The Salish Sea, nestled between the southwestern coast of British Columbia and the northwestern coast of Washington State, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse marine life. Among its most enchanting inhabitants are the humpback whales. These gentle giants, known for their mesmerizing songs and acrobatic displays, have been making a remarkable comeback in recent years. In a truly extraordinary event, two pairs of humpback whales were recently spotted travelling together in the Salish Sea, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our guests to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Before diving into the sighting, it's important to understand the significance of their presence in the region. Humpback whales, once hunted to the brink of extinction by the whaling industry, have made a remarkable recovery in recent decades. Their population has rebounded thanks to international conservation efforts and protective measures. The Salish Sea has become a vital feeding ground for these marine giants, drawing scientists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

The Salish Sea is no stranger to whale sightings, as it is home to a diverse array of marine life. However, witnessing not one but two pairs of humpback whales travelling together is an exciting occurrence. The humpback whales are here in the Salish Sea to feast on the abundance of krill and small fish.

As we approached the first pair, identified as MMX0355 and Crackle (BCY0523 calf 2019), the passengers were treated to a breathtaking spectacle. At first, the whales were just travelling, but upon noticing our vessel they decided to come to investigate! They spent time right next to the boat, rolling around, swimming upside down, and even giving us a great look at their pectoral fins.

After spending time with these two we continued and found another pair, Valiant (BCX1773) and an unknown friend, travelling together. Their behaviour was more typically for our humpbacks, but breathtaking nonetheless.

The significance of these sightings lies not only in their rarity but also in the behaviour exhibited by the whales. Humpback whales are known to be social creatures, but witnessing two pairs travelling together is an extraordinary occurrence. They used to think sightings like this were very uncommon but as more and more return to our waters, it is becoming the norm. Observing this level of social interaction in the Salish Sea is a testament to the health and vibrancy of the local ecosystem.

The presence of humpback whales in the Salish Sea is a testament to the success of conservation efforts aimed at protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitat. Strict regulations on whale-watching activities, vessel speed limits, and efforts to reduce marine noise pollution have all contributed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for humpback whales in the region.

We take these sightings and the general abundance of humpback whales in the area as a testament to the resilience of nature and the success of conservation efforts in the region. It is a vivid reminder of the importance of protecting our oceans and the magnificent creatures that call them home. As we continue to work towards a more sustainable future, let us cherish and protect the natural wonders of our world, ensuring that future generations can also experience the awe-inspiring beauty of humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Our naturalist onboard the vessel, Aly Kohlman, captured some beautiful moments of these encounters, which you can view below.