Thirty-Two Humpback Whales and CA51A Orcas on the bay

Our morning run aboard Sanctuary encountered an exceptional wildlife event in Monterey Bay, highlighted by an encounter with twelve killer whales actively foraging. After receiving a radio report, we located the well-known CA51A pod along with the adult male CA50B, known as "Jimmy," feeding on sea lions and displaying high-energy breaching behavior.

These transient, or Bigg's, killer whales are mammal-eating specialists. Observing CA50B traveling and hunting alongside the CA51As provides a clear look into the fluid social dynamics of these apex predators. The sheer power of these animals is always remarkable to witness, especially when they engage in coordinated hunts and surface-active behaviors in the light chop.

Earlier in the trip, we spent time at the Soquel Hole, where we observed a massive aggregation of thirty-two humpback whales. The whales were concentrated in a heavy feeding group, capitalizing on abundant schools of anchovies. A large raft of California sea lions joined the feeding activity, creating a highly active zone of multi-species foraging.

With northwest winds at 11.7 knots and a water temperature of 58.3°F, the bay's productive upwelling canyon system continues to support these dense concentrations of marine life. It remains a privilege to observe these complex food web interactions firsthand.