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Written by Ivan
on May 29, 2016

May 28, 2016 : Bigg’s Killer whales in the Canadian Gulf Islands

May 28, 2016 : Bigg’s Killer whales in the Canadian Gulf Islands

Despite it being a bit windy in the San Juan Islands today, all our whale watching guests were able to see this beautiful group of Bigg’s (transient) Killer whales, the T77s and T75Bs.

5.28.16 Western Explorer-1

5.28.16 Western Explorer-2

5.28.16 Western Explorer-3

Written by Ivan
on May 29, 2016

May 28, 2016 : Bigg’s Killer whales in the Canadian Gulf Islands

Latest Blog ...

Our 2019 season so far! Our 2019 season so far!

Written by Alison

Our 2019 season so far! ...

2019 sightings start out strong! We are seeing Killer whales on nearly all our tours! Hope ...

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Our 2019 Season begins March 9th! Our 2019 Season begins March 9th!

Written by Western Prince

Our 2019 Season begins March 9th! ...

Ready. Set. Whale!! We are very excited to start our 2019 season! Starting this Saturday, ...

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New Partnership with the World Cetacean Alliance! New Partnership with the World Cetacean Alliance!

Written by Western Prince

New Partnership with the World Cetacean Alliance! ...

This year Western Prince became the first whale watch operator in the region to partner wi ...

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Conservation Efforts Conservation Efforts

Written by Western Prince

Conservation Efforts ...

Thank you for your help! For over a decade we have been committed to donating at least 5 ...

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2018 Whale Watch Season Recap Whales on 94% of tours! 2018 Whale Watch Season Recap Whales on 94% of tours!

Written by Western Prince

2018 Whale Watch Season Recap Whales on 94% of tours! ...

  We are always excited to see what each new season will bring!!! Things have been ch ...

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The T65As catch dinner, then play! The T65As catch dinner, then play!

Written by Elah

The T65As catch dinner, then play! ...

We had a spectacular day on the water.  About ten minutes before we were set to leave the ...

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Beautiful afternoon with the T137s and other wonderful wildlife! Beautiful afternoon with the T137s and other wonderful wildlife!

Written by Alison

Beautiful afternoon with the T137s and other wonderful wildl ...

We left the dock with a report of Orcas to the North. Captain Peter headed in that directi ...

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Active Bigg’s Killer whales in the San Juan Islands! Active Bigg’s Killer whales in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Elah

Active Bigg’s Killer whales in the San Juan Islands! ...

Observing orcas under any circumstance is always special, but it’s a definite treat to w ...

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Incredible day with Bigg’s Killer whales, Bald Eagles, and a Sea Otter! Incredible day with Bigg’s Killer whales, Bald Eagles, and a Sea Otter!

Written by Alison

Incredible day with Bigg’s Killer whales, Bald Eagles, ...

It was truly an amazing day with non-stop action from start to finish. The Bald Eagle acti ...

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Memorial Day Weekend Additional Trips Scheduled! Memorial Day Weekend Additional Trips Scheduled!

Written by Traci

Memorial Day Weekend Additional Trips Scheduled! ...

Can you believe it’s nearing the end of May already!? Neither can we! But the weathe ...

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Bigg’s Killer whales on patrol and lots of other wildlife in the San Juan Islands! Bigg’s Killer whales on patrol and lots of other wildlife in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Elah

Bigg’s Killer whales on patrol and lots of other wildl ...

Today was one of the rare days that we had a report of orcas before leaving the dock and o ...

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An afternoon with a Gray whale and Steller Sea lions! An afternoon with a Gray whale and Steller Sea lions!

Written by Elah

An afternoon with a Gray whale and Steller Sea lions! ...

Today was such a treat!  We got to see one of the few gray whales that makes its way into ...

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Sunny day with Humpback whales! Sunny day with Humpback whales!

Written by Elah

Sunny day with Humpback whales! ...

What a wonderfully sunny day at sea!  We got a report of a humpback whale in Canadian wat ...

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Beautiful day with Humpback whales! Beautiful day with Humpback whales!

Written by Elah

Beautiful day with Humpback whales! ...

Today we were joined by middle schoolers from Lafayette, CO.  These teens were eager to s ...

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Bigg’s Killer whales eat and play! Bigg’s Killer whales eat and play!

Written by Elah

Bigg’s Killer whales eat and play! ...

Wow!  What a day.  A series of fortuitous events led us to Orcas almost in our backyard. ...

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Humpback whales and more in the San Juan Islands! Humpback whales and more in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Alison

Humpback whales and more in the San Juan Islands! ...

When we left the dock on May 8th we did not know what the day would bring. We headed north ...

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Bigg’s Killer whales versus the massive Steller Sea lions in the Salish Sea Bigg’s Killer whales versus the massive Steller Sea lions in the Salish Sea

Written by Elah

Bigg’s Killer whales versus the massive Steller Sea li ...

As whale watch enthusiasts it can be easy to forget the other creatures that live in our b ...

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Springtime Killer Whale Sightings in the San Juan Islands! Springtime Killer Whale Sightings in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Elah

Springtime Killer Whale Sightings in the San Juan Islands! ...

It’s finally starting to feel like spring in the San Juans!   The weather was sunny wi ...

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April 15, 2018: Magic day with Killer whales in the San Juan Islands April 15, 2018: Magic day with Killer whales in the San Juan Islands

Written by Elah

April 15, 2018: Magic day with Killer whales in the San Juan ...

As our naturalists like to say, “any day on the water is a good day.”  As a new natur ...

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San Juan Island Whale Watching April 9th 2018 San Juan Island Whale Watching April 9th 2018

Written by Ivan

San Juan Island Whale Watching April 9th 2018 ...

Our guests today joined us from as close as Seattle to as far away as Florida for a whale ...

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April 10, 2018: Wildlife of the Salish Sea! April 10, 2018: Wildlife of the Salish Sea!

Written by Alison

April 10, 2018: Wildlife of the Salish Sea! ...

Spieden Island was the highlight today. Wildlife galore, Steller Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, ...

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Spring 2018 has been amazing for whale watching in the San Juan Islands! Spring 2018 has been amazing for whale watching in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Traci

Spring 2018 has been amazing for whale watching in the San J ...

Wow! It’s been an incredible spring so far since we started operating! Not every sin ...

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First tour of 2018! Bigg’s Killer whales and Abundant Wildlife! First tour of 2018! Bigg’s Killer whales and Abundant Wildlife!

Written by Traci

First tour of 2018! Bigg’s Killer whales and Abundant ...

We had our first trip of the season on the Western Prince II today! And wow, did we ever l ...

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Our 2017 season has ended! THANK YOU to everyone who joined us! Our 2017 season has ended! THANK YOU to everyone who joined us!

Written by Ivan

Our 2017 season has ended! THANK YOU to everyone who joined ...

What an incredible whale watching season 2017 was!  We look forward getting back out on t ...

Read More
Heading into fall, sightings continue to amaze! Heading into fall, sightings continue to amaze!

Written by Western Prince

Heading into fall, sightings continue to amaze! ...

Wow! Well, it’s been a super busy summer season for us! We are now rolling into fall ...

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It Was a Day of Non-stop Wildlife, Wild Beauty and Wild Water in the San Juan Islands! It Was a Day of Non-stop Wildlife, Wild Beauty and Wild Water in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Alison

It Was a Day of Non-stop Wildlife, Wild Beauty and Wild Wate ...

It was a day of non-stop wildlife, wild beauty and wild water on Tuesday.  We headed sout ...

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Sunshine, Calm Seas, Bald Eagles, Harbor seals and Bigg’s Killer Whales…a Perfect Set-up for a Great Whale Watch Tour! Sunshine, Calm Seas, Bald Eagles, Harbor seals and Bigg’s Killer Whales…a Perfect Set-up for a Great Whale Watch Tour!

Written by Nina

Sunshine, Calm Seas, Bald Eagles, Harbor seals and Bigg’s ...

Sunshine, calm seas, Bald Eagles, Harbor Seals and Bigg’s Killer Whales…a perfect set ...

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Heather and Divot the Humpback Whales Show Their Flukes! Heather and Divot the Humpback Whales Show Their Flukes!

Written by Traci

Heather and Divot the Humpback Whales Show Their Flukes! ...

With a Humpback whale report to the north and lots of wind to the south, north we went! We ...

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A Beautiful afternoon with “Heather” and “Divot” the Humpback Whales! A Beautiful afternoon with “Heather” and “Divot” the Humpback Whales!

Written by Alison

A Beautiful afternoon with “Heather” and “ ...

The enthusiasm expressed when we caught sight of the 2 humpback whales, known as BCX01057 ...

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A Truly Remarkable Encounter With 5 Humpback Whales Lunge Feeding! A Truly Remarkable Encounter With 5 Humpback Whales Lunge Feeding!

Written by Traci

A Truly Remarkable Encounter With 5 Humpback Whales Lunge Fe ...

Our tour began with several sightings of Humpback whales south of San Juan Island. Off we ...

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Written by JB

Fantastic day with Bigg’s Killer whales including Chai ...

What a fantastic day with Bald Eagles, Steller sea lions, Harbor seals, and of course thos ...

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Written by Nina

A Humpback Whale Visits the Ferry Landing in Friday Harbor P ...

Today was one for the history books! We left the dock in Friday Harbor to start our whale ...

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A tour to the north of the San Juan Islands has lots of wildlife and Killer whales too! A tour to the north of the San Juan Islands has lots of wildlife and Killer whales too!

Written by Alison

A tour to the north of the San Juan Islands has lots of wild ...

It was fun to experience so much of what the Salish Sea has to offer in one afternoon.  O ...

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Written by Nina

Fantastic encounter with Bigg’s Killer whales! The T2C ...

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An amazing whale-of-an-adventure unfolds in the San Juan Islands! An amazing whale-of-an-adventure unfolds in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Nina

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When we left the dock at Friday Harbor today we had no idea what an adventure we were abou ...

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A wonderful tour in the San Juan Islands! Lots of whales and wildlife! A wonderful tour in the San Juan Islands! Lots of whales and wildlife!

Written by Alison

A wonderful tour in the San Juan Islands! Lots of whales and ...

It was fun to experience so much of what the Salish Sea has to offer in one afternoon.  W ...

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Written by Nina

Amazing day in the San Juan Islands with TWO species of whal ...

  What an amazing day on the water we had today with not one but TWO species of whale ...

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June is Orca Awareness Month! June is Orca Awareness Month!

Written by Western Prince

June is Orca Awareness Month! ...

Orca Awareness Month, started by long-time orca education and advocacy group Orca Network, ...

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J pod wows in the San Juan Islands! J pod wows in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Traci

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The day started with no whale reports, but that quickly changed! We got word that quite a ...

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Going the distance to see Bigg’s Killer Whales. (T124As) Going the distance to see Bigg’s Killer Whales. (T124As)

Written by Alison

Going the distance to see Bigg’s Killer Whales. (T124A ...

We survived the elements and a very long run to have this great encounter with the T124A2 ...

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Sunshine, Calm seas, and Fantastic Bigg’s Killer Whales in the Salish Sea! Sunshine, Calm seas, and Fantastic Bigg’s Killer Whales in the Salish Sea!

Written by Nina

Sunshine, Calm seas, and Fantastic Bigg’s Killer Whale ...

Today’s whale watching trip from Friday Harbor led us into Canadian waters where we had ...

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A beautiful evening in the San Juan Islands watching Bigg’s Killer Whales A beautiful evening in the San Juan Islands watching Bigg’s Killer Whales

Written by Alison

A beautiful evening in the San Juan Islands watching Bigg ...

A beautiful evening on the water. We hooked up with the T101’s along the Salt Spring Isl ...

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Bigg’s Killer whales and Pinniped Action on Memorial Day Weekend! Bigg’s Killer whales and Pinniped Action on Memorial Day Weekend!

Written by Nina

Bigg’s Killer whales and Pinniped Action on Memorial D ...

From the Western Explorer: Celebrating Memorial Day weekend in style!!! As we left Friday ...

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Fantastic wildlife tour in the San Juan Islands! Fantastic wildlife tour in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Alison

Fantastic wildlife tour in the San Juan Islands! ...

We got some great action as we headed out of Friday Harbor. A Steller Sea Lion had just ca ...

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A San Juan Island whale watching adventure that won’t be forgotten anytime soon! A San Juan Island whale watching adventure that won’t be forgotten anytime soon!

Written by Alison

A San Juan Island whale watching adventure that won’t ...

It was a day to remember!  We departed Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. We got word that ...

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A stunning encounter watching the T123’s pursue a Steller Sea lion! A stunning encounter watching the T123’s pursue a Steller Sea lion!

Written by Traci

A stunning encounter watching the T123’s pursue a Stel ...

May 16th was quite a special whale watching trip. I’ve been out in the islands for o ...

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A little bit of rain doesn’t stop whale watching in the San Juan Islands! A little bit of rain doesn’t stop whale watching in the San Juan Islands!

Written by Nina

A little bit of rain doesn’t stop whale watching in th ...

A little bit of rain could not take away from an exciting encounter with the T123s, a grou ...

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Wonderful Whale Watch with J pod! Wonderful Whale Watch with J pod!

Written by Nina

Wonderful Whale Watch with J pod! ...

Perfect wildlife viewing weather made for an incredible day! The sky was slightly overcast ...

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Abundant wildlife on the Salish Sea featuring “Big Mama” the Humpback Whale! Abundant wildlife on the Salish Sea featuring “Big Mama” the Humpback Whale!

Written by Alison

Abundant wildlife on the Salish Sea featuring “Big Mam ...

It was a beautiful and flat calm day on the water.  We headed north, seeing harbor porpoi ...

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Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Humpback Whale Watching Adventure

Written by Ivan

Humpback Whale Watching Adventure ...

I love spending time on the water here in the San Juan Islands. Especially on days like to ...

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A “northwest” kind-of-day with Orcas and wildlife! A “northwest” kind-of-day with Orcas and wildlife!

Written by Alison

A “northwest” kind-of-day with Orcas and wildlif ...

It was a great northwest kind of day on the Western Prince.  We were honored to see Biggs ...

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Fabulous day with “Big Momma” the Humpback whale! Fabulous day with “Big Momma” the Humpback whale!

Written by Alison

Fabulous day with “Big Momma” the Humpback whale ...

April 11, 2017 It was a fabulous day on the Western Prince. We were so lucky to see Stelle ...

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Beautiful Salish Sea Spring Day! Beautiful Salish Sea Spring Day!

Written by Traci

Beautiful Salish Sea Spring Day! ...

Today was a wonderful adventure out into the Salish Sea! It was sunny and just slightly wa ...

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Fantastic Spring encounter with Bigg’s Killer whales! Fantastic Spring encounter with Bigg’s Killer whales!

Written by Traci

Fantastic Spring encounter with Bigg’s Killer whales! ...

It was a little windy and bumpy but the sights of a pod of Killer whales amazed us all! We ...

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Beauty day with abundant wildlife including the J16’s! Beauty day with abundant wildlife including the J16’s!

Written by Traci

Beauty day with abundant wildlife including the J16’s! ...

I hate to admit it, but we have been super spoiled. Our luck with whale sightings has been ...

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Bigg’s Killer whales socializing after a kill! (April 2, 2017) Bigg’s Killer whales socializing after a kill! (April 2, 2017)

Written by Traci

Bigg’s Killer whales socializing after a kill! (April ...

April 2, 2017: Today’s encounter with the T36As & T99s! Make sure you keep your ...

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An incredible encounter with Bigg’s (transient) Killer whales! So playful! An incredible encounter with Bigg’s (transient) Killer whales! So playful!

Written by Traci

An incredible encounter with Bigg’s (transient) Killer ...

While each encounter we have with any wildlife is special, there are some moments that sti ...

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Whale Watching Season In The San Juan Islands Is Just Around The Corner Whale Watching Season In The San Juan Islands Is Just Around The Corner

Written by Ivan

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Western Prince II: September 27, 2016 Western Prince II: September 27, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: September 27, 2016 ...

We had a wonderful visit with a Humpback whale at Turn Point Lighthouse! It has been anoth ...

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Western Prince II: September 20, 2016 Western Prince II: September 20, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: September 20, 2016 ...

Such a treat! Not only did we get to spend time with Js and Ls, we got to see 2 Humpback w ...

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Western Prince II: September 30, 2016 Western Prince II: September 30, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: September 30, 2016 ...

We started out tour with a report of Bigg’s Killer whales (transient) up north into ...

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Western Explorer PM: September 24, 2016 Western Explorer PM: September 24, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer PM: September 24, 2016 ...

On a beautiful September evening, we headed out to catch up with the T60’s. Beautifu ...

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Western Explorer PM: September 22, 2016 Western Explorer PM: September 22, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer PM: September 22, 2016 ...

A stunning afternoon on the water with members from J and K Pods! We headed north into Bou ...

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Western Prince II: October 5, 2016 Western Prince II: October 5, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II: October 5, 2016 ...

We left the dock with a report of one humpback up north.  As we headed in that direction ...

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Western Prince II PM: September 22, 2016 Western Prince II PM: September 22, 2016

Written by Nina

Western Prince II PM: September 22, 2016 ...

Happy 1st day of fall!!! And what a perfect fall day it was. We left Friday Harbor heading ...

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Western Prince II PM: September 15, 2016 Western Prince II PM: September 15, 2016

Written by Nina

Western Prince II PM: September 15, 2016 ...

This afternoon we had a great encounter with a large number of Southern Resident Orcas, al ...

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Western Explorer AM: September 13, 2016 Western Explorer AM: September 13, 2016

Written by JB

Western Explorer AM: September 13, 2016 ...

Wow—what a great trip we had on the Western Explorer….  Heading out west HOPING to fi ...

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Western Prince II PM: September 5, 2016 Western Prince II PM: September 5, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II PM: September 5, 2016 ...

A nice day on the water! Here are shots from our trip with the T65As and Steller Sea Lions ...

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Western Prince II PM: September 7, 2016 Western Prince II PM: September 7, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II PM: September 7, 2016 ...

The Southern Resident Killer Whales that we saw that day included L94 – Calypso, a 2 ...

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Western Prince II AM: September 7, 2016 Western Prince II AM: September 7, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II AM: September 7, 2016 ...

Pictures include the Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island with the Olympic Mountains in ...

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Western Explorer AM: September 6, 2016 Western Explorer AM: September 6, 2016

Written by JB

Western Explorer AM: September 6, 2016 ...

We sure had an amazing encounter with those transients!!  To get to see them meandering a ...

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Western Explorer AM: September 8, 2016 Western Explorer AM: September 8, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: September 8, 2016 ...

Some days just take your breath away. This mornings trip was no exception! We got to hang ...

Read More
Western Explorer AM: September 5, 2016 Western Explorer AM: September 5, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: September 5, 2016 ...

I love spending time with the T65As and this day was no exception. Gorgeous lighting condi ...

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Western Explorer PM: August 30, 2016 Western Explorer PM: August 30, 2016

Written by JB

Western Explorer PM: August 30, 2016 ...

That was a great day on the water with K Pod, and those really awesome Steller Sea Lions! ...

Read More
Western Prince II AM: September 4, 2016 Western Prince II AM: September 4, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II AM: September 4, 2016 ...

What a fantastic day we had with all those Transient Orcas in Rosario Channel.  Especiall ...

Read More
Western Explorer AM: August 31, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 31, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: August 31, 2016 ...

Another exceptional day on the water today! What added to watching the Endangered Southern ...

Read More
Western Prince II PM: August 30, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 30, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II PM: August 30, 2016 ...

Any day on the water with orcas is a good day in my book. The longer you are out on the wa ...

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Western Explorer AM: August 29, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 29, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: August 29, 2016 ...

My goodness! Was this a pretty amazing encounter! We had multiple whale reports in the are ...

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Western Explorer AM: August 27, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 27, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: August 27, 2016 ...

A beautiful morning on the water searching for whales! A Humpback whale was found that we ...

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Western Prince II AM: August 28, 2016 Western Prince II AM: August 28, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II AM: August 28, 2016 ...

As promised, here are your photos from our trip around Speiden Island with the Transient O ...

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Western Prince II: August 27, 2016 Western Prince II: August 27, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II: August 27, 2016 ...

Wow!!  I’m still smiling from our encounter with Transients way up in the Strait of Geo ...

Read More
Western Prince II PM: August 23, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 23, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II PM: August 23, 2016 ...

Very cool encounter with some of J and K pods. While watching a couple different groups of ...

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Western Prince II PM: August 31, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 31, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II PM: August 31, 2016 ...

The timing was perfect to check out the kids (harbor seals) in the pool.  Approximately 2 ...

Read More
Western Explorer AM: August 22, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 22, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: August 22, 2016 ...

An awesome morning on the water with part of J and Kpod! The whales were being pretty acti ...

Read More
Western Explorer AM: August 18, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 18, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: August 18, 2016 ...

A beautiful morning on the water with Southern Resident Killer whales! We got to see a bit ...

Read More
Western Prince II PM: August 25, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 25, 2016

Written by Nina

Western Prince II PM: August 25, 2016 ...

Today was one of the hottest days of the year and what better way to spend the day then on ...

Read More
Western Prince II: August 12, 2016 Western Prince II: August 12, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II: August 12, 2016 ...

A beautiful day in the Salish sea with Southern Resident Killer whales! ...

Read More
Western Prince II PM: August 22, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 22, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II PM: August 22, 2016 ...

We definitely don’t get many days like the one we had on the 22nd!!!  Great seals and t ...

Read More
Western Prince II PM: August 13, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 13, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II PM: August 13, 2016 ...

What a fantastic day we had out on the water.  Harbor seals, Stellar Sea Lions and of cou ...

Read More
Western Prince II AM: August 20, 2016 Western Prince II AM: August 20, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II AM: August 20, 2016 ...

What an amazing day this was with K Pod!!!  On behalf of Captain Dennis, Katie, and mysel ...

Read More
Western Prince II PM: August 17, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 17, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II PM: August 17, 2016 ...

We left the dock quickly as we knew that the whales were heading away from us and into rou ...

Read More
Western Prince II PM: August 18, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 18, 2016

Written by Nina

Western Prince II PM: August 18, 2016 ...

Ever wonder how many whales are too many or what a Steller sea lions teeth look like? The ...

Read More
Western Explorer PM: August 16, 2016 Western Explorer PM: August 16, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer PM: August 16, 2016 ...

WOW! An incredible day with three species of cetaceans. We first got to see a Gray whale i ...

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Western Explorer AM: August 11, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 11, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: August 11, 2016 ...

The Bigg’s encounters have been just amazing lately! We caught up with the T46’ ...

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Western Explorer AM: August 10, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 10, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: August 10, 2016 ...

Another fantastic day in the Salish sea with a large group of Bigg’s Killer whales ( ...

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Western Prince II PM: August 9, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 9, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II PM: August 9, 2016 ...

A beautiful afternoon with Js and Ks! Fantastic conditions and foraging whales made for a ...

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Western Explorer Sunset: August 8, 2016 Western Explorer Sunset: August 8, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer Sunset: August 8, 2016 ...

A fellow whale watch operator’s boat was having issues as they left the dock, so our ...

Read More
Western Explorer AM: August 8, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 8, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: August 8, 2016 ...

Such a fantastic day! We started out with a rumor of a few orcas inter-island near Friday ...

Read More
Western Explorer PM: August 9, 2016 Western Explorer PM: August 9, 2016

Written by JB

Western Explorer PM: August 9, 2016 ...

Wow….what a magical day.  To be able to sit in flat calm water watching J Pod foraging ...

Read More
Western Explorer AM: August 9, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 9, 2016

Written by JB

Western Explorer AM: August 9, 2016 ...

That was a great encounter with J Pod—getting to see them pass by the Turn Point Lightho ...

Read More
Western Prince II AM: August 8, 2016 Western Prince II AM: August 8, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II AM: August 8, 2016 ...

So great to see the T18/T19s with “Mr. Floppy Fin”.  He’s still hanging around whic ...

Read More
Western Prince II AM: August 6, 2016 Western Prince II AM: August 6, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II AM: August 6, 2016 ...

That was a great encounter with the T75s.  Getting to see them take a seal was amazing, a ...

Read More
Western Prince II PM: August 6, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 6, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II PM: August 6, 2016 ...

What a fantastic day we had with the transients up in the Strait of Georgia.   ...

Read More
Western Explorer PM: August 2, 2016 Western Explorer PM: August 2, 2016

Written by JB

Western Explorer PM: August 2, 2016 ...

Here are the highlights of my pictures from our trip with the T65As….we sure did have to ...

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Western Prince II PM: August 10, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 10, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II PM: August 10, 2016 ...

T19B Rocked my world today! Fabulous day on the Western Prince. We had a large group of T& ...

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Western Explorer PM: August 6, 2016 Western Explorer PM: August 6, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer PM: August 6, 2016 ...

We left the dock knowing we had a group of Bigg’s Killer whales in the area, so to t ...

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Western Explorer AM: August 4, 2016 Western Explorer AM: August 4, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: August 4, 2016 ...

It was a very still and beautiful morning when we set out in search of whales. We went all ...

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Western Explorer PM: August 3, 2016 Western Explorer PM: August 3, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer PM: August 3, 2016 ...

We were so fortunate that later in the afternoon J pod and part of L pod had moved just in ...

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Western Prince II PM: August 2, 2016 Western Prince II PM: August 2, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II PM: August 2, 2016 ...

What a special treat!! For only the second time in 10 years I got to see another Gray whal ...

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Western Prince II PM: July 27, 2016 Western Prince II PM: July 27, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II PM: July 27, 2016 ...

We were very lucky to have whales close by today and 2 species no less!  On the way down ...

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Western Explorer AM: July 28, 2016 Western Explorer AM: July 28, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: July 28, 2016 ...

We started our morning with no sightings, which turned into Bigg’s (transient) Kille ...

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Western Explorer AM: July 27, 2016 Western Explorer AM: July 27, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: July 27, 2016 ...

It was a fantastic morning on the Western Explorer with Captain JB at the helm! We started ...

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Western Prince II PM: July 26, 2016 Western Prince II PM: July 26, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II PM: July 26, 2016 ...

Our second departure of the day took us down to the south end of San Juan Island. Most of ...

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Western Prince II AM: July 26, 2016 Western Prince II AM: July 26, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II AM: July 26, 2016 ...

We started out our trip heading north and watching Harbor seals and their new pups at Sent ...

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Western Explorer PM: July 25, 2016 Western Explorer PM: July 25, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer PM: July 25, 2016 ...

Today brought unexpected delights! We first caught up with at least 2 Minke whales that we ...

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Western Prince II PM: July 20, 2016 Western Prince II PM: July 20, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II PM: July 20, 2016 ...

What a great day we had with the L22’s and L12’s, two subgroups from L-pod.  My pictu ...

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Western Prince II PM: July 17, 2016 Western Prince II PM: July 17, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II PM: July 17, 2016 ...

What an amazing trip with orcas fishing and spyhopping, followed by that tremendous encoun ...

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Western Prince II AM: July 16, 2016 Western Prince II AM: July 16, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II AM: July 16, 2016 ...

What an amazing day we had with not only those active orca whales but also the amazing hum ...

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Western Explorer AM: July 21, 2016 Western Explorer AM: July 21, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: July 21, 2016 ...

We started out checking out the many seals sunbathing on Goose island. Also on Goose islan ...

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Western Explorer PM: July 20, 2016 Western Explorer PM: July 20, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer PM: July 20, 2016 ...

Our afternoon took us to the south end of San Juan Island where we got to watch part of L ...

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Western Prince II AM: July 20, 2016 Western Prince II AM: July 20, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II AM: July 20, 2016 ...

A beautiful morning encounter with some of Lpod! L85 “Mystery” and L89 “ ...

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Western Prince II PM: July 19, 2016 Western Prince II PM: July 19, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II PM: July 19, 2016 ...

On our afternoon tour, we caught back up with some of Lpod who were still socializing on t ...

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Western Prince II AM: July 19, 2016 Western Prince II AM: July 19, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II AM: July 19, 2016 ...

We had a fantastic tour this morning! We had lots of little groups from L pod on the sout ...

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Western Explorer AM: July 18, 2016 Western Explorer AM: July 18, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: July 18, 2016 ...

We started our tour on a lovely sunny morning! We heard some of J pod and L pod were movin ...

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Western Prince II: July 13, 2016 Western Prince II: July 13, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II: July 13, 2016 ...

We met up with part of J-pod as they came around Turn Point and headed South.  We had the ...

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Western Explorer AM: July 13, 2016 Western Explorer AM: July 13, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: July 13, 2016 ...

Timing as they say is everything. Today that was surely the case. There has been a large g ...

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Western Prince II AM & PM: July 10, 2016 Western Prince II AM & PM: July 10, 2016

Written by Nina

Western Prince II AM & PM: July 10, 2016 ...

A day of surprises and special encounters close to home. On our first trip of the day, we ...

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Experience Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours Experience Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours

Written by Ivan

Experience Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours ...

What’s a whale watching tour with Western Prince like? Check out our new video highl ...

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Western Explorer AM: July 13, 2016 Western Explorer AM: July 13, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: July 13, 2016 ...

What a fun adventure today! We saw some wonderful wildlife today in more flat calm conditi ...

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Western Explorer AM: July 11, 2016 Western Explorer AM: July 11, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: July 11, 2016 ...

What a wonderful trip!! We were very fortunate a Humpback whale was not far from Friday Ha ...

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Western Explorer AM: July 9, 2016 Western Explorer AM: July 9, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer AM: July 9, 2016 ...

Beautiful conditions and lots of whales made for a fantastic Western Explorer trip! We wer ...

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Western Prince II: June 26, 2016 Western Prince II: June 26, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II: June 26, 2016 ...

Another fantastic day on the water in the Salish Sea! We had an encounter with Bigg’ ...

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Western Prince II: July 6, 2016 Western Prince II: July 6, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II: July 6, 2016 ...

Boiling reef was boiling yesterday afternoon. Crazy water – just lovin’ these ...

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Western Explorer PM: July 5, 2016 Western Explorer PM: July 5, 2016

Written by JB

Western Explorer PM: July 5, 2016 ...

WOW WOW WOW!!  While it’s always great out on the water every day, our trip on Tuesday ...

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Western Explorer AM: July 5, 2016 Western Explorer AM: July 5, 2016

Written by JB

Western Explorer AM: July 5, 2016 ...

Such a wonderful adventure today!  Our suits might have been dampened, but it was pretty ...

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Western Prince II: July 4, 2016 Western Prince II: July 4, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II: July 4, 2016 ...

So cool to see L87 Onyx (the big guy in the photo below) hanging out with J2 Granny (105 y ...

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Western Explorer: July 6, 2016 Western Explorer: July 6, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer: July 6, 2016 ...

We had a wonderful day out on the water with several groups of Bigg’s Killer whales, ...

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Western Prince II: July 5, 2016 Western Prince II: July 5, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: July 5, 2016 ...

Our day started off with a little drizzle and overcast skies with a report of orcas a bit ...

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Western Explorer: July 4, 2016 Western Explorer: July 4, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer: July 4, 2016 ...

We left the dock knowing there were several groups of Killer whales spotted! What a terrif ...

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Western Prince II: June 29, 2016 Western Prince II: June 29, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II: June 29, 2016 ...

What a great day we had with these two adult male Biggs (Transient) Killer Whales.  They ...

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Western Prince II: June 30, 2016 Western Prince II: June 30, 2016

Written by Nina

Western Prince II: June 30, 2016 ...

It was a long and beautiful boat ride deep into Canadian waters…and it was more than wor ...

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Western Prince II: June 22, 2016 Western Prince II: June 22, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II: June 22, 2016 ...

It was a spectacular day with an amazing encounter with “Biggs” Transient Killer Whale ...

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Western Prince II: June 24, 2016 Western Prince II: June 24, 2016

Written by Katie

Western Prince II: June 24, 2016 ...

What a wonderful day of whale watching in the San Juan Islands! We had the T75B’s an ...

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Western Prince II: June 18, 2016: Morning Whale Watching Tour Western Prince II: June 18, 2016: Morning Whale Watching Tour

Written by JB

Western Prince II: June 18, 2016: Morning Whale Watching Tou ...

There is nothing quite like leaving the dock here in Friday Harbor with absolutely no whal ...

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Western Prince II Whale Watching: June 17, 2016 San Juan Island Western Prince II Whale Watching: June 17, 2016 San Juan Island

Written by Traci

Western Prince II Whale Watching: June 17, 2016 San Juan Isl ...

I decided to ride along on my day off as I heard there were some whales in the area. Katie ...

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Western Explorer Whale Watching: June 15, 2016 Western Explorer Whale Watching: June 15, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer Whale Watching: June 15, 2016 ...

We headed north from Friday Harbor into the Canadian Gulf Islands to catch up a family of ...

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Western Explorer Whale Watching: June 14, 2016 Western Explorer Whale Watching: June 14, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer Whale Watching: June 14, 2016 ...

It was a beautiful day on the water with a group of Bigg’s (transient) Killer whales ...

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Western Prince II: June 15, 2016 Western Prince II: June 15, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II: June 15, 2016 ...

To start off the day with no reports, and end up with an amazing “Biggs” Transient Kil ...

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Western Prince II: June 4, 2016 Western Prince II: June 4, 2016

Written by Nina

Western Prince II: June 4, 2016 ...

What a perfect day on the water, sunshine, calm waters and lots of wildlife! We got to enj ...

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Western Explorer: May 26, 2016 Big Momma and her calf! Western Explorer: May 26, 2016 Big Momma and her calf!

Written by Traci

Western Explorer: May 26, 2016 Big Momma and her calf! ...

It was a pretty breezy day on the water in some spots, but we got word that 2 Humpbacks wh ...

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Western Prince: May 24, 2016 Western Prince: May 24, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince: May 24, 2016 ...

Today we saw lots of wonderful wildlife including Harbor seals, Steller sea lions, Bald ea ...

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WESTERN PRINCE EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE WESTERN PRINCE EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

Written by Ivan

WESTERN PRINCE EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLE ...

WESTERN PRINCE WHALE & WILDLIFE TOURS EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE ...

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Western Prince II Whale Watching: May 23, 2016 Transient Orca Superpod! Western Prince II Whale Watching: May 23, 2016 Transient Orca Superpod!

Written by JB

Western Prince II Whale Watching: May 23, 2016 Transient Or ...

Here are some highlight photos from our whale watching tour on the Western Prince on Mond ...

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Western Prince II: May 20, 2016 Western Prince II: May 20, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: May 20, 2016 ...

What an incredible encounter we had today! There has been a large group of Bigg’s (t ...

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Western Explorer: May 18, 2016 Western Explorer: May 18, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer: May 18, 2016 ...

We started our day with a report of Bigg’s (transient) Killer whales north of San Ju ...

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Western Prince II: May 10, 2016 Western Prince II: May 10, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: May 10, 2016 ...

It was such a beautiful day as we left the dock in Friday Harbor. We did not have any whal ...

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Western Prince II: May 11, 2016 Western Prince II: May 11, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II: May 11, 2016 ...

Life in the Salish Sea is Humpback rich right now!  A morning charter on the Western Pri ...

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Mother’s Day on the Western Prince II: May 8, 2016 Mother’s Day on the Western Prince II: May 8, 2016

Written by JB

Mother’s Day on the Western Prince II: May 8, 2016 ...

  It was a beautiful Mother’s day with the J16’s and the other amazing wi ...

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Western Prince II: May 4, 2016 Western Prince II: May 4, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II: May 4, 2016 ...

Another great day on the water with Captain Nancy! We enjoyed Steller Sea Lions hauled ou ...

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Western Prince II: May 1, 2016 Western Prince II: May 1, 2016

Written by JB

Western Prince II: May 1, 2016 ...

A beautiful day on the water with a Humpback whale named “Big Momma” who broug ...

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Western Explorer: April 29, 2016 Western Explorer: April 29, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Explorer: April 29, 2016 ...

It started out as a beautiful sunny day in the San Juan Island with a brisk wind. No repor ...

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Western Prince II: April 27, 2016 Western Prince II: April 27, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: April 27, 2016 ...

We left the dock with a rumor of whales to the south of San Juan Island and headed that wa ...

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Western Prince II: April 24, 2016 Western Prince II: April 24, 2016

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: April 24, 2016 ...

What a delight to catch up with a larger group of Bigg’s Killer whales. (transients) ...

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Western Explorer: April 23, 2016 Western Explorer: April 23, 2016

Written by Ivan

Western Explorer: April 23, 2016 ...

Today was EPIC! We took a bit of a gamble and headed south on a long run towards a group o ...

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Western Prince II: April 20, 2016 Western Prince II: April 20, 2016

Written by Alison

Western Prince II: April 20, 2016 ...

What a day!! Sunny, hot, whales and wildlife and it is only April!! Fun day with Katie, Pe ...

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Western Prince II: April 15, 2016: T86As, T37, and T124A1 Western Prince II: April 15, 2016: T86As, T37, and T124A1

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: April 15, 2016: T86As, T37, and T124A1 ...

We left the dock trekking south towards a very far report of whales. If they kept coming o ...

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Western Prince II: April 8, 2016 Western Prince II: April 8, 2016

Written by Katie

Western Prince II: April 8, 2016 ...

We had a glassy calm encounter with the T49A’s and T123 family groups of transient ( ...

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Western Prince II: April 7, 2016: J17s & J22s Western Prince II: April 7, 2016: J17s & J22s

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: April 7, 2016: J17s & J22s ...

Our day started with an abundance of sunshine with hardly any wind. What a wonderful way t ...

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The best time to see Killer whales in the San Juan Islands The best time to see Killer whales in the San Juan Islands

Written by Traci

The best time to see Killer whales in the San Juan Islands ...

  This is one of the most asked questions that we get! There is a reason so many peop ...

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Western Prince II: April 2, 2016: Windy day with whales! Western Prince II: April 2, 2016: Windy day with whales!

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: April 2, 2016: Windy day with whales! ...

We had reports of Killer whales in the area on the west side of San Juan Island and these ...

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Western Prince II: April 1, 2016: Gorgeous day with 2 Humpback whales! Western Prince II: April 1, 2016: Gorgeous day with 2 Humpback whales!

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: April 1, 2016: Gorgeous day with 2 Humpba ...

The fantastic spring weather in the San Juan Islands continues! With no reports of any wha ...

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Western Prince II: March 31, 2016: A special encounter with the J17s and J22s Western Prince II: March 31, 2016: A special encounter with the J17s and J22s

Written by Traci

Western Prince II: March 31, 2016: A special encounter with ...

March is generally not when we expect to see Killer whales on a regular basis around the ...

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Whale Watching San Juan Island | Western Prince Whale Watching

The first of its kind on San Juan Island (90 miles from Seattle), Western Prince Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours opened in 1986! Our experienced, passionate team of Captains and Naturalists love to share our vast knowledge of whales, wildlife, and their beautiful Pacific Northwest home with travelers from near and far.

Western Prince Whale Watching has a Trip Advisor rating of 5/5 based on 951 ratings and reviews.

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#1 Spring St. Friday Harbor,
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