Heading out of Friday Harbor, we zipped out towards Salmon Bank, where reports of J Pod and a few L's were hanging out. Captain Jim and myself were able to make great time out to the whales since we were riding out in style in the Kittiwake, our original San Juan Safaris boat! Kittiwake is a great boat to get a very personalized and scenic view of the whales. This trip only emphasized that point. Our guests, along with the crew, were extremely surprised when Blackberry, J-27, and a few others from J pod, popped up right next to our boat! J Pod seemed to be moving steadily northwards but made a quick underwater change of direction. It's difficult to say what exactly caused this sudden change in direction, but it is possible they were on the prowl for their favorite food source, Chinook salmon. What ever the reason, this was a first time sighting of Orcas for our out of town guests, and I don't think it could have gone any better! Overall, today was a success with great sightings and great company.
Caitlin, Naturalist- Kittiwake, San Juan Safaris