Whale Watching Report

Gray Whales sighted from Island Explorer 3 on today's tour and a report of J-Pod Orca Whales out west heading inbound to our area - that's a great report for Fridays tour! Stay tuned for updates from Naturalist Kate Janes.

Joe's Friend (Gray Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

A Day Full of Surprises (reposition of submarine)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

1st Sighting of the Year (Heermann's Gull)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Swim Little Puffin Swim (Tufted Puffin)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Today's journey lead us south of Fidalgo Island and into the waters surrounding Deception Pass. Our guests saw up close the beauty of the historic bridge and even saw a pair of Bald Eagles perched high atop some conifers keeping a watchful eye on the water. It was along West Beach that we found "Joe" the Gray Whale and his new friend feeding in the shallow waters. They swam close to one another and more often than not surfacing together! We then ventured towards Smith & Minor Islands where we not only saw another mated pair of Bald Eagles, hundreds of Harbor Seals hauled out, Pigeon Guillemots, but also a Submarine off in the distance being escorted by two Coast Guard Cutters! Circumnavigating Smith Island we found Tufted Puffins and our first Heerman's Gull of the season!! Each year the owners of the company give a $100 cash prize to whoever spots the first Heermann's Gull. These brilliant little gulls migrate each summer into our region from Baja, California." - Naturalist Kate Janes