This morning Cascadia and Kula slipped out of the harbour and into the Strait in search of whales. With calm seas and lots of open water ahead, the boats decided to split up to cover more ground, and it turned out to be the perfect choice!

Kula headed south of Bowen Island and soon spotted three humpbacks travelling together. We quickly identified them as Harpy (BCZ0503), Seltzer (BCY1274), Hendrix (BCY1278). These whales were moving steadily through the water, their tall blows visible from a distance, and they treated us to fluke after fluke as they dove deep. For humpbacks, showing their tail flukes can often mean they’re taking a longer dive in search of food, so each time they lifted their massive tails high, we knew they’d be spending a few minutes feeding below the surface.

Meanwhile, Cascadia explored the waters east of Gabriola Island, where the action was of a completely different pace. Here we encountered BCY1474, Professor X (BCX1965), and Dandelion (BCY1107), and they were anything but quiet! This trio was full of energy, giving us multiple breaches, loud trumpeting, and plenty of pec slaps. Breaching, in particular, is one of the most spectacular behaviours to witness at sea. While scientists are still studying the exact reasons, it’s thought to be a way to communicate, dislodge parasites, or play. Whatever the reason, it’s unforgettable to watch a 40-tonne animal launch itself completely out of the water.

Not all humpback encounters look the same. Some groups, like Harpy, Seltzer, and Hendrix today, spend more time travelling and diving with typical surface activity. Others, like Professor X, Dandelion, and BCY1474, seem to put on a full show. One big reason for these differences may come down to energy reserves. Humpbacks feed only during the summer months here in the Salish Sea, building up thick layers of fat to sustain them through their long migration and fasting period in tropical waters. When whales have been feeding successfully and are “well-fueled,” they often have the energy to breach, play, and interact more at the surface. On the other hand, whales that are still busy foraging may conserve their energy for hunting krill and small fish, spending more time diving deep and less time on showy behaviours.

But it isn’t just about food; social dynamics play a significant role, too. Humpbacks often become more active when they’re in a group, especially when younger whales are present. Surface behaviours like breaching, trumpeting, and tail slapping may help whales communicate, reinforce bonds, or even compete for attention. Think of it like a mix of play, practice, and social signalling all happening at once.

Interestingly, many of these behaviours take on an even bigger role in the breeding grounds of Hawaii and Mexico. Down south, whales aren’t feeding at all, so their surface activity is almost entirely about social interaction. Males will breach, pec slap, and trumpet to show off strength or compete with rivals in what’s known as a “heat run,” while mothers with calves often encourage play-like surface activity as young whales practice the skills they’ll need later in life. What we see here in the feeding grounds may well be practice (or simply an extension) of the behaviours that become essential during the winter breeding season. And while these behaviours are more common in the breeding grounds, we still get our fair share of them here as well, and are happy to see them!

Here’s hoping these playful humpbacks save their energy for their long journey ahead!

After spending time with our humpbacks, we popped over to visit another one of our favourites, our pinnipeds! The rocky haul-outs were bustling with activity as Steller Sea Lions lounged and rumbled on the shoreline. These massive pinnipeds can weigh over a thousand kilograms, and their deep, growling roars echoed across the water like something out of a Jurassic scene.

Alongside the Stellers, we’ve begun to notice the return of California Sea Lions. These sleek, chocolate-brown sea lions migrate south each summer to their breeding grounds in California and Mexico, and as the season shifts, they make their way back up the coast to the Salish Sea. It’s always exciting to see them trickling back into our waters, adding their own barks and chatter to the chorus of the Stellers.

Both species play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem here, and watching them interact on the haul-outs is a poignant reminder of the diversity of wildlife we’re fortunate enough to see on the water.

Photos by Val Watson and Hayleigh Hilbert.

September 5, 2025, 3:30 PM - Humpbacks and pinnipeds in the Salish Sea