Written by Elah
on Apr 15, 2018

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

As our naturalists like to say, “any day on the water is a good day.”  As a new naturalist I tend to agree, but even in my short time, I’ve learned that some days are more magical than others.  Today was pure magic. We left the dock from Friday Harbor without reports of whales in the area. The sea was calm, and the sky was teasing a patchy blue and gray throughout the afternoon.  Captain Michael treated the day like a scavenger hunt and our passengers were glued to their binoculars as we departed. After cruising for about half an hour we got a report of either a Gray or perhaps Humpback whale in Rosario Strait.  A few lucky ferry goers saw a large blow from the warmth of their car decks and word made its way over the radio. Captain Michael brought us to the spot where the whale was last seen and we patiently waited, scanning the water for any characteristic blows.  After 20 minutes of waiting and no Gray or Humpback, we got a call over the radio. Killer whales. Killer whales just beyond our sightline. They were moving fast and possibly feeding. Captain Michael had positioned us perfectly to be one of the first boats on scene with them.  Most of our passengers had never seen a whale in the wild before and quickly gathered outside, cameras poised and ready.

They were not disappointed.  One, two, three blows. “No, gosh, there must be at least 8 maybe, more!  And, oh my goodness, is that a baby?” Everyone couldn’t help but ooh and ahh as each whale came to the surface.  As we kept pace with them, keeping a respectable (and regulatory) distance, the whales went under for a longer dive.  Not knowing which way they would go Captain Michael slowed down, allowing them to follow their natural course as Naturalist and Orca-Lover-Extraordinaire Katie spoke about the unique details of the family we were observing. The T123s, 49A’s, 36A’s and all of the T65A’s.

When they finally resurfaced they were in a different location. Captain Michael shut off the engine. Silence. The only sound was the shuffling of footsteps as everyone headed to the stern. Then the powerful exhalations of the transient family as they cruised past like a family on a mission. After we got our fill of pictures, most of our passengers took a moment to just appreciate them as they swam past.  Granted, a couple of passengers wore out their camera batteries by this point.

We spent about an hour taking them in before heading back around Lopez Island where we saw the other wonders that the San Juan Islands have to offer; Harbor seals, Bald eagles and my personal favorite, Steller sea lions.

Eventually, we made our way back to Friday Harbor, everyone basking in the day’s success, scrolling through the various pictures they took.  We hope you all join us this season… and don’t forget an extra battery pack! Check out Katie’s beautiful images below!

If you’re interested in booking a tour with us, be sure to check out our whale watching tours on the Western Prince II or the Western Explorer II and if you’re coming from Seattle, read more about our Whale Watching Seattle trips!

Seattle Whale Watching

San Juan Island Whale Watching

Friday Harbor Whale Watching

Written by Elah
on Apr 15, 2018

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

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