As soon as the radio in the wheel house was turned on, there was all sorts of chatter about Orcas milling at False Bay! Captain Mike took Caitlin, the guests, and I around the south end of the island through San Juan Channel and into the Haro Strait in order to see the Orcas. On the way, we encountered Harbor Seals playing in the currents and a Stellar Sea Lion perched majestically on Whale Rocks. While in transit to the Orcas, we also received rumors of a Minke Whale at Salmon Bank! When we arrived on scene, we were not disappointed! The Minke surfaced several times, giving the guests plenty to look at. After an impressive Minke show, the Orcas provided a glorious second act. We got to see Nyssa, L84 and the L54's, Ino and her children, doing lots of foraging behavior. I sure hope they were getting lots of good salmon! We saw several tail slaps and pectoral slaps, which the Orcas use to stun the fish. Once the fish is stunned, it is easily snapped up!
With Harbor Seals, a Stellar Sea Lion, a Minke, and Orcas, we had a fabulous trip looking at the larger marine fauna the San Juans have to offer!
Naturalist Emily
M//V Sea Lion, San Juan Safaris