The afternoon reports were in.  There were ten to fifteen orca whales spotted near Stuart Island.  We traveled north and encountered the orcas near Turn Point.  Turn Point is the very northwest piece of continental land in the United States!  Captain Mike slowed the boat as we approached the misty blows of the orca.  The whales were traveling very close together, heading north towards Pender Bluffs on South Pender Island.  Not only were they in a large group, but they were showing...

Today we left Friday Harbor and headed south down the east side of San Juan Island through Cattle Pass. Cattle Pass is known for torrential currents because both Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan De Fuca converge demanding to be let through. In the midst of Cattle Pass we saw stacked nests of Double Crested Cormorants on Goose Island, Harbor Seals hauled out on Whale Rocks and a Bald Eagle fishing on Long Island.

The snow capped peaks of the Olympic Penninsula were clearly visible...

Seeing the San Juan Islands is magical and seeing the orcas can be downright transcendental for some.  But, when you can pair those two things with a major milestone in a person's life it becomes a rare and unique moment that makes existence in this world a more glorious thing.  It also shines a light on one of the reasons why I have always chosen to live the impoverished lifestyle of a naturalist/wildlife rehabilitator/marine mammal rescuer/zookeeper.  Much as it is said that...

Big Slap! Wild Tail Slap by Judy Jacques

I am submitting three photos that I took the afternoon of July 12th while on the boat "Sea Lion".  It was a totally fabulous afternoon, a little choppy, but we saw lots of whale activity.  We actually had a whale come under our boat and breach up on the other side.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the whole breaching show, but did get a couple of nice shots of which I hope you will enjoy.  The other photo I am sending I thought was...

Big Slap! Wild Tail Slap by Herb Hartman

Marine Naturalist Ashley by Herb Hartman

Marine Naturalist Ashley by Herb Hartman

Four Orcas Fishing by Herb Hartman

Four Orcas Fishing by Herb Hartman

Solo Orca Whale by Herb Hartman

Solo Orca Whale by Herb Hartman

Three Traveling Orca Whales by Herb Hartman

Three Traveling Orca Whales by Herb Hartman

Today we ventured into Canadian waters, heading towards South Pender Island.  Our safari began when we spotted a Bald Eagle perched on a rocky outcropping near Spieden Island.  As Captain Mike slowed the Kittiwake, we noticed a harbor seal swimming with a small fish in its mouth!  The bull kelp swayed in the slow wake of our boat.  A 12 year old girl, with an affinity for marine wildlife, squealed when she spotted her first jellyfish.  We observed an enormous amount of activity...

Male Humpback Hawaii Herb

Head Lunge Hawaii Herb

One Orca Whale with Mountains by Herb

Saddle Patch of Orca Whale by Herb

Marine Naturalist Lauren of San Juan Safaris by Herb

Mature Bald Eagle in Flight by Herb

Mature Bald Eagle in a Tree by Herb

Sally and Casey Whale Watching Naturalists by Herb

Look for a Herbs photo of Mama Humpback carrying her baby on her rostrum (nose). Thanks Herb!

Well we are all becoming overly familiar with the Canadian waters these days.  Reports were in that once again the Orcas were near the coal docks but it was music to our ears to hear they were at least headed south our direction. It was a beautiful day for a boat ride so we didn't mind the extra time it took to reach the whales. The whales were spread out in many small groupings and very active. We saw many breaches and lots of tail slapping. It's always exciting to see but even more...

Travel and  Leisure Names San Juan Islands  #4 for Top Islands of Continental U.S. and Canada Friday Harbor, Wash. – Travel + Leisure Magazine has just announced its 2010 World’s Best Awards, ranking the San Juan Islands #4 on its list of Top Islands in the Continental U.S. and Canada. The rankings (in order) are: Mount Desert Island, Maine; Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia; Vancouver Island, British Columbia; San Juan Islands, Washington and Prince Edward Island, Canada. The magazine...

Naturalist Sallly with Whale Watching Guests aboard MV Sea Lion

SuperPod. That got my attention. I got into gear and called staffer Ellie to see if she would watch the office. I am out of here!
Needlesstosay, I had a wonderful three hour mini vacation on my own boat with an unbeatable crew.

Here are some not-so-professional photos of the 3 hours

Whale Watching Guests Photographing

Haying on San Juan Island

Ok. So the hay is not from the whale watching tour. But this is what...