CA50 Orca Pod and Humpback Whales in Monterey Bay

Our afternoon run aboard Sanctuary took a compelling turn just as we were wrapping up. We received a radio call reporting killer whales near the mile buoy. Upon arrival, we encountered nine orcas from the well-known CA50 pod, including recognizable individuals Orion, Star, and Bumper, actively feeding on sea lions.

This particular matriline of transient, or mammal-eating, killer whales is known for its highly coordinated hunting strategies. Watching these apex predators work in unison in the choppy waters provides a clear look at their cooperative foraging behavior. The presence of Orion, Star, and Bumper—individuals we have documented in these waters for years—highlights the consistency of these family groups within the Monterey Bay ecosystem.

Conditions on the bay were challenging, with a stiff northwest wind blowing at 21.4 knots and rough, building seas. Earlier days trips, we also observed four humpback whales holding just offshore. These baleen whales traveled steadily through the whitecaps, keeping close to the coast to avoid the heavier swells further out.

Days like today remind us of the raw, unpredictable nature of the bay. Even when the weather turns rough, the intersection of these powerful marine predators and massive baleen whales just outside the harbor offers a humbling glimpse into the active food webs of this marine sanctuary.