This afternoon, our entire fleet set out under calm seas and a brilliant late-summer sun, eager to see who we might encounter in the Salish Sea. With the conditions on our side, we made our way straight into the Strait of Georgia. It didn’t take long before we were rewarded with our first sighting of the day, a tall, bushy blow just off Gabriola Island.

To our delight, it was Honu (BCX1856), a familiar humpback who regularly visits these waters after migrating thousands of kilometres from the warm breeding grounds of Hawaii. “Honu” means turtle in Hawaiian, and just like the sea turtle, this whale has a special connection to the Pacific. Today, Honu was diving methodically, raising their massive tail flukes with each deep dive. Their behaviour suggested they were feeding, taking advantage of Gabriola’s nutrient-rich waters.

This particular stretch of ocean is known for its productivity. Interestingly, we often see humpback whales feeding in busy waterways, such as shipping lanes. Our theory is that the constant movement of large ships helps stir up the water column, thereby increasing oxygen levels and attracting microscopic phytoplankton. Phytoplankton forms the foundation of the marine food chain, attracting zooplankton and small schooling fish, which in turn lure in our mighty humpbacks. Watching Honu feed here provided a fascinating glimpse into how human and natural forces sometimes intersect in unexpected ways.

Not far from Honu, another blow rose against the horizon. This time it was Barge Boy (KEX0078), another well-known individual in our catalogue. Like Honu, Barge Boy was more than likely actively feeding, their broad tail lifting gracefully before vanishing beneath the waves. Seeing two whales foraging close to each other offered us a window into the incredible abundance these waters provide, sustaining whales through their long migrations.

After spending some time with our hungry hungry humpbacks, we decided to continue exploring. Our patience was quickly rewarded when tall black dorsal fins cut through the water. These weren’t humpbacks; these were orcas. We quickly recognized the pair:

T065 Whidbey Ⅱ ♀ (<1968)
T063 Chainsaw ♂ (~1978)

Chainsaw is one of the most famous residents of the Salish Sea, easily identified by his towering, jagged dorsal fin. In fact, Chainsaw is more than just a whale to us, he’s our mascot, his iconic fin emblazoned across our office, our boats, and even our crew shirts. Seeing him never fails to spark excitement.

Today, we were treated to an even more remarkable encounter: a hunt. Whidbey II successfully caught a harbour seal, providing a much-needed meal for herself and her son. On average, an adult orca requires around 300 pounds of food per day, the equivalent of about four harbour seals for this pair. Orca are also known for their practice of prey sharing, which strengthens their social bonds. True to form, after Whidbey II secured the meal, Chainsaw was quick to share in the feast. Watching this dynamic mother-son duo reminded us once again of the intelligence, cooperation, and family bonds that define orca society.

As the afternoon continued, we encountered yet another humpback, this time it was Hammer (BCY1222). Hammer was exhibiting the same feeding behaviour as Honu and Barge Boy, likely consuming vast amounts of krill, plankton, and/or small schooling fish. To put their appetite into perspective, a single humpback whale consumes an astonishing 3,000 to 5,000 pounds of food each day. These feeding sessions in the Strait of Georgia are critical for building up the fat reserves they’ll need for the long journey back to their tropical breeding grounds, where food is scarce.

With whales all around us, it already felt like a spectacular day, but our wildlife encounters weren’t finished yet. On our way back toward Nanaimo, we visited some of the smaller but no less fascinating residents of the Salish Sea.

We passed a buoy where a group of Steller Sea Lions were loudly competing for space, each one determined to be king of the castle. Nearby, harbour seals lounged on rocky outcrops, some with pups nursing at their sides. Overhead, cormorants perched along the Gabriola bluffs, wings spread wide to dry after their underwater foraging. True to their reputation, gulls circled constantly, ever on the lookout for scraps.

Along the shoreline, a stately great blue heron stood motionless, clearly considering its next fishing attempt. As we scanned the cliffs of the Gabriola Bluffs, we spotted a cliff swallow tucked neatly into its nest, a small but extraordinary sight that speaks to the diverse birdlife the Salish Sea supports.

With the sun beginning its descent and the seas still calm, we made our way back to the dock, reflecting on a day full of familiar fins. From humpbacks refuelling for migration, to an orca mother sharing her catch with her son, to the constant presence of pinnipeds and seabirds, today was a vivid reminder of the richness of life in these waters.

Every trip brings new encounters and new stories to tell, and today’s was a perfect example of why the Salish Sea is one of the most remarkable marine ecosystems on Earth.

Photos by Val Watson, Jordan Robinson, and Aly Kohlman.

August 18, 2025, 3:30 PM - Calm Seas, familiar fins, and an afternoon full of wildlife