Sighting Cetaceans!

There are Orca and Humpback whales still within the Georgia Strait and inland waterways. During the past few weeks, very few Orca were sighted and reported. There are Transient Orca around that can be seen and a chance that you might come accross Resident Orca too, dependent on where you are in B.C. Not all of the Humpback whales have left for warmer, tropical waters, and one can spot their blows which reach heights of 4-meters. Rounding our report are some sightings of Pacific White-Sided dolphins and Harbour porpoises.

As a reminder that if you are boating and out on the water, please be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the Cetaceans and other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area. Boats and other water craft (e.g. kayaks) must remain at least 400-meters away from Orca and at least 100-m away from other species. See the full government regulation in the paragraph below.

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.