Today’s tour had everything that makes winter whale watching so special: calm seas, soft sunlight, and encounters with some of the Salish Sea’s most iconic wildlife.
We began our trip with a beautiful humpback whale, surfacing steadily in the gentle morning light. Several more humpbacks were spread throughout the area, their blows catching the sun as we continued on.
From there, we made our way through the Gulf Islands, weaving between quiet passages and sheltered bays. The weather couldn’t have been better — sunny, calm, and growing even more peaceful as the wind eased off throughout the day.
We rounded Valdes Island, one of the true gems of the Gulf Islands. Its rugged cliffs and forested slopes rose right from the water, a striking coastline that never fails to impress. Along the way, we stopped at a large Steller sea lion haul-out, where several hundred animals are gathered at this time of year. Their calls echoed across the water as the whole colony shifted, barked, and jostled for space.
Just when we thought the day had delivered its highlights, more blows appeared on the horizon. Moments later we found ourselves traveling with Jude and Indie, two well-known male Bigg’s killer whales. Watching them cut through the calm water was the perfect finale to the journey.
With the sun low on the horizon, we crossed a glassy Strait of Georgia, heading home across one of the calmest seas of the season.
Another remarkable day on the water — winter at its finest in the Salish Sea.
