Three Orca Pods and Humpback Whales in the Fog

Our morning departure aboard Sanctuary was met with calm, glassy seas wrapped in a thick layer of Monterey Bay fog. As we navigated the quiet waters, we were fortunate to encounter three distinct pods of killer whales, totaling roughly twenty individuals. These transient, mammal-hunting orcas were interacting directly with humpback whales, a high-energy behavior that always commands respect and close observation.

Transient orcas, or Bigg's killer whales, are apex predators that frequently travel through the Monterey Canyon. When they cross paths with adult humpbacks, the interactions can range from cautious avoidance to active, vocal skirmishes, as humpbacks are one of the few species known to actively interfere with orca hunting behavior. Following these intense dynamics, a pair of humpbacks approached our vessel, spending several quiet minutes exploring Sanctuary at close range.

Our morning run also offered sightings of fifty California sea lions, harbor seals, a sea otter, and a solitary Mola mola drifting near the surface. On our transit back to the harbor, we encountered yet another group of orcas, accompanied by our new vessel, Ocean Spirit, which is currently undergoing trials and will soon join our daily operations.

Observing multiple family groups of orcas in a single morning is a stark reminder of the rich productivity of the canyon edge. These waters remain a critical sanctuary for marine mammals, where complex interspecies dynamics unfold daily just beneath the fog.