It was an absolutely incredible day out on the water with the humpbacks! Even though the days are getting shorter and the air has a crispness to it, the whales seem as lively as ever. Leaving the dock, we decided to head straight out into the open water of the Strait of Georgia. This gives us the best chance of spotting some of these late-season humpbacks, despite having no specific reports to guide us. The last week has truly been remarkable, and we have been so lucky to spot these gentle giants close to home.

The first humpbacks we encountered were just east of Entrance Island, a hotspot lately thanks to the abundant food available. Here we spotted a familiar pair identified as Zig Zag (BCX1193) and Split Fin (BCZ0298). Seeing these two together was a bit of a surprise, as Zig Zag had been spending recent days glued at the hip with another humpback, Manta. Zig Zag may have found a new companion for now, showing us just how interesting their social interactions can be.
Humpbacks are known for their dynamic and fluid social lives, often shifting companions and forming loose associations as they travel, feed, and even play. These social bonds can be brief, lasting only a few hours, or span several days or even seasons, especially in regions where food is plentiful. Some humpbacks, like Zig Zag, develop noticeable preferences, forming temporary “friendships” with specific individuals (like Manta), which can shift depending on their needs or circumstances. Social behaviours like pectoral slapping, breaching, and vocalizing are thought to communicate everything from a whale’s presence to its mood, sometimes signalling playfulness or a desire to establish dominance. These interactions, marked by intelligence and curiosity, make each encounter unique, as the whales seem to share information, build relationships, and explore their surroundings together. Observing their social behaviour up close offers a glimpse into the rich, complex lives of these ocean giants. Both of these two are getting ready to head back to Hawaii for the breeding season, so who knows if they’ll stick together!

After spending time with Zig Zag and Split Fin, we moved a little farther out and were quickly drawn to the sight and sound of another pair in the distance. As we got closer, the distinct pec-slapping was hard to miss, a behaviour that always captures attention with its playfulness and energy. This time, it was Astroboy (BCX2152) and Thunderbolt (BCX1675 calf 2023). They seemed as curious about us as we were about them, even coming right up to the boat at one point. This kind of interaction is mesmerizing and heartwarming, though we’re careful not to encourage it, as the whales' safety and well-being are top priorities, and we must maintain a respectful distance to avoid any behaviour that could make them too comfortable with people.

While it’s undoubtedly thrilling when humpbacks approach boats, it’s essential to remember the potential dangers this behaviour poses to both the whales and those observing them. When humpbacks become accustomed to approaching vessels, they risk injury from accidental collisions with boat hulls or propellers, which can cause severe harm to these gentle giants. Additionally, close interactions can alter the natural behaviours of humpbacks, especially young whales like Thunderbolt, who are still learning essential survival skills. Over time, if they grow too comfortable around boats, they may not recognize when a situation is unsafe. As awe-inspiring as these close encounters are, we always strive to minimize human impact, allowing the whales to remain as wild as possible and helping to ensure their safety for generations to come. These two behaved very well, recognizing the difference between the engines being on or off, and responding safely and accordingly. We hope that they continue to learn what is safe and what is not and alter their behaviour accordingly. Once safe to leave, we continued on our way to check out some pinnipeds to finish off the day.

The Steller Sea Lions are always a favourite for guests, as their wild antics and enthusiastic roaring always entertain. We coasted along Gabriola’s coastline and over to Stinky Rocks to see them grumbling away at each other. Finally, we left Stinky Rocks and headed into the Southern Gulf Islands northbound, passing through Dodd Narrows on our way back to Nanaimo. Before heading back to the dock we made one last stop to say hello to the California Sea lions at the Harmac log booms. After leaving our Californians behind, we made our way back home as the sun was beginning to set, after another wonderful and memorable day on the Salish Sea.
Please check out the pictures below from Naturalist Cheyenne Brewster!

October 25, 2024 - An Encounter of the Close Kind

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