(06/18/2017 -Kestrel 2:00 pm Departure)
Today was a true Pacific Northwest day here in the San Juan Islands, with light rain and fog throughout the entire day. We headed South towards reports of transient killer whales. On our way to the whale report we stopped by the whale rocks to see some Steller’s sea lions. Many of these huge animals were hauled out on the rocks while a few were playing in the water nearby. While we watched the sea lions we got a report two humpback whales just South East of where the transient whales were reportedly seen. We decided to try and give our guests a chance to see two species of whales during their whale watch. We came across the humpbacks and watched as they displayed a few cartwheels! These animals have massive tails so to see them come fully out of the water is always a treat. We then headed West towards the report of transient orcas. We watched as the T65A’s, a well-known group in the area, and the T73’S, less frequent visitors to our waters, traveled toward the West side of San Juan Island. We then got another report of more transient orcas just South of battleship island. Why not try and see them too, right? So off we went up the West side of San Juan where we passed by the Lime Kiln lighthouse, a common tourist dentition on the island. We made in to the second grouping of orcas, the T65B’s and the T36A’s. These two groups of whales have been hanging out together for the last few days, not an uncommon behavior for these Bigg’s killer whales. We were lucky enough to see the whales feeding on what was presumably a harbor seal. We even watched as a bald eagle scavenged the scraps. After a day full of fog and whales, who did not disappoint, we decided to head back toward our dock. Our guests didn’t let the dreary weather let them down! Also, Happy Father’s Day to all those amazing Dad’s out there.
