On this evening, our semi-covered vessel Kula and our open vessel Keta left the dock and set off into the Salish Sea! They both adventured northward, scanning the horizon for signs of whales and other wildlife!

The day’s adventures took us very far north, and upon reaching the shores of Qualicum Beach, numerous humpback blows were spotted! Kula set off to inspect three distant blows while Keta ventured towards a different set of four blows. Upon arrival, Kula identified the three humpbacks to be none other than Rubber Ducky (BCZ0410 2024 Calf), Nova (BCY1178) and her 2025 calf! This is Nova’s first-ever calf, and a very exciting moment, as this has become another extended family tree we can track!

Humpbacks were previously hunted to near-extinction during the whaling era. Due to this, a lot of our knowledge about them is very new, and social dynamics and family bonds are among the areas where our understanding is limited. Family trees are fascinating to watch flourish, and we are excited to see how much this tree grows in the future!

In addition to Rubber Ducky, Nova and her calf, passengers aboard Kula had also spotted some more humpbacks off in the distance. As our vessel approached, it appeared that even more humpback whales had been found! Once each whale showed us their signature tail fluke, we were able to identify the humpbacks to be Walter/Cereal (KEX0079), Lunchable (BCY1014 2023 Calf), Kata (BCY1218), and Nick (BCX0565). These four were fluking and diving, likely having a late evening meal.

Close by, Keta spotted a couple of humpbacks of their own - these four humpbacks were identified as Vector (BCX2485), Moraine (BCY1465), Ghost (BCX1333) and her 2025 calf - another little bouncing bundle of joy!

Last June, Vector made the news when they were spotted heavily entangled near Campbell River. It was a stressful time as onlookers tried to relocate Vector, to no avail. There was concern that Vector may have passed away from injuries from their entanglement, but thankfully, it appears that they were able to shed their gear naturally and have made a full recovery. They still show scars from the harrowing encounter, though, a strong reminder of the dangers humpbacks may experience when they travel through waters with debris in them.

Vector, Moraine, Ghost and her calf were observed associating with each other. After a couple of flukes and dives, suddenly there was a big change in behaviour from Moraine and Ghost’s calf - the two youngsters began cartwheeling, an acrobatic aerial display where they really ‘throw’ their weight around! While Keta was observing these four, Kula’s group appeared to respond with a cartwheel of their own! Cartwheeling could be used as a form of communication, as the act of landing on the surface of the water creates a huge sound wave that can be heard from miles around. This could be used to warn other humpbacks of danger, potentially, or to invite them over for a dinner get-together!

While the two youngsters were up to their shenanigans, Vector and Ghost continued diving and fluking, not as interested in burning calories right now.

Soon we had to part ways from our beautiful, gentle giants, and we needed to make our way back south towards home port. The adventures for the day weren’t quite over, though, as we zipped over to the Gabriola Bluffs for a quick peek at the birds roosting and settling in for the evening. Several Cormorants were cozying up in the setting sun, as well as a pair of Gulls, too! After a quick look, we turned back towards Nanaimo, cruising back into port, wrapping up a gorgeous day exploring the Salish Sea!

Please enjoy these photos by Marine Naturalists Aly Kohlman and Hayleigh Hilbert.

July 31, 2025, 3:30 PM - Double Babies in a single trip - featuring Nova with her first ever calf!