On March 3rd 2025 I was booked on a 4 hours whale watching tour with https://www.vancouverislandwhalewatch.com/. Put on your anti-exposure suits on the Open/Zodiac boat is mandatory plus several layers underneath like my heavy duty -40 Degrees Celsius winter coat was just right to not freeze up in the still cold temperatures on the open water around Nanaimo BC. Checked in and the camera in my hands we took off to the open ocean along the coastline of Vancouver Island BC.

It didn't take long to get out of the sheltered harbour waters and the first activity we spotted was a mix of eagles, seagulls and ducks chasing each other. Herring season has just started so lots of food for everyone.

We slowed down watched the birds having fun and warmed up a bit while idling. The headwind on an open boat despite the multiple layers was really really chilly. The birds however, were pretty active and interesting to watch.

After a few minutes of bird watching we took off to 'hunt down the whales see if they have arrived. What we were supposed to see is Orcas (commonly known as killer whales), Humpback, Mink and Grey whales. Let's keep boating.

At about 60km/hours we toured along the coast further north almost up to Comox. No luck yet. But what we then found was also fun. The Sea Lions hanging out on the rocks. The crew lovingly called them Rock Sausages.

A fun break around a small Sea Lion island. Warm up again and listen to the noise these animals make. A sound almost like a deep bark.

Still on our mission to find the whales we fired up the engines again up to 60km/h. This mission ended with another bird crowd. The seagulls flocked along the shores to hunt for herring or even the roe floating on the surface.

Although we did not see any whales I had a lot of fun watching what was going on. The ocean is such a beautiful and relaxing place. Lots to see and learn. The crew was very experienced and friendly. I will be back for sure because I have received a gift certificate for a new tour. See you again guys!