There’s something profoundly exhilarating about heading out on the water with the hope of encountering wildlife in their natural habitat. Every trip offers something new, whether it’s an unexpected sighting or a familiar creature doing something remarkable. That’s exactly how our most recent adventure unfolded, with two boats setting off from Nanaimo Harbour, ready for a day of exploration in the rich waters surrounding Vancouver Island.

As we left the calm protection of Nanaimo Harbour, we were all excited onboard. With both boats eager to begin the search, we set our course for the Southern Gulf Islands. To get there, we navigated through Dodd Narrows, a stunning but narrow channel that requires precision, as the current can move swiftly through the confined space. Once past, we searched the islands before taking Gabriola Pass to enter the wide expanse of the Strait of Georgia.

This stretch of water offers a perfect mix of marine life and breathtaking views, with the coastal mountains and forested islands on the horizon.

Our first wildlife encounter of the day wasn’t with whales, but with the local pinniped residents. Just past Gabriola Island, we made a stop at the aptly named Stinky Rock, a famous haul-out spot for both Harbour Seals and Steller Sea Lions. The rock gets its name from the unmistakable smell created by these animals, who spend hours lounging and soaking up the sun after hunting in the surrounding waters.

Seeing these seals and sea lions up close is always a highlight. The contrast between the smaller, more agile Harbour Seals and the towering, noisy Steller Sea Lions is a remarkable sight. Steller Sea Lions, the largest sea lions in the world, weigh up to 2,500 pounds and can often be seen growling and jostling for position on the rocks. Meanwhile, the Harbour Seals, much quieter and more reserved, pop their heads up intermittently from the water, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

After enjoying the pinniped spectacle at Stinky Rock, we continued our journey southward, our eyes constantly scanning the horizon for signs of cetaceans.

As we ventured farther into the Strait of Georgia, our patience was rewarded. A familiar spout in the distance signaled the presence of a humpback whale! The excitement in the air was contagious as we approached the whale with care, maintaining a respectful distance but ensuring everyone on board had a clear view.

The whale we encountered was Bandit (BCX2081), a humpback we know well this year. Bandit is a relatively young whale, born in 2020 to a female humpback named Raccoon (BCX1233). Like all humpbacks, Bandit’s dorsal fin and fluke (tail) are as unique as a fingerprint, which makes identifying individuals easier. On this day, however, Bandit wasn’t lifting his fluke during his deeper dives, which is often the most reliable way to identify a whale. Instead, we had to rely on his dorsal fin for identification, using its unique shape and markings.

Bandit appeared to be travelling spending lots of time at the surface as he quickly moved north. Watching this massive animal glide effortlessly through the water was mesmerizing.

We spent some quality time with Bandit, watching him surface every few minutes to breathe before slipping back beneath the waves. These moments of connection with a wild creature—especially one as majestic as a humpback whale—are what make whale watching so special.

As our time with Bandit came to an end, we turned our boats northward, making our way back toward Nanaimo. This time, we traveled inside the Southern Gulf Islands, a route that takes you through sheltered passages surrounded by lush forested landscapes. The area is a quiet refuge, with smaller islands dotting the route, each with its own unique charm.

The return journey gave us time to reflect on the day’s events. From the pinnipeds at Stinky Rock to the calm grace of Bandit, it had been a day rich with wildlife encounters and scenic beauty. These waters never fail to surprise and delight, offering a glimpse into the incredible marine life that calls this region home.

Please enjoy the photos taken by the onboard Marine Naturalists Desarae Poier and Val Watson which can be viewed below.