September 20th - A great day with humpback whales Tempest and calf, Big Momma and Prowler, Kelpie, and Checkmate!

All three of our oats departed Nanaimo at noon and headed out in search of whales and other wildlife. Not far into the journey humpback whales were located just northeast of Gabriola Island, not too far from home!

Tempest (BCX0837) and her calf were busy fluking, slapping their pecs, and even breaching! It was lovely to see this family interacting with each other and to see the size difference between an adult female and a calf.

Not too far away were two more large humpback whales - Prowler (KEX0047) and Big Momma (BCY0324). The were generally traveling south and doin deep dives and some fluking. Big Momma is one of the first humpback whales that the whale watching industry documented at the beginning of the humpback comeback. She’s returned to the Salish Sea each year and has brought many calves with her. She’s one of our favourites!

Other humpback whales that were seen were Checkmate and Kelpie! We also spent some time with sea lions and harbour seals and got some great snaps of their photogenic faces.

Here are some of the best photos taken by marine naturalists, Rebecca, Beka, and Brad during the tours:

Jilann LechnerSeptember 24, 2021Comment