Western Prince Whale Watching

Written by Traci
on Apr 06, 2016

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

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

 

TLW_7557

This is one of the most asked questions that we get! There is a reason so many people come from all over the world to the San Juan Islands (north of Seattle) to catch a glimpse of the world’s top ocean predator. But did you know we have two different eco-types of Killer Whales we see?  We regularly encounter the thriving population of Bigg’s Killer Whales (mammal feeding) and occasionally Southern Resident Killer Whales (Salmon feeding).

Bigg’s Killer Whales (named after the pioneer researcher Dr. Mike Bigg) were previously known as “Transient” Killer Whales. Bigg’s Killer Whales only eat marine mammals, never fish. These orcas are feeding on the variety of marine mammals in the region, such as Steller Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, and Dall’s Porpoise. Bigg’s Killer Whales can be found almost every day in the Salish Sea. However, sightings are best from April to October. Sometimes we even see them right out our office window in Friday Harbor!

Many people know about the endangered group of Southern Resident Killer Whales (J,K,L pods) that come into the area looking for their preferred prey, Chinook Salmon. Don’t let the name fool you too much, “resident” does not mean they live here all the time.  They either stay in the area feeding on salmon, or if there isn’t an abundant run at the time, they have to head out to the Pacific ocean to look for more. We generally anticipate occasional encounters of the Southern Resident Killer Whale community from July through September. That being said, it very much depends on the health of the salmon runs. If there isn’t enough food here, they aren’t going to stay. If there is food, they tend to stick around. Chinook salmon has been reduced 90% here and each year sightings can differ depending on the food availability.

TLW_8238-2

 

TLW_6993 So, back to the question: When is the best time to see Killer whales in the San Juan Islands? Generally speaking, April through October. However,  we can, and certainly do, see them anytime of the year. We’ve been very fortunate to have had several encounters this spring already! Humpback whales are also making a comeback to the region and we’ve had several encounters with these giant baleen whales too! Truth is, the Salish sea has so much wonderful wildlife to see and anytime you can get out on the water is time well spent.

 

Written by Traci
on Apr 06, 2016

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

Latest Blog ...