Orcas

Land-based whale watching offers a peaceful way to observe whales without disturbing their natural behaviour or habitat. All of these photos were taken from land near Victoria B.C., and primarily feature transient (Bigg's) orcas. Unlike the endangered Southern Residents, transient orcas feed on marine mammals such as seals and sea lions and are more frequently seen close to shore. These orcas regularly pass by Victoria, especially in the warmer months, but it takes luck, good timing, and persistence to be in the right place at the right time.