Whale Watching Report

Close Pass By (Minke Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Moving Water (Minke Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Gray Whale Rising

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Calm waters welcomed the Island Explorer 3 into the Strait of Juan de Fuca where we found the first whales of the day! Cutting a grid pattern 3 Minke Whales, two of which were considerably larger than the third, on the prominent Hein Bank. At one point we were completely surrounded by the whales, two swam off on the port side while the third was on the starboard heading towards a large group of birds involved in a feeding frenzy. Then out of nowhere one of the three Minkes decided to check us out right next to the boat allowing everyone on board the opportunity to hear the sound of its exhalation! Our journey continued on towards Smith Island when we found yet two more Minke Whales which we visited with before making our way towards the west side of Whidbey Island. There we found another species of whale to share with our guests. Two Gray Whales slowly feeding in the shallow waters. In the still of the day their exhalations formed perfect heart shaped blows that lingered. It was yet another beautiful day out in the San Juan Islands, as we visited with Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Harbor Porpoise, Glaucous-winged Gulls, and Common Murres." - Naturalist Kate Janes

This Whale Report is dedicated to Tom McMillian.