Whale Watching Report

Captain Michael just reported in saying that the Island Explorer 3 is on scene with LOTS of Orca Whales near Pender Island. Our guests got to see Orca Whales on both of our tours today. Stay tuned for a full report from Naturalist Kate Janes.

Water Lessons (Black-tailed Doe & twin fawns)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Go Big or Go Home!

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

AM: "This morning lead us out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca where we found members of all 3 Southern Resident Pods (J, K & L pods) milling about False Bay region. We were treated to an array of activity- from breaching to spyhops with a few taillobs, pec slaps, caudal peduncle throws and a few back dives sprinkled in for good measure! We had great looks at a group of males that decided to do a little showing off near the boat which included Blackberry (J27), Mega (L41) and young Doublestuff (J34). There was even a youngster traveling with its mom that was really breach happy near the shoreline. The weather really made a fantastic turn opening up to brilliant blue sky right when we arrived on scene with the whales and as we returned to the dock found 3 Minke Whales feeding on Salmon Bank! Quite the trip."

"Zzzzzzzz"

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

In the Still of the Night

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

PM: " The afternoon brought us through the heart of the San Juans to Haro Strait where we enjoyed a SUPER pod! All three pods met up for the first time in the San Juans this summer against a magical setting in the low light of the day. Our guests enjoyed the sleeping pods as they synchronized swimming through the still water. The sounds of their exhalations mesmerized as they gently rolled in tight formation. Young and old swam side by side. The pods merged blurring the family lines. A few of the youngsters attempted to wake the rest of the pod as they squirmed about taillobing and started to stir without any avail. During our visit we watched as the Center for Whale Research and lead biologist Ken Balcomb and his team photographed the Southern Residents which will help determine the summer 2009 census. Great to see science and research at work on the water!" -Naturalist Kate Janes