It was another unforgettable day for us at Vancouver Island Whale Watch, with the waters of the Salish Sea bustling with activity. Humpback whales stole the show, with an impressive eleven individuals identified during our trip. From energetic breaches to serene feeding dives, it was the kind of whale-watching day that leaves you in awe of these magnificent creatures.

Our day began with a pair of familiar whales not too far from home. We hadn’t ventured far past Nanaimo when, just east of Snake Island, we encountered Chinook (BCY0996) and Yakima (BCX2182). These two humpbacks are well-known in the area although this is the first time we’ve seen them paired up together. From the surface behavior we observed, they appeared to be focused on feeding, engaging in deep, methodical dives as they foraged beneath the waves.

At first, they seemed quite intent on their meal, lifting their tails high as they disappeared beneath the surface for minutes at a time. Then, in an unexpected display of playfulness, Yakima suddenly cartwheeled! Seeing such a massive animal—often 30 to 40 feet long—leap sideways out of the water is always an exhilarating moment, reminding us that even in the midst of feeding, whales can be spontaneous and joyful.

Once the pair settled back into their rhythm, they resumed their travels, and we too continued our journey, eager to see what lay ahead.

Next, we encountered an incredibly active pair of humpbacks, and it didn’t take long to identify the star of the show: Harpy (BCZ0503). Known for her energetic displays, Harpy lived up to her reputation, launching herself out of the water in spectacular breaches and slapping her tail repeatedly against the ocean’s surface. Each powerful movement sent cascades of water into the air, leaving everyone on board gasping in delight.

But Harpy wasn’t alone—her companion, though a bit more subdued, eventually showed off with a graceful fluke, revealing them to be Wiggins (BCX1602calf2022). It was a moment of pure magic, watching these two whales interact. Harpy’s playful energy contrasted beautifully with Wiggins’ calmer demeanor, creating a perfect balance.

As we set our sights toward the White Islets, hoping for a glimpse of the local pinnipeds, something else caught our attention: more blows on the horizon! Upon closer inspection, we found two more groups of humpback whales.

The first group included Incognito (BCX2053) and Honu (BCX1856), a pair of humpbacks travelling together. They too seemed focused on feeding, taking long, deep dives and lifting their tails high in the air before disappearing into the depths. It’s always fascinating to watch humpbacks in these moments of concentration, knowing that beneath the surface they’re using their massive baleen plates to filter out krill and small fish.

Not too far from them, we spotted another trio: Anvil (BCZ0410), her calf, and Scuttle (BCX1795). Watching a mother humpback and her calf is always heartwarming, as the calf stays close by, learning and mimicking the mother’s behavior. Anvil and her companions were similarly engaged in feeding, taking deep breaths before dipping gracefully beneath the surface.

It was humpback heaven out there, with each group exhibiting their own unique behavior as they searched for food and occasionally surfaced to take a breath.

After our encounters with the humpbacks, we finally made it to the White Islets. As expected, the rocky outcrop was teeming with wildlife. We were treated to the sight of Steller Sea Lions, lounging on the rocks, grunting to each other as they enjoyed the midday sun. There were also numerous Harbour Seals, some hauled out on the rocks, others poking their heads out of the water to curiously watch our boat. In the sky and along the shore, we spotted a variety of shorebirds, including gulls and cormorants.

The White Islets are always a rewarding stop, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Salish Sea, and today was no different.

As we began our journey back to Nanaimo, one of our boats came across one final surprise—a pair of humpbacks that hadn’t yet made their appearance for the day. One of them was none other than Professor X (BCX1965), a whale we’ve seen frequently this year. His tail, although indistinct, has become easily recognizable by our naturalists thanks to how often we see him. The second whale was a bit trickier to identify, but after some time and careful observation, we determined it was Remie (BCX1786). Remie is much less commonly seen, with only one other recorded sighting of him by our company back in October of 2022.

It was the perfect end to a perfect day on the water. Watching these gentle giants as they moved through their environment—whether they were feeding, playing, or traveling—reminded us once again why whale watching is such a unique and humbling experience.

After seeing eleven humpback whales, Steller Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, and countless birds, both boats made their way back to Nanaimo, safe and sound. Days like these, filled with so much activity, are what make whale watching on Vancouver Island such an unforgettable adventure. Every trip brings something new, and today’s encounters will certainly remain etched in our memories for a long time. Please enjoy all of the photos from the day taken by the onboard Marine Naturalists Val Watson and Vanessa Vereschahen that are included below!

September 22, 2024 - Big Bowl of Humpback Soup!

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