This morning, with the full fleet off the dock and the Salish Sea lying calm as glass, we had one of those tours that reminds us just how wild and interconnected this ecosystem truly is. With sunshine on our shoulders and not a ripple in sight, we cruised into the Strait of Georgia. We were immediately greeted by a remarkable sight: 9 humpback whales, more than likely feeding in the nutrient-rich waters off Vancouver Island. We had:

The Strait of Georgia comes alive during the summer months, becoming a seasonal buffet for humpback whales who have migrated thousands of kilometres from their breeding grounds in warmer waters. Here, they feast on schooling fish and krill, bulking up before they return south for the winter, where they fast.

This morning’s group was a mix of familiar flukes, likely actively feeding. With massive lunge feeds, mouths wide open, throats pleated like accordions, as they scooped up bait balls just below the surface. They were diving deep and coming up with a powerful blow after minutes underwater. A few pec-slapped, chin-slapped, rolled and even breached! Perhaps herding fish or simply celebrating the calm seas and cooperative hunting conditions.

It’s hard to describe what it’s like to be surrounded by so many whales, their tall blows rising like misty geysers all around, the thunderous sound of exhalation echoing across the calm sea. It was a true reminder of how alive the Salish Sea is and how important this region is for the recovery of these once-endangered giants.

While the humpbacks stole the show, the rest of the Salish Sea reminded us that the food chain is in constant motion, complex, beautiful, and sometimes harsh. A group of bald eagles, along with turkey vultures, were feeding on a harbour seal pup that had passed away. While it’s never easy to see, this is the reality of the wild. Nothing goes to waste in the Salish Sea. Every life, no matter how short, supports another. Whether scavenging or hunting, eagles play a key role in keeping populations balanced and contributing to the nutrient cycling of the region.

Later in the day, we saw another powerful and sobering moment: Near the Gabriola Bluffs, we watched as bald eagles raided cormorant nests, swooping in with precision and speed. As confronting as it can be to witness, this is a natural part of life here. Bald eagles are opportunistic hunters, and their raids are a reflection of a balanced and dynamic ecosystem.

We also spent time with harbour seals hauled out on rocky shores and Steller Sea Lions lounging and growling from their haulouts. These marine mammals are an essential part of the food web themselves. Seals and sea lions are both predators, feeding on fish, squid, and crustaceans, and prey, particularly for transient orca, who hunt them in stealthy coordinated attacks.

Even their waste contributes to the ecosystem. Just like the whales, sea lions and seals help fertilize the ocean with nutrients that support plankton growth, the very base of the marine food web.

Today’s tour was the kind that leaves you speechless, not just for the number of animals we encountered, but for the powerful reminder of how intricately connected every creature is. From plankton to humpback, from sea lion to eagle, everything here plays a role in supporting the next.

On the Salish Sea, every day is a lesson in the circle of life, and we are endlessly grateful to witness it!

Enjoy the photos below taken by Aly Kohlman, Desarae Poier and Jordan Robinson.