August 30, 2025, 10:30 AM - Strait into humpback soup.
Today the whole fleet left the dock together, setting out under skies that offered us a bit of everything, patches of wind and waves in some places, and calm, glassy stretches in others. That mix of conditions often makes for an exciting adventure, and today was no exception.
Not long into our journey, Kula was the first to spot a pair of humpback whales near Snake Island, just a short ride from home. It was Orion (BCX1251), Aether (BCZ0414 calf 2024). Snake Island is a unique landmark in our local waters, not only for the wildlife that frequents the area, but also for the human history that rests beneath the waves. Several ships were intentionally sunk here, creating artificial reefs that now serve as a popular diving destination. While divers can explore the mysteries below, we were treated to the timeless sight of whales moving gracefully through the surface waters above.
After watching this pair for a while, we let them continue their journey and pressed further into the Strait. That’s when Kula branched off again and came upon another humpback duo, this time Kappa (BCX0158) and Kappiroto (BCX0158 calf 2025). The two were travelling steadily. As we admired them, another tall, misty blow erupted nearby; it was Velvet (BCY1186). This was a treat for the whole fleet, as our vessels came together again to spend time with this familiar whale.
And just when we thought the day couldn’t get much richer, more blows appeared on the horizon. Before long, we realized we had stumbled into what we affectionately call “humpback soup”, multiple whales surfacing and circling in the same nutrient-rich area. Slice (BCX2487) and BCX2316 joined the scene, creating quite the gathering of giants.
This hotspot was no accident. We were near Halibut Bank, an area renowned for its productivity. The bank is essentially an underwater hill, and when tidal currents rush over it, cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep is forced upwards, a process known as upwelling. This cycle fuels plankton blooms, which support fish populations and, in turn, attract hungry humpbacks. Seeing so many individuals gathered in one place was a perfect illustration of how oceanography shapes the lives of these whales.
We made a stop at the White Islets, where the towering forms of Steller Sea Lions greeted us from their rocky haul-outs. This is also a bustling seabird colony. Dozens of gulls were tending to their chicks, filling the air with calls that added another layer to the vibrant ecosystem. The White Islets are a well-known nesting spot in our region, providing safe, elevated terrain where the gulls can raise their young away from most predators.
As we neared home, we were gifted one final surprise. Just off Gabriola Island, two more blows rose in unison, Hydra (BCY1000) and Windy (BCY0893). These whales had clearly found success in their foraging, as they treated us to spectacular surface activity. A breach from a humpback is always breathtaking; seeing such a massive animal hurl itself clear of the water is a reminder of the power and energy these creatures hold. Because such displays require a tremendous amount of effort, we can reasonably assume Hydra and Windy had fed well and were burning off some extra energy!
After this final, unforgettable encounter, we turned our bows toward the harbour and headed back to Nanaimo. From calm seas to wavy stretches, from solitary travellers to humpback soup, and from sea lions to seabirds, today reminded us once again of the incredible richness of the Salish Sea.
Orion and Aether
Orion’s dorsal fin just ahead of Aether. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
The underside of Orion’s tail. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
Orion’s dorsal fin. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
The underside of Orion’s tail. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
The beautiful underside of Aether’s tail. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
A fluke waterfall from Orion. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
Aether with their tail in the air. Photo by Jodan Robinson.
Kappa and calf
Kappa (right) and her calf (left) diving together. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
Kappa making a fluke waterfall beside her calf’s tail. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
The beautiful underside of Kappa’s tail. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
Kappa and her calf diving in unison. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
Look at the size difference between Kappa (right) and her calf (left). Photo by Aly Kohlman.
Velvet
Velvet going for a dive. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
The underside of Velvet’s tail. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
Velvet going for a dive. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
The underside of Velvet’s tail. Photo by Jodan Robinson.
Velvet’s dorsal fin. Photo by Jodan Robinson.
Red-necked phalarope. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
White Islets
Steller Sea Lion yoga. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
A baby gull on the White Islets. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
A Steller Sea Lion nursing on the White Islets. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
Steller Sea Lions on the White Islets. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
Slice and BCX2316
The underside of Slice’s tail. Photo by Aly Kohlman.
Slice going for a dive. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
One of the humpback’s lifting their rostrum out of the water. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
Happy Whale Watchers on Cascadia. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
BCX2316 lifting their tail up slightly, with Slice’s dorsal fin behind them. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
BCX2316 with their tail halfway out of the water. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
BCX2316 with their rostrum in the air. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
A fluke waterfall from BCX2316. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
The underside of BCX2316’s tail. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
The underside of BCX2316’s tail. Photo by Jodan Robinson.
Slice surfacing in front of BCX2314 rostrum. Photo by Jodan Robinson.
Windy and Hydra
Windy with his pectoral fin in the air. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.
Windy’s pectoral fin in the air. Photo by Jodan Robinson.
Windy pec slapping. Photo by Jodan Robinson.
Windy and Hydra pec slapping together. Photo by Jodan Robinson.
Windy’s pectoral fin. Photo by Jodan Robinson.
The underside of Windy’s beautiful tail. Photo by Jodan Robinson.