Captain’s Blog

Knowing Who’s Who in the Deep Blue

January 15, 2019

The Difference Between Transient and Resident Orca Whales Near Victoria As a naturalist who has led thousands of whale and wildlife tours near Victoria, one of the greatest experiences on the water is the opportunity to watch wildlife interact with each other.  With such a diverse array of species in the Salish Sea, we constantly […]

What Is The Difference Between Transient and Resident Killer Whales (Orcas)

November 16, 2018

The waters surrounding Victoria are an exciting place to go whale watching because there are so many different types of wildlife that call this region home.  People from around the world flock to this area, excited to have an opportunity to see the greatest predator in the world’s oceans- the killer whale! Photo Credit: Rachael […]

A Story About a Famous Orca Whale That Wished He Wasn’t Famous

September 29, 2016

It’s quiet under the water. Floating effortlessly inches beneath the surface of the tank, the lone orca whale lists lazily, his muscles completely relaxed. It’s his frayed nerves that are on edge. A large clap on the surface of the water proves that anxiety to be warranted. Hungry and agitated, he jerks into motion toward […]

Why is it So Hard to Watch Killer Whales Hunting?

August 30, 2016

The slight fluttering of the water’s surface is always a dead giveaway. At first you tremble with excitement as you realize what’s currently happening, but then, more often than not, you cringe in terror from what’s about to happen. Killer whales hunting in the wild is one of our planet’s most powerful scenarios, and it’s […]

4 Resident J-Pod Orcas You’d Invite Over For Dinner

June 7, 2016

There’s a really important difference in two types of orca whales you’ll find cruising the waters off the coast of British Columbia this summer. Transient Orcas. First, you don’t find transient orcas, transient orcas find you. If they’re hunting you for dinner, that is. Transient orcas generally live in smaller groups, but the key distinction […]