August 17, 2025, 10:30 AM - Whales, Waves, and a Whole Lot of Splashing
The sun was shining overhead as we left the dock, and with clear skies above, we didn’t mind taking on a few splashes as we headed out into the Strait. The waves added to the adventure, and it didn’t take long before we were rewarded with exactly what we came for: whales.
Just north of Gabriola Island, tall bushy blows broke through the chop of the water, and our naturalists quickly recognized two familiar fins. It was Honu (BCX1856) and Moresby (KEY0055), a pair of humpback whales, that have been spending time in the area this season. Both were busy feeding, rising to the surface with strong, steady exhalations before diving again to search for schools of small fish and krill below. Humpbacks use a variety of strategies to feed, from lunging upward through bait balls to trapping prey in bubble nets. While most of this feeding activity happens beneath the surface, the tall plumes of mist and occasional tail fluke give us a glimpse of the effort.
After spending time with them, we continued south and soon came across another pair. This time, it was Bandit (BCX2081) and Hammer (BCY1222), both circling the area in tight turns that suggested more feeding. The calm of the moment didn’t last long, though. Bandit started slapping their massive pectoral fins against the surface of the water! This activity seemed to draw in another humpback whale that was feeding nearby: Barge Boy (KEX0078)! Scientists believe that surface behaviours such as tail slaps, pec slaps, and breaches may be used as a form of long-distance communication. In this case, it certainly seemed to work! What followed was an incredible display of social energy, with one of the whales launching completely out of the water in a full breach, sending spray flying in every direction. For an animal weighing upwards of 35 tonnes, this is no small feat, and it never fails to leave everyone on board in awe.
As the afternoon rolled on, we thought our whale encounters might be wrapping up, but the Strait had more in store for us. Near the end of our trip, another pair surfaced, this time it was Kappa (BCX0158) and her calf, Kappiroto (BCX0158calf2025). Calves often bring a burst of playfulness to the day, and today was no exception. We watched as the young whale cartwheeled at the surface, flipping its tail and body high into the air before splashing down with boundless energy. While calves practice these behaviours as play, they are also building strength and coordination that will serve them in adulthood. After their acrobatics, mother and calf settled into more typical feeding behaviour, diving together in synchrony.
On our way back toward Nanaimo, the surprises weren’t over. A handful of Steller Sea Lions had hauled out on a buoy, growling and jostling for space as the vessel slowed for a look. These massive pinnipeds can weigh well over a thousand pounds, and while they might appear clumsy on land, in the water, they’re mighty hunters in their own right. Their fish-heavy diet (and tendency to defecate where they rest) often makes their favourite haul-outs a little fragrant, something our crew has nicknamed another favourite haul-out site after: Stinky Rocks.
With the sun still shining and a salty breeze in our faces, we made our way back to Nanaimo, grateful for a day that included not just whales, but whales in every stage of life; from playful calves to experienced adults. Each encounter is a reminder of the importance of protecting these rich coastal waters, so that whales like Honu, Moresby, Bandit, Hammer, Barge Boy, Kappa, and Kappiroto can return to these feeding grounds year after year. Please enjoy all the photos captured by our Marine Naturalists, Desarae Poier, Hayleigh Hilbert, and Jordan Robinson, throughout the tour!
Honu and Moresby
Honu going for a dive. Photo by Desarae Poier.
The underside of Honu’s tail. Photo by Desarae Poier.
The underside of Honu’s tail as they go for a dive. Photo by Desarae Poier.
The underside of Moresby’s tail. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
The two open boats floating by. Photo by Jordan Robinson.
Honu (left) surfacing with Moresby fluking beside them. Photo by Jordan Robinson.
Bullet (briefly), Barge Boy, and Bandit
Bullet going for a dive. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Bandit’s pectoral fin in the air. Photo by Desarae Poier.
The underside of Bandit’s tail. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Bandit pec slapping. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Bandit breaching. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Barge Boy’s pectoral fin. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Barge Boy slapping their tail. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Barge Boy going for a dive. Photo by Desarae Poier.
The top side of Barge Boy’s tail. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Happy whale watchers on Kula as Barge Boy dives. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Barge Boy breaching. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
Bandit breaching. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
Barge Boy surfacing. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
The underside of Barge Boy’s fluke. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
Touchdown after a breach from Barge Boy. Photo by Jordan Robinson.
Kappa and Kappiroto
Kappa lifting her tail for a dive. Photo by Desarae Poier.
The underside of Kappa’s tail as she dives with her calf surfacing beside her. Photo by Desarae Poier.
The underside of Kappiroto’s tail. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Kappa cartwheeling. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Kappa tail slapping with her calf just ahead of her. Photo by Desarae Poier.
A lovely fluke waterfall from Kappa. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Kappiroto surfacing. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Kappa going for dive. Photo by Desarae Poier.
The underside of Kappa’s tail. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Other Wildlife
A very itchy Harbour Seal. Photo by Desarae Poier.
Look how cute the Harbour Seal is! Photo by Desarae Poier.
Steller Sea Lions on the UM buoy. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
Steller Sea Lions on the Buoys. Photo by Jordan Robinson.
UM looking fancy with it’s Sea Lion riders.Photo by Jordan Robinson.