The Pacific Northwest lived up to its rainy name today, but if you thought this would deter whale watchers you would be wrong! Guests aboard the M/V Sea Lion were braving the cold air, and intermittent rain clouds to get a closer look at the amazing superpod of transient that consisted of well over 20 whales! The M/V Sea Lion motored east through Obstruction Pass, and even got to split through Frost Island and Spencer's Spit to arrive in the Rosario Strait. Just North of Belle Rock was the group of marine-mammal eating orcas that were in celebration mode. There were tail slaps and whale hugs galore, but more importantly, there was even a fairly new calf to the group. This pint-size orca was keeping up with it's elders and doing a great job of entertaining our guests. It was hard not too make the ooooo-ing and aaahhhh-ing when that youngster rocketed to the surface to copy mom's porpoising behavior. Overall, I'd say the rain and fog enhanced our evening tour and made us feel that much closer to the whales! Great day on the water and looking to another one tomorrow.
Caitlin, Naturalist, M/V Sea Lion
San Juan Safaris