October 3rd was an unforgettable day on the waters of British Columbia! All three of our boats set off from the harbour, each one returning with remarkable stories of whale sightings. We encountered six separate groups of humpback whales, as well as a pod of orcas. From the curious and close encounters to the thrilling displays of breaching and fin slapping, it was a whale-watching day for the ages.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the incredible encounters, starting with our first humpback sighting!

The first humpback whales we encountered were the well-known cow-calf pair, Zephyr (BCZ0414) and her calf. There’s always something special about seeing a mother whale with her young, and this time was no exception. But what really made this encounter memorable was their curiosity about our boat. Zephyr and her calf approached us, drifting closer with each surface until they were right alongside the vessel.

For a moment, it felt like we were part of their world, as if they were as curious about us as we were about them. Seeing these gentle giants so close is a reminder of the mutual respect between species, though it’s also a cautionary sign. As magical as these encounters are, boats and whales in close proximity can pose risks, especially for younger calves just learning to navigate the world.

Next up was the dynamic duo of Barge Boy (HW-MN0502814) and Callisto (BCX0854calf2021), another pair of humpbacks traveling together. We spotted them moving gracefully through the water, their large tail flukes slicing through the surface. Much like Zephyr and her calf, these two also seemed intrigued by our presence. They made their way toward us, surfacing right beside the boat for several breathtaking moments.

It’s always an honor when whales choose to get this close, but it also highlights a growing trend of humpback curiosity toward vessels. While it gives us incredible opportunities for close encounters, it also reminds us of the need to tread carefully in their environment. These encounters are becoming more common, and it’s essential that we continue to protect their space.

While the other two boats were having their unique adventures with their whales, our third boat was also getting an interesting experience, this time with Malachite (BCX1210calf2021) and Slalom (BCZ0437). These two humpbacks were traveling together and, like the others, became curious about our boat. They circled us several times, surfacing close by, their sleek bodies glistening in the sunlight as they moved effortlessly through the water. They not only surfaced close but were also active at the surface, with pectoral fin slapping and spy hops happening beside us.

This trio of curious whale pairs left us in awe, but it also sparked concern. What was once considered a rare behaviour—whales approaching boats—is becoming more frequent. And while it provides unforgettable moments, it puts the whales in close proximity to human activity, which can introduce dangers like noise pollution or boat strikes. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant on the water, especially around whales. You never know what to expect from them.

While the earlier encounters had a calm, curious nature, the next group of humpbacks was all about energy. We were treated to a spectacular display from Professor X (BCX1965)and Honu (BCX1856), two incredibly active whales. They were breaching, slapping their enormous pectoral fins on the surface, and even rolling upside down!

This energetic behaviour is one of the most exciting aspects of whale watching. Every surface, breach, and splash was a reminder of the sheer power and grace these animals possess. It takes a huge amount of energy for the whales to throw their massive bodies around like this, so we don’t see it very often. It was a thrilling experience for everyone aboard, and a moment no one will soon forget.

One boat also got to spend time with Beak (BCX1606), another humpback whale who was travelling solo today. He seemed to be more intent on feeding as we watched him coming to the surface for a few breaths before dipping back below the surface, and lifting his tail as he went. This calm behaviour contrasted the activity of the other whales sharply and reminded us how lucky we were to catch all the other whales with so much energy.

Our final humpback sighting of the day featured Valiant (BCX1773), a regular visitor to these waters, accompanied by an unknown companion. In contrast to the earlier high-energy displays, these two humpbacks moved gracefully through the water, surfacing in perfect harmony. They kept their distance from the boat, but the sight of their synchronized swimming and the sound of their blows breaking the quiet air left us in awe.

There’s something incredibly peaceful about watching whales like this. While the breaching and active behavior is thrilling, moments of calm with these majestic animals remind us of the serenity they bring to the ocean.

As the day was coming to a close, we had one last surprise in store: a pod of orcas, known as the T049As (-A2).

T049A Nan ♀ (1986)
T049A1 Noah ♂ (2001)
T049A3 Nat ♂ (2011)
T049A4 Neptune ♂ (2014)
T049A5 Nebula ♀ (2017)
T049A6 Charlie II ♂ (2022)

Another boat had spotted them not too far away from us, so we headed over. We spotted them travelling together near Halibut Bank, cutting through the water with their characteristic black-and-white markings. Among them was Noah, a member of the pod who doesn’t always travel with the rest of his family. It was a rare treat to see him in the company of his relatives, and a fitting end to an extraordinary day on the water.

Orcas are the top predators of the ocean, and seeing them in the wild is always a thrill. Their sleek, powerful movements and tight family bonds make them a joy to watch. This sighting was the perfect capstone to a day filled with marine wonders.

In addition to our incredible whale sightings, we also saw some of BC’s other marine residents. At Harmac, we spotted a group of California Sea Lions, basking in the sun and making their presence known with loud, playful barks. At Snake Island, we encountered several Harbour Seals, resting on the rocky shores and slipping into the water as we passed by.

These additional wildlife sightings were a delightful bonus, showcasing the rich biodiversity of British Columbia’s coastal waters.

Please enjoy all of the photos of the day captured by the onboard Marine Naturalists Aly Kohlman, Cheyenne Brewster, and Vanessa Vereschahen available below!

Zephyr and calf