July 26th 3:30 - An afternoon with a humpback whale and lots of pinnipeds!

Cascadia set out into flat calm conditions at 3:30pm in search of wildlife and after about an hour and a bit we encountered a large humpback whales diving in the Strait of Georgia. Humpback whales can grow to be larger than 50 feet and weigh about a tonne per foot! They have two blow holes which they exhale from at the surface, emptying their lungs and creating that famous “spout” whale watchers search for.

This whale was likely filter feeding around the boat, looking for prey such as krill and other small bait fish. It had a very tall and rounded dorsal fin and a huge fluke that it raised up out of the water on its final breath to use as a gravitational assist to go back down. It’s so relaxing watching these whales breath and dive, breath and dive!

We also found some small rocky islands with harbour seals on them. Harbour seals live here year round and are the most abundant marine mammal on our coast. It’s pupping season right now so we are regularly treated to views of the cute, furry babies being safely guarded by mom. When mom gets hungry so leaves the pup on the shore while she goes and searches for food, and then comes back to her pup a little while later. The mom and pup will have a unique call to each other and can recognize each others scent. So, if you see a small pup on the shore do not move it! Mom will likely be back soon with a full tummy and more energy to feed her pup!

We found sea lions resting in a big cuddle puddle on the buoy just outside of Gabriola Pass. These guys have a great haul out because it adjusts with the tide so they never get kicked off.. unless it’s by another sea lion because sometimes we will see them play King of the Castle! These large mammals will rest for most of the day and then pop into the water when they need to search for fish or squid.

Here are some of the best photos taken by marine naturalist Rebeka Piker.