Humpback whales and Orca!
Cover Image:
Humpbuck breaching!
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Over the past week, close to half of the sightings we received were of Humpback whales. Some of the Humpbacks were mother-calf pairs. Many Humpback whales were breaching and a few were observed lunge feeding and doing tail slaps. Northern Resident Orca (fish-eaters) were observed between July 5th and July 10th in Sutil Channel and upper Georgia Strait. Many Transient Orca were also seen and on one occasion, Transients were observed hunting Harbour porpoises. Rounding our report are sightings of Pacific White-sided dolphins, one Grey whale, and Harbour porpoises.
PLEASE NOTE: Our links currently show as broken, but they DO work. We apologize for any confusion as we continue to wait for a fix.
The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400-m away and may not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2025.” For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept. A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines
WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
Donatons:
Thank you all for your kind and continuing donations. Your support is greatly appreciated to keep us going.
Websites:
Whales and Dolphins BC is our educational website where these reports are also published and our Wild Ocean Whale site is our Society website. Information on our Feral Cat Initiative will be updated again soon.
Instagram and Twitter: Instagram at Wildoceanwhalesociety and Twitter (on hold for now) at WhalesDolphins
Real Time Monitoring Station Live Update
Our Live Web Camera YouTube Channel streams from Powell River 24/7 with views towards Texada – Vancouver Island – Savary and up towards Cortez. Hope you've been seeing some of the many whales and the Aurora Borealis.
Thank You to our Volunteers and Contributors!
Our team of online Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your sightings reports are mapped and published regularly. Would you like to join us? Updates on current availabilities and revised links will be posted here.
Review our previous Volunteer Job Postings Job Postings are slowly being revamped (we're volunteers too, so sorry for the delays) and not yet on our web sites.
Data For Research:
For research access to 33,000+ sightings in our database in a downloadable csv file for use in a spreadsheet, please Click Here. to fill in your request.
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2024-011
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Mon Jul 01 2024
20:13 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca frolicking, heading south about 11 properties from the end of Curteis Point south across from Armstrong Point, Tsehum Harbour. Watched them breaching, tail slapping, and spy hopping for 90 minutes around the Tsehum Harbour and Graham Rocks area. ▫ Observed from Shore
Heather Matthew, North Saanich, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca frolicking by Curteis Point across from Armstrong Point, Tsehum Harbour
Mon, 1 Jul 2024 – 1 items
Heather Matthew, North Saanich, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca frolicking by Curteis Point across from Armstrong Point, Tsehum Harbour
Mon, 1 Jul 2024 – 1 items
Heather Matthew, North Saanich, BC
Fri Jul 05 2024
09:00 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca heading north at the bottom of Hornby Island, Georgia Strait.
12:50 • Biggs Orca in Lambert Channel.
13:09 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca heading north from Hornby Island towards Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:05 • 4 Biggs Orca heading north-west north of Denman Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:00 • Biggs Orca zig zagging, at the top of Denman Island. Tracking Harbour Porpoise.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:45 • Biggs Orca heading north, south of Cape Lazo, Comox, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat Jul 06 2024
14:37 • est. 6-10 Biggs Orca heading south off Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait.
Sonje Boyd, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
18:06 • Biggs Orca heading south to the south of Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait.
Graham Evans, Stowaway Adventures
19:35 • est. 6+ Biggs Orca travelling, heading south, south of Lund and north of Sliammon, Malaspina Strait. At least 6 orca, headed south past Atreveda road. There was a red whale watching boat nearby. Two whales with very large dorsal fins. ▫ Observed from Shore
JJ, Powell River, BC
20:05 • 3 Biggs Orca heading south to the north of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Two adults and one calf.
Dave Jevons, BC
20:06 • Biggs Orca heading south off Atrevida Reef north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Sean Marshall, Powell River, BC
21:53 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca heading south past Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Included a young one in the midst.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca heading south past Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 6 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca heading south past Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 6 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun Jul 07 2024
16:15 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south, Conville Point, Quadra Island, Hoskyn Channel.
17:35 • 2 Biggs Orca bit west of Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait.
17:52 • Biggs Orca by Hernando Island, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Jul 08 2024
09:40 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south towards Surge Narrows from Okisollo Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:10 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ moving slowly, heading east opposite side from Cyrus Rocks on the shoreline of Maurelle Island, Okisollo Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca heading east from Cyrus Rocks on the shoreline of Maurelle Island, Okisollo Channel
Mon, 8 Jul 2024 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca heading east from Cyrus Rocks on the shoreline of Maurelle Island, Okisollo Channel
Mon, 8 Jul 2024 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:40 • est. 8 Biggs Orca playing, heading south-west in front of the Toba Wilderness Marina near Berg Creek, Pryce Channel. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
TC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca by Toba Wilderness Marina near Berg Creek, Pryce Channel
Mon, 8 Jul 2024 – 3 items
TC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca by Toba Wilderness Marina near Berg Creek, Pryce Channel
Mon, 8 Jul 2024 – 3 items
TC
Tue Jul 09 2024
20:30 • est. 6-8 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north-east in Agamemnon Channel. Moving along south shore of Agamemnon towards Egmont. Most of pod were right near shore. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
KM, Pender Harbor, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north-east in Agamemnon Channel
Tue, 9 Jul 2024 – 1 items
KM, Pender Harbor, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north-east in Agamemnon Channel
Tue, 9 Jul 2024 – 1 items
KM, Pender Harbor, BC
Wed Jul 10 2024
08:30 • Biggs Orca heading north by Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
08:35 • est. 4 Biggs Orca heading north off Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. The Orcas were observed by a ferry worker. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
09:01 • est. 4 Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ moving quickly, heading north-west in Tyee Spit, Discovery Passage. One Orca was observed to have a large dorsal fin.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:00 • Biggs Orca heading north-west in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Jul 11 2024
14:40 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading north towards Myrtle Point from Lang Bay, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
16:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ between Myrtle Rocks and Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
16:59 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s, T101s◦ at entrance to Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait. The 101s joined up with the T090s.
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Jul 12 2024
08:45 • Biggs Orca heading north almost to Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Fri Jul 05 2024
14:01 • est. 5-6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading south-east between Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs) and Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
14:51 • NRKW Orca moving slowly, heading south between the light at Blubber Bay and Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Sat Jul 06 2024
09:45 • est. 5-6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ milling, in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
09:50 • NRKW Orca in front of Powell River.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:23 • est. 5-6 NRKW Orca milling, between Grief Point and Texada Island cell tower, Malaspina Strait. One big male in the group.
13:45 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ off Stradiotti Reef, Georgia Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Sun Jul 07 2024
11:40 • 6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ between Subtle Islands and Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
13:11 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ between Marina Reef and Cortez Reef, Sutil Channel.
15:15 • est. 6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ by the Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
15:55 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ off Smelt Bay at the south end of Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Tue Jul 09 2024
11:15 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ moving slowly, heading north by Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:45 • 6 NRKW Orca heading north by Francisco Point, Quadra Island.
16:50 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ moving slowly, heading south-east by Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Jul 10 2024
09:35 • 6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north out from Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
11:35 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ close to Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:10 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north approaching Rebecca Spit.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales – A42s – approaching Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel
Wed, 10 Jul 2024 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales – A42s – approaching Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel
Wed, 10 Jul 2024 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:55 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading east, north of Lake Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:04 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ between the top of Penn Islands and Bullock Bluff, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Fri Jul 12 2024
09:10 • Orca heading south from Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
HUMPBACK WHALES
Fri Jul 05 2024
10:00 • 2 Humpback Whales inside of the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
10:30 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales by Shelter Point south of Campbell River, Georgia Strait.
11:45 • est. 10-12 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:51 • 2 Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Coho (Kiddie) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
15:18 • est. 6-7 Humpback Whales milling, south of Cape Lazo, Comox, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:30 • Humpback Whales between Cape Lazo and the top of Denman Island, Georgia Strait. Interacting with Transient Biggs Orca after zig zagging chasing Harbour Porpoise.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Jul 06 2024
09:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south by Steep Island, Discovery Passage.
09:45 • est. 6 Humpback Whales south side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:50 • 2 Humpback Whales between Viner Point and Marina Island, Sutil Channel. Moving about.
09:56 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, off Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
11:00 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ pectoral slapping, between Grief Point and Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:02 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ resting, in front of Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
2 Humpback Whales – BCY0291 KC – resting by Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 6 Jul 2024 – 3 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
2 Humpback Whales – BCY0291 KC – resting by Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 6 Jul 2024 – 3 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
14:48 • 3 Humpback Whales doing circles, east of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Mother with calf and an escort.
15:15 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south-west close to Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:33 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, south of Grilse Point at the north end of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
20:45 • est. 5-7 Humpback Whales south side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. There was possibly a couple of Minke Whales with them.
Josette Dalsin, Savary Island, BC
Sun Jul 07 2024
09:00 • est. 6-8 Humpback Whales spread out from Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
13:11 • Humpback Whales between Marina Reef and Cortez Reef, Sutil Channel.
15:00 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales breaching, south-west of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Jul 08 2024
08:30 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales between Harwood / Ahgykson Island and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
09:15 • 2+ Humpback Whales by Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:02 • 1 Humpback Whales 200 metres west of Coulter Island, Sutil Channel.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:15 • Humpback Whales breaching, out from the Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
13:41 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading north-west off Rebecca Spit towards Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:49 • 2 Humpback Whales resting, off Pinnacles, Georgia Strait. Mom and calf.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
14:09 • 1 Humpback Whales off the Quadra Island cell tower, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:00 • Humpback Whales at Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
18:58 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales heading south between Townsite Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper) and Willingdon Beach, Malaspina Strait.
Colleen Martinig, Powell River, BC
Tue Jul 09 2024
11:45 • Humpback Whales resting, out from Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:30 • 2 Humpback Whales bubble netting, just south of Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:40 • 2 Humpback Whales on Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales south of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. Mom and calf.
14:30 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching; tail slaps, south west of Mitlenatch Island.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:45 • 2 Humpback Whales in front of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
17:10 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading south-east close to Curteis Point, Tsehum Harbour. Initially, it was within 150 m of our beach, heading east, then dove and resurfaced a few minutes later farther south heading south west and then surfaced again a few minutes later heading south east. ▫ Observed from Shore
Heather Matthew, North Saanich, BC
Wed Jul 10 2024
08:30 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales between Hill Island and Quartz Bay, Sutil Channel.
09:35 • Humpback Whales off the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
09:35 • 2 Humpback Whales closer to Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:55 • 5 Humpback Whales south of Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel. The Humpbacks were observed swimming within a mile of one another.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales south of Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel
Wed, 10 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales south of Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel
Wed, 10 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:15 • Humpback Whales at Greene Point Rapids, Cordero Channel. Reported Entangled and in rough shape. ID’d as Catalyst who is missing his tail flukes entirely from what looks more like a large vessel strike. Also has entanglement scars. See the video new report in our magazine section below.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:45 • 3 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ0338 Geometry◦ milling, north of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:10 • Humpback Whales lunge feeding, in Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Jul 11 2024
12:36 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, by Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. Mother and calf pair.
13:59 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north of Von Donop Inlet, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks breaching!
Thu, 11 Jul 2024 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks breaching!
Thu, 11 Jul 2024 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:32 • 6 Humpback Whales between north Penn Islands and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:30 • Humpback Whales north of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Jul 12 2024
08:00 • 3 Humpback Whales by the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
09:15 • 2 Humpback Whales by the Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
09:15 • 1 Humpback Whales close to Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
11:15 • 3+ Humpback Whales around and below Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:09 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, off Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel. Mum and a calf.
14:52 • est. 8-10 Humpback Whales spread out, off Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
GREY WHALES
Fri Jul 05 2024
10:00 • Grey Whales heading south-east tight to shore by Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Fri Jul 05 2024
14:50 • PWS Dolphins by Sonora Point, Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Jul 06 2024
10:30 • PWS Dolphins by Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:40 • PWS Dolphins heading south from Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:50 • PWS Dolphins by Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
20:30 • est. 30 PWS Dolphins travelling, heading north-west approximately 1-2 Km offshore north of Atrevida Reef north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. A pod of porpoise or dolphins, headed North-west past Atrevida road at a high rate of speed. ▫ Observed from Shore
JJ, Powell River, BC
Sun Jul 07 2024
–:– • PWS Dolphins on the north-west side of Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
Josette Dalsin, Savary Island, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White-Sided Dolphins on the north-west side of Savary Island, Malaspina Strait
Sun, 7 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Josette Dalsin, Savary Island, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White-Sided Dolphins on the north-west side of Savary Island, Malaspina Strait
Sun, 7 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Josette Dalsin, Savary Island, BC
17:52 • PWS Dolphins close to Savary Island.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Jul 08 2024
15:51 • 8 PWS Dolphins heading south, south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
21:00 • est. 15-20 PWS Dolphins frolicking, off southern Copeland Islands, Thulin Passage. The porpoises were observed vigorously thrashing and making a lot of noise. The observers I assumed they were feeding. The behaviour lasted over an hour. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
NL, Lindell Beach, BC
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Fri Jul 05 2024
15:00 • Harbour Porpoise at the top of Denman Island, Georgia Strait. Trying to stay away from the Biggs Orca.
Radio, overheard or call out
Archive Explorer
Archive Explorer navigates 25,000+ Cetacean Sightings, images, videos and audio recordings. Please use the the funnel in our Map for access to our huge range of filters. Those wishing Research information in a spreadsheet format, please Click Here
*Recommended for desktop browsers and newer mobile devices
Archive Explorer dives into the Coastal Cetacean world. View Cetacean sighting locations, photos and videos:
- All species including Orca, Humpback, Grey Whale or Dalls Porpoise
- Follow the endangered Southern Residents Orca in the Salish Sea
- Search for encounters with T002C2 Tumbo
- Witness a close-up Orca encounter video in Port Alberni harbour
- Follow the T010s Transients as they hunt and travel the inside passage
- Track "KC", the ever popular Humpback's movements
- Locate any of 12,000+ named locations on the BC and WA State coast
- Print custom sighting reports and maps (Coming Soon)
Archive Explorer Help Page explains many advanced functions
Send your Comments and Questions to: Archive Explorer Feedback
To access 25,000+ sightings in our database in a downloadable csv file for use in a research spreadsheet, please Click Here.
The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
Chek News
A group of whale watchers recently spotted a humpback missing its tail, or fluke, near Blind Channel northeast of Campbell River….
read on
read on
RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
Toronto Star
Spade-toothed whales are the world’s rarest, with no live sightings ever recorded. No one knows how many there are, what they eat, or even where they live in the vast expanse of the southern Pacific Ocean. However, scientists in New Zealand may have finally caught a break….
read on
read on
KOIN 6 News
A new Oregon State University study found that whales in the Pacific Northwest are shrinking – raising "alarm bells" for scientists about their future.
Over the last 20-30 years, gray whales that spend their summers feeding in shallow waters off the coast of the Pacific Northwest have been getting about 13% shorter, according to the study….
read on
USA Today
Just over 100 dolphins survived a mass stranding off Cape Cod that started last month, and the event has officially been named the largest mass stranding of dolphins in United States history….
read on
read on