What an extraordinary day on the water! We were incredibly fortunate to witness not just one, but two family groups of Bigg’s Killer Whales—the T46Bs, led by T46B “Raksha", and the T123s, led by the matriarch T123 “Sidney”—traveling and socializing together. In total, 13 orcas graced us with a stunning display of behaviors that left everyone on board in awe.
Sidney and Raksha are presumed sisters, so it comes to no surprise that these two families have often been observed traveling together. Their association suggests a strong inter-family bond, which is not uncommon among Bigg’s Killer Whales. Such bonds can last for many years and may be based on kinship, shared history, or simply compatible social dynamics.
When multiple Bigg’s pods gather, it’s playfully called a "T-Party"—a rare and joyful get-together of transient orcas (whose scientific ID numbers begin with “T”). These gatherings offer a special look into the rich social lives of Orcas and are among the most thrilling sights one can witness in the Salish Sea.
A Show of Orca Behavior
During this incredible encounter, we observed a wide range of fascinating behaviors:
- Breaching – Several orcas launched their bodies completely out of the water, possibly as a form of communication or play.
- Tail Slapping – Loud, deliberate slaps of the tail on the surface, which may function as social signals or simply exuberant expression.
- Spy Hopping – Whales poked their heads vertically out of the water, to get a better view of their surroundings — or perhaps of us!
- Socializing and Play – Calves and adults swam close together, rolling and vocalizing, clearly enjoying each other's company.
Why It Matters
Moments like this remind us of how important it is to protect marine ecosystems. The Salish Sea is a rich and vital habitat, and every respectful encounter with wildlife is a chance to inspire care and conservation. As whale watchers, we follow strict guidelines to minimize our impact and ensure the whales’ well-being always comes first.
Come Join Us on the Water
Encounters like this are never guaranteed, but every trip is a chance to experience something unique. Whether it’s a “T-Party,” a playful humpback, or majestic gray whales, the ocean always has something to offer.
Book your trip today and join us for an unforgettable journey on the Salish Sea!
Photos taken by our naturalist Uwe. All photos were taken with a telephoto lens and cropped and Marine Mammal Regulations followed.
