Each June, we celebrate Orca Month across the Pacific Northwest—a time to learn about the region’s most iconic marine mammals. Whale watching on the Olympic Peninsula is some of the best in the world for encountering orcas in the wild. But not just any orcas—Bigg’s killer whales, also known as transient orcas, are the stars of the Salish Sea.
Unlike their fish-eating cousins, the Southern Residents, Bigg’s orcas are mammal hunters. They roam the coastal waters in small, stealthy groups, preying on harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and even young whales. Their hunting style and social dynamics make them fascinating to watch—and in 2024, there were more opportunities than ever to do just that.
What Makes Bigg’s Orcas Unique?
Bigg’s orcas are named in honor of Canadian scientist Dr. Michael Bigg, whose pioneering work in the 1970s revealed that killer whales live in tightly bonded family groups and have distinct physical characteristics known as ecotypes. Bigg’s orcas are genetically, acoustically, and behaviorally different from the other ecotype that visits our waters, the salmon-eating Southern Residents.
Bigg’s orcas can roam widely. They typically travel in smaller family groups, often a mother and her offspring, and can be found from California to Alaska. Due to the amount of marine mammals available in our waters available for them to eat, however, many families spend significant parts of the year here. Using teamwork and stealth to ambush their prey. Bigg’s orcas are able to recognize the locations of sea lion haul-outs and coastlines, and communicate using distinct vocalizations, making them extremely successful hunters.
A Record-Breaking Year for Sightings
If you were on the water in 2024, chances are high you saw Bigg’s orcas. It was a banner year for sightings in the Salish Sea. According to data compiled by the Orca Behavior Institute, there were 1,829 unique Bigg’s killer whale encounters in the region—an astonishing 29% increase over the previous year. Orcas were spotted in every season, including deeper into winter months.
The Olympic Peninsula, in particular, saw frequent visits from several well-known families. The dynamic geography of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, combined with healthy populations of harbor seals and porpoises, makes this a prime hunting ground for Bigg’s orcas.
Favorite Families: T137s and the T65As
One of the most frequently sighted families is the T137 matriline, often seen traveling with the T99s and other closely related groups. This family includes T137 “Loon,” the matriarch, along with her offspring: T137A “Jack,” T137B, and T137D “Wright.” Jack, a towering adult male with a striking dorsal fin, is a crowd favorite. The T137s are known for being active and social, often breaching and spy-hopping during their visits to Port Townsend Bay and the waters around Protection Island.
Equally beloved are the T65As, another frequently seen family whose presence always excites both passengers and crew. Led by T65A “Artemis,” this group has grown steadily over the years, and their tight social bonds and cooperative hunting techniques offer unforgettable viewing experiences. One highlight from 2024 was watching the T65As alongside the T137s, working together to corral porpoises near Whidbey Island. It was a masterclass in orca strategy—and a vivid reminder of their intelligence and adaptability.
Go Whale Watching!
Now in its 40th year, family-run Puget Sound Express is a founding member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, a community of ecotourism professionals with a shared commitment to education, conservation, and responsible wildlife viewing in Washington state and British Columbia. Puget Sound Express offers half, full, and multi-day tours, with departures in Port Townsend and Port Angeles.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone looking to be awed by nature, watching Bigg’s orcas in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience—and whale watching on the Olympic Peninsula is the perfect way to view these amazing, iconic marine mammals.
Written by Guest Blogger, Keven Elliff, Puget Sound Express
Cover photo courtesy of Bart Rulon
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