It was an unforgettable day on the waters off Nanaimo, as two of our boats prepared to leave the dock, carrying eager whale watchers on an exciting adventure. The Strait of Georgia beckoned with the promise of marine wildlife encounters, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. Our two vessels—a semi-covered boat and an open boat—departed in tandem, both starting by exploring the waters around Gabriola Island. Little did we know that the day would bring encounters with not just one, but several majestic species, and even a few surprises along the way.

The semi-covered boat took a scenic route toward Stinky Rocks, a rocky outcrop well-known for its abundant wildlife. Along the way, guests scanned the horizon in hopes of spotting the telltale spouts or dorsal fins of whales. Meanwhile, the open boat cruised steadily ahead, scanning the water’s surface for any signs of life.

At Stinky Rocks, the semi-covered boat made its first wildlife stop. The rocks were alive with activity: Steller Sea Lions and Harbour Seals basked in the sun, their sleek bodies stretched across the rocks. The powerful sea lions, with their deep roars and playful antics, delighted passengers onboard. The seals, ever cautious, kept a watchful eye but remained peacefully settled. The vibrant scene set the tone for what was to be an eventful day on the water.

While the semi-covered boat admired the wildlife at Stinky Rocks, the open boat had struck marine gold: a pair of humpback whales. These two individuals were known to us—Yogi (BCY0409) and Twinning (BCX1207)—both regular visitors to the area. What made this sighting even more special was the fact that Yogi and Twinning were exhibiting a fascinating behaviour known as associating. They travelled side by side, their movements in perfect harmony as if choreographed. Every time one would arch its back, the other would follow suit, and their synchronized dives created a mesmerizing display.

Whale association, particularly among humpbacks, is a subject of much curiosity. While researchers aren’t certain why these large whales sometimes travel so closely together, there are several prevailing theories. Some suggest it might be a social activity, a way of maintaining bonds or communicating. Others hypothesize it could relate to more efficient feeding strategies, where two whales work together to corral prey. A third possibility is safety in numbers, a strategy against predators or other threats. Whatever the reason, sightings of this behaviour have been on the rise, and each encounter provides researchers and enthusiasts with more data to unravel the mystery.

As news of Yogi and Twinning spread to the semi-covered boat, they began to make their way toward the open boat’s location. But along the way, they had a stroke of luck of their own, spotting another pair of humpback whales. This time, it was Valiant (BCX1773) and Neptune (BCY1021), two more familiar individuals known to the whale-watching community.

Neptune, in particular, was putting on quite a show. Unlike Yogi and Twinning’s calm, synchronized movements, Neptune was engaging in a behaviour that had our crew buzzing with excitement. The whale repeatedly brought its rostrum—the upper part of its head—out of the water before slapping it down while sinking backward. This curious display was something our team hadn’t witnessed before, making it a fascinating and unique moment. Was Neptune communicating? Playing? Theories abound, but like so much in the world of whales, the exact reasons remain elusive.

Both boats soon joined forces, allowing passengers to experience both whale pairs in close succession. But the excitement wasn’t over yet—there was still more to come.

As both boats spent time with the humpbacks, word came in from another whale-watching vessel in the area: a pod of orca had been spotted not too far away. Without hesitation, both boats left the humpbacks and set a course toward the orca.

Orca, also known as killer whales, are a thrilling sight for any wildlife enthusiast. This particular pod was the T100s, a transient orca family group often seen in these waters. As the boats approached, the orcas were spread out, travelling with purpose through the strait. Guests watched in awe as these powerful predators moved effortlessly through the water.

T100 Hutchins ♀ (~1979)
T100C Laurel ♂ (2002)
T100F Estrella (2014)

Two individuals stood out among the pod: Laurel, the eldest son, and Estrella, the youngest member of the group. The contrast between their sizes was striking, but both moved with the grace and confidence that defines orca behavior. The interaction between the pod members, even as they traveled apart, felt peaceful and calm—a reminder of the deep family bonds that orcas share.

As the day drew to a close, both boats began their return journey to Nanaimo. The sun was starting its slow descent, casting golden hues across the water. The open boat led the way, while the semi-covered boat took a slightly different route, passing through the narrow channel at Dodd Narrows. Just when it seemed the day couldn’t get any better, the semi-covered boat had one last surprise: a California Sea Lion had caught a salmon, and was in the process of devouring its catch right in front of the boat. This unexpected sight was the perfect cherry on top of an already amazing day of wildlife encounters.

A big thank you to our Marine Naturalists Vanessa Vereschahen and Desarae Poier for capturing these unforgettable moments in stunning photographs. Their keen eyes and wealth of knowledge made this extraordinary journey even more enriching.

October 7, 2024 - Two pairs of Humpbacks, and the T100s

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