On the morning of October 22nd, we embarked on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure that began with an early start from Nanaimo. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft golden light over the rolling hills as we set out on our charter. Our destination? The Strait of Georgia, a hotspot for local marine wildlife.

As the morning light grew stronger, we were soon rewarded with our first sighting: a pair of humpback whales. These gentle giants, identified as Kappa (BCX0158) and Honu (BCX1856), were swimming together, seemingly feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Humpback whales are known for their impressive feeding techniques, and we were lucky enough to witness their huge tails or flukes, rising out of the water as they dove deep into the ocean to feed. It was a mesmerizing display of their power and grace.

Just when we thought the experience couldn't get any better, another whale unexpectedly joined Kappa and Honu. It was Quadrata (BCY1255)! Quadrata is a smaller humpback that we first observed during one of our tours back in 2022. We estimate that they likely aren’t much older than that first sighting, so 2 or 3 years. They gracefully joined the other two, synchronizing their feeding dives with the others. We watched in awe as these three whales interacted with one another, creating a beautiful scene of humpback harmony.

After spending about an hour with this trio, we decided to continue our journey to see what else the Strait had in store for us. Heading south, we encountered another pair of humpbacks: Zig Zag (BCX1193) and Manta (BCZ0155). Zig Zag was easy to identify, thanks to the three distinct white dots on the left side of her tail fluke, making her a familiar sight. Manta, on the other hand, was distinguished by scarring on the dorsal fin. Like Kappa and Honu, these two were also feeding, likely preparing for their long 5,000-kilometer migration south to their breeding grounds. This time of year is crucial for humpbacks as they build up blubber reserves to sustain them during their journey.

Our adventure wasn't just limited to humpback whales. On our way back, we made a stop at Stinky Rock, a well-known resting spot for marine wildlife. Here, we were greeted by a group of Steller Sea lions Basking on the rocky outcrop, alongside some Harbour Seals enjoying the morning sun. Above us, majestic bald eagles soared through the air, completing the scene of Pacific Northwest wildlife at its finest.

As we travelled through the mist-covered southern Gulf Islands, the beauty of the early morning scenery left us in awe. The quiet stillness of the islands, combined with the breathtaking wildlife encounters, made this morning truly unforgettable. A special thank you to our onboard marine naturalist, Vanessa Vereschahen, for capturing the magic of this tour through her photos, helping us to remember this incredible experience long after it ended.

October 22, 2024, 7:00 am - An early morning with Humpback Whales

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