A good day on the water is full of tough but ultimately great choices to make. Which whales to see? Southern Residents, Transients, maybe a Humpback Whale? Leaving port with Captain Mike at the helm, our weekend guests were excited for nature on the water.
Working our way North through President's Channel, we had the looming forested slopes of Turtleback to our Starboard and the slanting cliffs of Waldron to our left. It was another gorgeous day on the water, which Pacific Northwesterners know should never be taken for granted, especially when you've got whales in your sights. And we certainly did, even before we made it to Succia Island, we turned to meet up with a cast of Resident Orcas.
I'm beginning to feel a bit spoiled by this early season, because every day has been so incredible. The J16s we'd seen the day before in the Haro Strait had traveled about 20 miles Northeast in their search for food, their presence confirmed by the big Male J26 with his iconic open saddle patch. We spent more time floating and enjoying their presence than motoring to keep up and were favored with excellent looks at the two calves in the matriline (the smaller dominant female led groups within a pod) and several extended spy hops.
By the time we'd spent a good hour with the animals, we cruised off to check out some other sights. En route to the Harbor we spotted multiple adult Bald Eagles, a great number of hulking Steller Sea Lions, and of course, adorable Harbor Seals. Back in port, there were many smiles as guests departed to enjoy the rest of their sunny afternoons.
M/V Sea Lion, San Juan Safaris