Lauren | M/V Osprey | Thursday, June 19th, 2025 | 12:30 PM
Although Bigg’s Killer Whales usually just travel in their individual matrilines (mom and immediate offspring). We will occasionally see multiple groups gathering together for mating and socialization. These groupings can last a few hours, a few days, and sometimes even a few weeks. For the last several days, the T065B’s and the T075B’s have been seen traveling together. These two moms, who are both in their early 30’s have been traveling alongside each other with their children. All in all, these two families make up eight whales in total. Not only are these two matriarchs similar in age, their offspring are as well. The youngest kiddo in the group is two year old T065A3/Rook and the oldest is a 14 year old sprouting male named T065A1/Birdsall. Being on scene with this group makes you feel like you’re in the midst of a killer whale play date! Today we caught up with these two families off the southern coast of Saturna Island.
The M/V Osprey left the dock and headed north in San Juan Channel. Our first order of business was to stop at White Rock to take a look at some harbor seals. While watching these seals, we were greeted by a surprise Stellar Sea Lion! I’ve never seen a Stellar hauled out on White Rock before, so it was quite exciting. We continued north into Boundary Pass and slowly made our way on scene with those eight killer whales. We stayed with these whales as they traveled west, staying tight to the Saturna shoreline. We got amazing views of these two young families as they surfaced against the jagged picturesque rockface.
After our time with the whales, we aimed for the Eastern coast of Spieden Island. We got the opportunity to view several Muflon sheep and Sika deer and even observed a beautiful Bald Eagle. After getting our wildlife fix, we made our way back into San Juan Channel and returned to the dock.