We then continued motoring north towards Patos Island and found roughly 20 harbor porpoise near Alden Point. Due to the harbor porpoises’ erratic behavior, swimming fast and changing direction frequently, along with the strong tidal currents churning up the water in this area, we suspected the harbor porpoise were foraging. What an amazing view of these normally shy and elusive animals.

As we motored back down through Boundary Pass we stopped at East Point on Saturna Island to view two different groups of pinnipeds hauled out on the rocks: Harbor Seals and Steller Sea Lions. We counted over 28 Steller Sea Lions at one end of the rocky outcrop and at least 108 Harbor Seals at the other end! So COOL! What a rare treat to be able to compare the morphological and behavioral differences between these two species.

Let’s not forget the number of bald eagles we saw throughout the trip. There were mature bald eagles, immature bald eagles, flying eagles, and eagles resting on tree branches.  We always love seeing these majestic birds.

Amy, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours

We didn’t have to go very far, about 500 yards, and we saw two Minke Whales! The water couldn’t have been better for viewing today! The Minkes broke through what appeared to be glass. They were so smooth in their actions and so flawless. Fortunately, we were able to cut the motor and stay with the Minkes for a while, it appeared they were enjoying their situation and had no intentions on leaving. Once everyone got a good view we headed back motoring around small islands between San Juan and Lopez. On our way home we saw a few Bald Eagles, more Harbor Seals, a Canada Goose, and even a pack of about ten Harbor Porpoises.

It sure was another amazing day out on the water.

Naturalist, Tara, San Juan Safaris

Well today we had that opportunity! We left Friday Harbor headed south towards Hine Bank. It was absolutely beautiful! Warm, sunny, and the ocean surface was as smooth as glass. Along the way we were able to see a large group of harbor seals hauled out on a rocky island and a few harbor porpoises. As we reached Hine Bank, coordinates 48 degrees 20.80 minutes N, 123 degrees 04.089 minutes W, we slowed to almost a stop. Minke whales are difficult to spot because they have a low blow, a small dorsal fin, and if there are waves they tend to block our view. But, we definitely had no trouble today as a minke surfaced right ahead of our boat! And because the water was so flat we saw more of the body than I’d ever seen before.

We spent some time watching that lone minke surface and dive methodically around our boat before heading back towards Salmon Bank. Again, it didn’t take very long before we spotted two more minke whales! (Coordinates 48 degrees 24.53 minutes N, 122 degrees 59.06 minutes W). Their blows were audible and their smooth, rounded backs sliced through the glassy water again and again, keeping us mesmerized.

Heading back to San Juan Island gave us more wildlife viewing opportunities. Before docking we saw a lone Steller sea lion hauled out on whale rocks, and finally a beautiful bald eagle perched on top of Long Island that took flight just as we were pulling away. It was a truly amazing day!

Kristen, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris

A bit further south of San Juan Island on a rock outcropping there were 6 or more big Stellar Sea Lions having a nap. We stopped to look at them then took off towards Iceberg Point. We traveled at about 16 knots for at least another ½ hour. It was so clear today guests were photographing Mt. Baker, the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Mts.

We met up with 2 other boats already out in the area looking for the whales.  Minkes do not spend much time at the surface at all – so one must keep their eyes moving over the water alert to the small dorsal fin. We stayed in the area about ½ an hour to watch them surface 3 times.  We were Lat.48.21.9 – Long.122.56.72

The Captain received word that Transient Orca Whales were around, but we would need to boat at least an additional 30 minutes to get there. Off we went again. We arrived on scene at Lat. 48.12.57 – Long. 123.15.29. At first we did not see anything, then after 10 minutes – whale breath and dorsal fins. We counted 6 Transient Killer Whales. We believe that T-113 was amongst them. There was not a pattern to their movement and they did not appear to be hunting.

This tour was unusual in many regards. Minke Whales, seen infrequently. Transient Orca Whales in the same tour. A tour that took 4.5 hours to complete (usually 3 hours). And picture perfect weather. It was nothing short of magnificent.

You should have been there,

Naturalist Colleen
San Juan Safaris Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour

We got really lucky just as we reached Turn Point, a humpback whale was spotted north of East Point! It was decision time; continue our course, or extend our trip and go for it. We decided to go for it and headed further north. And was it worth it! The humpback whale blew magnificently in the distance. We watched as it surfaced a few times before flashing its fluke in a fluke up dive. After what seemed like not time, we had to turn back to San Juan Island.

Kristen, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris

~Kristen, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris

The whales were members of J-Pod.  They were spread out, and cruising along the coast headed south.  A member of the L-Pod, L87 “Onyx”, was also seen among the J’s.  Unfortunately the seas were deteriorating and the whales were headed into rougher waters, unusual for San Juan Islands, so we turned around and headed back to more sheltered waters.   Even with the rougher seas we still had a great view of the whales.  Thanks Captain Mike!

Back in calm waters we headed into the San Juan Channel and motored along the coast of Spieden Island.  Over 60 Harbor Seals were hauled out on a rock just off the island while an immature Bald Eagle perched on a rock above.  What a great photo opportunity!  We then had wonderful views of the Sika deer and Mouflon sheep foraging on the hillside while a few mature bald eagles soared in the skies overhead.  At the west end of the island a Stellar Sea Lion swam in the waters surfacing to capture glimpses of us while a California sea lion was hauled out on the rocky shore, seeming oblivious to our presence.  

All smiles here in the San Juan Islands.

Naturalist, Amy

We then looped around San Juan to the west side and were able to catch up with four individuals from J-Pod. There was one large male, a female, and two calves. As we traveled with the group along the shoreline, just past East Point, they milled around, and the calves began breaching a few times here and there!

After about 15 minutes they changed direction and immediately gained speed heading north. We were forunate enought to travel with them for a few more miles and in that time, the large male even breached! It was a very moving experience and one could tellthat our guests really began to feel beside themselves.

We then continued on our way north and around to the other side of the island. Once we got to Spieden Island, we saw the  two groups of ungulates that inhabit the island;  Sika Deer and Mouflon Sheep.

Today we caught all the wildlife possible and the guests left the boat with some of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen!

Naturalist, Tara

point roberts

Today we definitely went the extra mile. Out of the harbor we were immediately faced with a tough decision… head south to a confirmed Humpback Whale sighting that we could easily reach, or take the chance of catching up with some Orcas that were spotted in Canada and heading north.

Captain Mike went with his gut and we headed north. We made our way through the San Juan Channel and Presidents Channel seeing several Harbor Porpoises, Harbor Seals, and even a few Steller Sea Lions in the open water, but we remained on the hunt. We continued north past East point and through the Strait of Georgia. Passengers were growing weary as we made our way deeper into Canada, but the crew knew what was coming and couldn’t be more anxious. As we reached Vancouver the boats began to emerge on the sea’s horizon and we knew we were getting close. Binoculars were out and glued to everyone’s eyes and we spotted the first dorsal fin at Robert’s Bank, immediately followed by another. Turns out the Resident Orcas heard how determined we were to see them and decided to turn around and come say hi – at least that is my take on it.

We followed the first two whales for about 15 minutes and had to start heading back, but just as the boat gained speed we spotted another two. Then we started seeing several more orcas, both off in the distance, and as close as 200 yards away. The passengers and crew grew very excited and it seemed as though the Residents fed off our excitement. A young calf started Breaching, followed by an older member of the pod Lobtailing, and another Spy Hopping. It was an amazing site to see! We then continued to travel with the Residents for a significant amount of time as we made our way back home. The passengers were very tired from the excitement, but were livened up once again when we got a second look at East Point. The small rock was covered with Steller’s, Harbor seals, and even a couple of Bald Eagles separating the two. This trip couldn’t have gotten any better! Looking forward to the next day on the water!

Naturalist, Tara

Kristen, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris