On the 29th we started the day with a humpback hanging out just south of Porlier Pass along Galiano Island. Our humpbacks are slowly making their way back to our Canadian waters all the way from Hawaii! They’re pretty hungry, as they haven’t eaten since the fall when they began their migration to their breeding grounds. They spend a lot of their time right now doing deep dives and feeding on schooling fish and krill.

We were really lucky to see Cassiopeia pass right in front of our boat before we had to wave goodbye to her.

Going for a dive! Photo by Cheyenne Brewster.

ID’ing Humpbacks

When we ID humpbacks we always try and get a clear fluke shot. The flukes are the underside of their tail. Using our catalogs we are able to match up the edge of their tails and the white markings to get an ID. This girl here is Cassiopeia! Even though the pictures are a little out of focus, her markings are distinct enough that we know it was her!
Each humpback has a completely unique tail, much like a humans finger print. Some have all black tails, some have white and black (like our girl here) and some have mostly white tails. They also have unique markings from barnacles that grow on them, as well as scars from encounters with predators, abandon fishing gear, or vessel strikes.

In the afternoon we headed for Point Roberts in Washington to catch up with our orcas! The 46’s and 46B’s were hanging out along the shore before heading into the strait and we got an extra special treat!

Tail end of a jump! Photo by Rebeka Pirker

White Whale!!

We got to see T46B1B, Tl’uk, the white whale! We aren’t to sure what has caused his pale colouration. It could be albinism, or leucism, which is where there are no pigments (or fewer pigments) in the skin, but it’s certainly a real treat when we do get to see him!

Though the waves made it hard to see him on the water, we were lucky enough to get a few shots of him!

Want a chance to see the elusive white whale for yourself, or even a Humpback? Call our Nanaimo office at 1-250-667-5177 to book your tour today! We sail daily at 10:30 and 3:30 and if you don’t see a whale, your next trip is free!!

June 29th - Humpbacks and a White Whale in the Georgia Strait

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