Today’s journey was a classic west-coast adventure – with some wind, some splashes, and full of surprises! Despite the cooler conditions, our spirits were high as our vessels, Kula and Cascadia, ventured out into the Salish Sea, keeping a keen eye on the waters for any signs of marine life.

After some searching, we were delighted to spot a lone humpback whale near Thrasher Rock. This whale had a very distinctive dorsal fin, featuring two divots and three points, allowing us to confidently identify them as Crater/Mensa (BCX1565). Crater was behaving like a typical humpback, travelling in a straight line with regular surfaces. Every so often, Crater would fluke - raising their tail above the water - but only shallowly. This is characteristic of Crater, which is why we usually rely on their dorsal fin for identification rather than their fluke pattern, the most common method for humpback identification. Crater is likely packing on the last bit of weight that they can before they head on out to the breeding grounds for the winter.

Leaving Crater behind, we headed south to Stinky Rocks, a popular haulout for pinnipeds. Here, we enjoyed watching Harbour Seals and Steller Sea Lions resting on the rocks. A different, slightly unusual sight caught our attention nearby: a River Otter was perched on the bank, eating something with a strange green-blue hue. At first, we feared it might be litter, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a piece of Lingcod! Lingcod are fascinating fish, as their flesh is naturally blue due to a pigment called biliverdin. This harmless compound gives their meat its unusual colour and turns it tan or brown when cooked.

After leaving Stinky Rocks, our vessels took separate routes. Kula ventured inside the Southern Gulf Islands, passing through the dramatic Dodd Narrows, a narrow, fast-flowing channel famous for its tidal currents that create a natural “whitewater” effect. Meanwhile, Cascadia skirted Gabriola Island’s shoreline before making a brief stop at Entrance Island. Entrance Island's Lighthouse has been a vital navigational aid for mariners for over a century, guiding vessels safely through the shallow waters at the entrance to the Nanaimo Harbour and into the Salish Sea.

Kula made a stop at Harmac, where we spotted a handful of California Sea Lions (with a couple of Stellers as well) snoozing on the log booms. Finally, both boats made their way back to port, hearts full of excitement from the day’s diverse wildlife encounters.

Even on a breezy and chilly day, the Salish Sea never fails to surprise and delight, offering encounters with whales, seals, sea lions, otters, and fascinating fish alike.

Please enjoy these photos by Marine Naturalists Cheyenne Brewster and Aly Kohlman.

October 2, 2025 - Crater travels by Thrasher Rock