Whale Watching Report

On The Go (Minke Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Another gorgeous day beckoned the Island Explorer 3 and her guests out into the surrounding waters while a breeze kept all aboard comfortable in the heat of the day. We found "Joe" the California Gray Whale feeding in roughly 8-11 ft of water cutting a pretty thorough grid pattern searching for ghost shrimp. We watched as the giant gracefully moved through the water slowing rising and sinking in the blue water. After visiting with "Joe" we ventured towards Hein Bank searching for more wildlife and found another species of whale, a Minke Whale, on Salmon Bank. We hit the wildlife jackpot with tons of birds involved feeding frenzies, Harbor Seals popping up every which way and just bobbing at the surface, Harbor Porpoise slowing swimming so close to the boat and a large Minke Whale swimming around us!" - Naturalist Kate Janes