The sun was shining overhead, and the seas were calm as we began our adventure into the Strait of Georgia. With three boats departing from Nanaimo, we spread out to cover more ground, hoping to encounter something special along the way. And we did! Each boat ended up spotting its own group of humpback whales.

Let’s start with the first sighting: a pair of humpbacks resting near Five Finger Islands. We observed some fluking from one of the whales, who turned out to be Galaxia (BCZ0573)! Galaxia’s travel companion today wasn’t quite as cooperative with their tail, but thanks to a partial fluke, we were able to identify them as Callisto (BCX2486)! When humpbacks are resting, their surface movements slow considerably, and they typically avoid the long dives they’re known for. This slower pace gave us extended time at the surface with them, such a treat to share time with these gentle giants!

Meanwhile, one of our open boats encountered another pair of humpbacks around the same time. Just like the first duo, only one of these whales consistently raised its tail. With a large scar on the left side of the fluke, we quickly recognized Smoke/Squirrel (BCX2183). With a good view of the dorsal fin and a partial side fluke, we identified the second whale as Grizzly (BCY1330)! This pair was a bit more active at first, with Squirrel slapping his pectoral fins on the surface, possibly trying to coax his companion into play. Who knows? The playful behaviour didn’t last long, and before long, both whales had returned to a resting state. Our semi-covered boat joined this sighting as well and had the opportunity to witness the two whales travelling side by side.

While those two boats were with Squirrel and Grizzly, our other open boat had found Kraken (BCZ0180) travelling solo and feeding in the area. Feeding is the top priority for humpbacks during their time in our waters, as this region serves as their summer feeding grounds. They migrate here each year from their breeding grounds in Hawaii or Mexico. Down south, food is scarce, and humpbacks rely on fat reserves built up in the summer to sustain them. That’s why it’s so crucial for them to feed heavily while they’re here; it's all about bulking up before the journey back.

Our final whale of the day was also observed feeding in the same region. Crevasse (BCX2054) was easily identified by the distinctive shape of the trailing edge of the tail. Although there’s no white on the underside of the fluke for easier ID, the bumps and divots on the tail’s edge are unique to each individual. If you’ve got a sharp eye for detail, these features can help confirm an ID!

After a successful day of whale watching, the boats also spent time observing other wildlife, first at the White Islets, then later at the Gabriola Bluffs.

At the White Islets, we saw our pinnipeds for the day: adorable Harbour Seals lounging on the lower rocks, and the louder, more boisterous Steller Sea Lions gathered on the steeper sections. Usually, their differing mobility on land means the two species stick to separate spots, but today, they were sharing the same area, even getting into a few minor disputes! We also saw seabirds here, including gulls and several Pigeon Guillemots.

After some fruitless searching beyond the White Islets, our boats made a final stop at the Gabriola Bluffs. There, we spotted even more seabirds: additional Pigeon Guillemots, nesting Cormorants, Bald Eagles perched at their nests, and even a pair of Kingfishers! It was an exciting and satisfying end to a fantastic day on the water.

Our onboard Marine Naturalists, Val Watson, Hayligh Hilbert, and Jordan Robinson, captured some great shots throughout the trip, which you can enjoy below!

June 28, 2025, 10:30 AM - Humpbacks all over the Strait!