salish II, T124D3 Lupine and T124D4 Dune just breaking the surface. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A better look at T124D4 Dune’s face! Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T065A5 Indy joining the party. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T124D Field with T124D4 Dune following. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T063 Chainsaw with his distinct dorsal fin.Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T101A Ruch and T063 Chainsaw behind him. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T075B5 with T075B Pebbles behind, T124D4 Dune showing an eye patch followed by T063 Chainsaw’s towering dorsal. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T100 Hutchings dashing through the waves. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Tails up! Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T124D4 Dune surfacing. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Can you spot how orange T075B5 is? Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T063 Chainsaw with T101A Rush in tow. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T124D Field with T100 Hutchins and T124D4 Dune following. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T124D Field and T124D4 Dune. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

How many whales can you spot? Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A plump harbour seal resting on the rocks. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.