Whale Watching Report

Captain Carl reports J-Pod Orca Whales in sight, in Rosario Strait, just west of Anacortes. Stay tuned for updates from Naturalist Kate Janes on the Island Explorer 3.

Think Big (from L to R: J45, Spieden J8, & Ruffles J1)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Up and Out

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Whidbey Island Gray Whale

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

AM: "It was a beautiful morning out in the San Juan Island, I dare say a morning we dream about. Blue sky overhead, calm conditions and the Orcas of J pod right in our very backyard! We found the whales literally 15-20 minutes off the dock heading south down Rosario Strait-such a treat! The whales were very active with multiple breaches, fishing behaviors with quick changes in direction, spyhops, cartwheels and even some taillobs from the new calves! Our guests watched as the two new moms, Samish (J14) and Princess Angeline (J17) swam fairly close to one another showing off their little ones. Both J44 & J45 were very surface active playing as they swam along side their moms. We also visited with Blackberry, Mako, Oreo, Doublestuff, Cookie, Ruffles, Granny and the rest of J pod could be seen spread out. Captain Carl didn't stop there however he found a Gray Whale later in the trip near Deception Pass making it a double header (seeing two species of whales in one trip)!"

Deadhead's Rainbow (Deadhead K27)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Deadhead K27

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Evening Glow (Deadhead K27)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

PM: "In the afternoon we found our Southern Resident Orcas near False Bay and they were really spread out, over 7 miles. We found the trailers and it was done other than Deadhead (K25). This was quite the shock since the portion of K pod, the K13 subpod, had reportedly headed westward yesterday and were already back with J pod! Deadhead was swimming with another whale who we were unable to identify due to lighting, but did they gives us some great looks as they milled around the boat. Our guests enjoyed hearing the exhalations and the beautiful lighting of the early evening. On both trips today we also enjoyed visiting with Bald Eagles, Harbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, Rhinoceros Auklets, California Sea Lions, and Cormorants!" - Naturalist Kate Janes