What Makes Each Species Unique

A publication of Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

What Makes Each Species Unique


Cover Image:
Humpbacks – Wilkinson BCY0267 and Spock BCY1134 – in a synchronized dive
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society

What makes each Cetacean species unique? Here are some of the reasons for each of the main species seen here in B.C. Orca are unique for their intelligence and for their social structures – families or pods form around the oldest female of the group. Pacific White-Sided dolphins are known for their acrobatic abilities, being able to jump out of the water and reach heights of close to 4-meters while possibly doing flips or spins at the same time. They may appear in pods that number in the hundreds and on the rare occasion, in the thousands. Harbour porpoises have a triangular dorsal fin and they are the smallest Cetaceans found here in B.C. Dall’s porpoises can swim very fast, and may reach speeds between 40-50 km/h which makes them one of the fastest Cetaceans in the world.

Grey whales were once close to extinction in the early 1900’s and because of protection over many years, the Grey whale population numbers currently around fifteen thousand individuals. They can be seen consistently each year here in B.C. in the Spring when they migrate northward. Humpback whales perform many surface behaviours such as breaching, tail slapping, and bubble-net feeding. Their numbers have also increased over the years due to laws to protect them.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: IF our links still show as broken, they will work, but rest assured we are in the process of fixing them! Thank you for your patience.

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.

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: 2024-013
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Tue Jul 02 2024
06:45 • est. 4 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south off Saltery Bay, Jervis Inlet. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jill Buckley, Powell River, BC
Tue Jul 23 2024
09:45 • Biggs Orca between Mitlenatch Island and Oyster River, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:12 • 4 Biggs Orca ◦T046s◦ taking long dives, heading south, south of Little River, 5- kilometers from the shore of Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales diving by Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait
Tue, 23 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales diving by Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait
Tue, 23 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:30 • 5 Biggs Orca out from Kye Bay, Comox, Georgia Strait. believe these were the T090s, but unconfirmed ID.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Jul 25 2024
08:10 • Biggs Orca heading south in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
09:30 • Biggs Orca heading south towards Race Point, Discovery Passage.
16:07 • 5 Biggs Orca heading south, Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
17:25 • Biggs Orca at the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Jul 28 2024
08:30 • Biggs Orca by Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait.
10:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ hunting, right inside Cortes Bay, Malaspina Strait.
12:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading west through Baker Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:20 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading south-west between Cortez Reef and the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling together
Sun, 28 Jul 2024 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling together
Sun, 28 Jul 2024 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:26 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading west at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
16:10 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading north approaching Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Mon Jul 29 2024
09:00 • Biggs Orca on the west side of Kinghorn Island and angling towards Lewis Channel.
09:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
11:39 • Biggs Orca off Francisco Point, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Tue Jul 30 2024
11:37 • Biggs Orca heading south by Dunsterville Islet, Hoskyn Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading north-east, east of Viner Point 200 meters off Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:45 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ hunting, by Hill Island, Sutil Channel. took their kill over to where Pacific Yellowfin was anchored to share their food.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Jul 31 2024
11:00 • Biggs Orca in Hole in the Wall.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Aug 01 2024
07:53 • 3 Biggs Orca doing circles, off of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. After some time, they went northward.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
09:00 • Biggs Orca in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:51 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading south to the south of the red can on Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales near shore
Thu, 1 Aug 2024 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales near shore
Thu, 1 Aug 2024 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T090s & T101s – travelling and spy hopping
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 6 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T090s & T101s – travelling and spy hopping
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 6 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Wed Jul 24 2024
08:30 • est. 7-8 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading east off the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:20 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north close to shore by Quadra Island cell tower, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:50 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ foraging, heading south by Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Jul 25 2024
08:10 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north by the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. they’re ahead of the Transient Bigg’s southbound down Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Jul 26 2024
09:00 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ foraging, back and forth between Marina Reef and Cortez Reef, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:43 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading towards Francisco Point in the middle of Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:15 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north approaching Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:20 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ close to the entrance to Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Jul 27 2024
10:00 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ close to Spilsbury Point, Baker Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:44 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ spread out, in three groupls one mile southwest of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
14:30 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north-west one mile off the west side of Mitlenatch Island. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Jul 30 2024
13:18 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ off Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:46 • est. 5-6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ hugging the shore by the Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
19:45 • est. 3 NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ foraging, heading north in front of Beach Gardens Marina, Malaspina Strait. The Orcas were observed to be doing shallow dives and staying close to the surface, swimming slowly. ▫ Observed from Shore
Dana Zheng, Powell River, BC
Wed Jul 31 2024
08:32 • 6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ heading north towards Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.
09:45 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ foraging, heading south off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:56 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ heading south, east of the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:40 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ breaching, by Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:03 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ heading south abeam Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
19:30 • NRKW Orca along the shore near Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Aug 01 2024
09:12 • est. 6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ in front of the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
11:42 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ in front of Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Aug 02 2024
08:31 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ heading north of Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
11:09 • est. 5-6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s, A94 Mystery◦ off Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales – A42s, A94 Mystery – off Powell River Ferry Terminal
Fri, 2 Aug 2024 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales – A42s, A94 Mystery – off Powell River Ferry Terminal
Fri, 2 Aug 2024 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales – A42s – mid channel
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales – A42s – mid channel
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Sun Jul 28 2024
15:40 • Orca by Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
17:45 • Orca heading north by Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. rumoured to possibly be NRKWs, but more likely T090s.
Radio, overheard or call out
HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue Jul 23 2024
09:42 • Humpback Whales to the east and north of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. Many Humpbacks were sighted.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:01 • 2 Humpback Whales tail lobs, north of Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait. The Humpbacks were also observed slappng their pectoral fins on the water.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:50 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales taking long dives, east of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Possibly one is BCY0862 Apollo, which was feeding.
Terry Brown, Otter Be Good Productions
13:35 • Humpback Whales Between Marina Island shack and Quadra Island cell tower, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
21:13 • 2 Humpback Whales south of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
21:13 • 1 Humpback Whales north-East of Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
21:13 • 1 Humpback Whales south of Center Islet north-west of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
21:13 • 1 Humpback Whales south of Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Jul 24 2024
08:30 • 4+ Humpback Whales on Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. including a Mom and calf.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:47 • Humpback Whales on north side of Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
13:30 • 2 Humpback Whales between Penn Islands and Bullock Bluff, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
14:51 • Humpback Whales heading south by Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
15:11 • 12 Humpback Whales between Marina Island, Mitlenatch Island and Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:40 • Humpback Whales by Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel. Entangled!.
16:40 • Humpback Whales by Conville Point, Quadra Island, Hoskyn Channel. Whale managed to free him/herself from traps and lines as none could be seen.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Jul 25 2024
08:10 • 6+ Humpback Whales foraging, on Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
09:50 • Humpback Whales by Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. just Entangled! in crab and/or prawn gear Later ID’d as Smoke 2 BCX2183.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:55 • 1 Humpback Whales in Whale Passage, Sutil Channel. Close to Read Island.
13:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west, Hole in the Wall.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
14:40 • 2 Humpback Whales bubble netting, heading south near Penn Islands and Read Island, Sutil Channel. One of them ID’d as BCY2023-16.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near Penn Islands and Read Island, Sutil Channel
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near Penn Islands and Read Island, Sutil Channel
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:26 • 1 Humpback Whales off East Redonda Island at the entrance to Pendrell Sound.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
Fri Jul 26 2024
07:11 • 3 Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
07:45 • Humpback Whales about 10-km north-east of Entrance Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
09:00 • est. 3-5 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south, Epsom Point, North Thormanby Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
JH, North Thormanby Island, BC
10:30 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales by the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:54 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north, Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ0408 Guardian◦ heading north-east off Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:15 • 2 Humpback Whales by Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
17:47 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south off Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Barely breaking the surface.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Jul 27 2024
10:25 • est. 3 Humpback Whales breaching, heading east off Trail Islands, Georgia Strait. Boats are passing by too close and too fast. ▫ Observed from Shore
RN, Trail Islands, Sechelt, BC
12:44 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, one mile southwest of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:50 • est. 1 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south near the Kay Dubois Trail near the Quadra Island cell tower, Sutil Channel. Generally travelling south – coming up for air before diving. ▫ Observed from Shore
Chantelle Bowles, Quadra Island, BC
14:54 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0267 Wilkinson,BCY1134 Spock◦ off Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – BCY0267 Wilkinson, BCY1134 Spock – off Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 7 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – BCY0267 Wilkinson, BCY1134 Spock – off Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 7 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:10 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching and pectoral slapping, south of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales breaching and pectoral slapping
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales breaching and pectoral slapping
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:31 • Humpback Whales heading north at Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. Large one.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Sun Jul 28 2024
09:30 • 5+ Humpback Whales out from Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
09:45 • Humpback Whales by Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
12:50 • Humpback Whales by Hill Island, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Jul 29 2024
11:34 • Humpback Whales out from Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Tue Jul 30 2024
08:26 • 2 Humpback Whales between North Rendezvous Island and Raza Island, Calm Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
12:40 • Humpback Whales having gone through Nakwakto Rapids at the entrance to Nugent Sound. quite the suprise to see a Humpback in here.
Karin & Gavin Miller, Texada Island, BC
13:15 • 2 Humpback Whales along Exeter Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:53 • 1 Humpback Whales milling, 1.6 kilometers off Quadra Island cell tower, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:28 • 2 Humpback Whales at the south tip of Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
16:45 • 2 Humpback Whales by Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
17:20 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales breaching, halfway between Myrtle Point and Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Wed Jul 31 2024
09:45 • est. 8 Humpback Whales below the Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.
10:05 • 7 Humpback Whales by Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
12:10 • Humpback Whales tail lobs, in front of Little Qualicum River, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:50 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south mid channel between south end of sandbanks and Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:45 • Humpback Whales south of Mitlenatch Island at Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Large group.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:20 • est. 7-10 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.
19:30 • Humpback Whales along the shore near Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Aug 01 2024
07:53 • Humpback Whales breaching, off of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
11:42 • 2 Humpback Whales to the west side of Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:20 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ off of Quadra Island cell tower, Sutil Channel. Calf seen.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:34 • Humpback Whales between Powell River Viewpoint and Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait. Seen slapping its pectoral fins on the water.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Fri Aug 02 2024
08:00 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading south off Grilse Point at the north end of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
09:30 • Humpback Whales resting, close in front of Powell River Westview Harbour, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:45 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, between Rebecca Spit and Viner Point, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
11:09 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales off Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
11:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
14:44 • 5 Humpback Whales by the Pinnacles, Georgia Strait. within 2 miles between one another.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:00 • est. 8-12 Humpback Whales on the Pinnacles of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
19:30 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, between Powell River Viewpoint and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Heather Harbord, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback showing off its fluke!
Tue, 23 Jul 2024 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback showing off its fluke!
Tue, 23 Jul 2024 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – Lorax – breaching and diving!
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 4 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – Lorax – breaching and diving!
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 – 4 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Thu Jul 25 2024
13:50 • est. 20-30 PWS Dolphins in Estero Basin, Frederick Arm.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Jul 27 2024
12:00 • PWS Dolphins by Big Bay, Yuculta Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
DALLS PORPOISE
Thu Jul 25 2024
08:30 • Dalls Porpoise foraging, Rotary Beach Park in Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Mon Jul 29 2024
09:30 • Harbour Porpoise, Gowlland Harbour.
Radio, overheard or call out
SEA OTTERS
Tue Jul 23 2024
14:34 • 1 Sea Otters off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
Thu Jul 25 2024
12:00 • Sea Otters, Blunden Harbour.
Karin & Gavin Miller, Texada Island, BC
Sat Jul 27 2024
13:05 • Sea Otters south of Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Jul 28 2024
09:06 • Sea Otters by Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out

SIGHTINGS MEDIA
we welcome your sighting reports, photographs, video and audio recordings. please review our
media submission guidelines
receive sightings update
eMail notices

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 accepts submissions of links to published articles and media of interest to our readers. we welcome original articles, letters, notices, photography, video and audio files.

original material guidelines

  • notices: 100 words max.;
  • letters & articles: 500 words max.
  • you or your organization must be authors of the work and are solely responsible for its content. the magazine gives no assurance material submitted will be published.
  • Review our media submission guidelines
  • SIGHTINGS MEDIA
    we welcome your sighting reports, photographs, video and audio recordings. please review our
    media submission guidelines
    receive sightings update
    eMail notices