Olivia | May 29th, 2019 | M/V Sea Lion | 12:00pm
Today was one of the best encounters I have had this season. Captain Gabe, Co- Naturalist Jordan, and I decided it was best to head south through the San Juan Channel between San Juan and Lopez Islands. On route the find whales we stumbled across Harbor Seals! They are the world’s second smallest seal and so cute. They are Pinnipeds much like the Seal Lions, however, they cannot rotate their pelvis or hind flippers. Because of this, all their swim power derives from their pectoral flippers and they steer with their hind. They are about 5-6 feet long and max out at around 300 pounds. We continued to view these mammals all along our trip including next to some of the whales!
Shortly after viewing these rock sausages near Cattle Point Lighthouse, we carried on and stumbled upon a Minke Whale! YOU GUYS. Can you feel my excitement? This was such an amazing experience! They are solitary whales and often busy feeding and slinking around, but this individual decided to stay moving in a straight line alongside our boat. Head Naturalist, Sarah, also joined us on our tour and was over the moon excited about this Minke as well. I love moments like this that really make the experience and allow us to form connections with our wildlife.
Heading southeast away from the Minke, we found a Humpback Whale we call “Scratchy.” Timing out dives at about four minutes, we were able to capture amazing tail fluke photos. After speaking to the folks on our boat, I found out that this was the first Humpback siting for most of our passengers and it blew their minds. We were able to have amazing conversations about the research in the area focusing on reducing shipping impacts and the phenomenal return of this species to our waters. The sun decided to come out as well making this a gorgeous connection all around.
Following our route home, we were able to spot Steller’s Sea Lions! This continues to be exciting for me, as they are about to head north towards Alaska. Unlike the Harbor Seals, all their swim power derives from their hind flippers, while they steer with their pectoral fins. This allows them to be awesome rock hoppers and swim about 17mph.
Based on the best available science, abiding by the legalities of our “Go Slow Zones,” and appropriate time length/ speed of viewing these animals, we are able to provide a healthy eco experience that benefits not only our viewing expectations, but expanding the awareness of what’s going on in the world. Please come join us to learn more and form your own connections with mammals not so dissimilar from ourselves!