Abby | M/V Sea Lion | April 18th, 2026 | 12:30pm
We traveled into Canadian waters today along the coast of Discovery Island and Chatham Islands. We had a longer journey today in a larger area of water, so we made sure to keep an eye out for anything that could have popped up along our route. We had a few quick looks of some Harbor Porpoise, as it is always a fun treat to find them. They come and go so quick! We also saw some beautiful birds today, like Pelagic Cormorants and Surf Scoter's. The birds of the Salish Sea are incredible to find out here! As we approached the area of the report we began to see the dorsal fins of 6 Bigg's Killer Whales. These individuals were already identified as the T090 matriline and T167A and T167B.
T090/Eagle — female, born in 1980
T090B/Piglet — male, born in 2006
T090C/Tigger — female, born in 2010
T090D/Kanga — female, born in 2017
T167A/Doniol — male, born in 2010
T167B/Valcroze — born in 2015
Doniol and Valcroze usually spend more time in Southeast Alaska, so being able to view them today in the Salish Sea was an incredible opportunity! They are individuals we don't often see here! This group of six were exhibiting some behaviors that we associate with hunting or prey sharing behaviors. We saw some big splashes at the water's surface, as well as some tail slaps, and head stands! There were a few times too when an individual would quickly lunge out of the water, but they wouldn't completely breach. We certainly had some wonderful opportunities to view their natural behaviors today. The views are unforgettable, but the sounds they make are also just as amazing such as the sound of their exhales or the south of their tails slapping the water's surface. It is a sensory experience! We had a lovely trip today, especially with Doniol and Valcroze visiting this area! The Salish Sea is truly a wonder!
Wanting to see more photos from our trips? Visit our SmugMug page at:https://sanjuansafaris.smugmug.com/
More information about the Pacific Whale Watch Association: https://www.pacificwhalewatchassociation.com/