Two great trips on the M/V Kittiwake today. We had both an afternoon and a chartered sunset trip. The swell had calmed down from previous days, leaving us with calm, glassy water on our trips. Both groups got great views of Spirit, L-22, and her two sons, Solstice, L-89, and Skana, L-79. This family of 3 have been moving along the west side of San Juan Island throughout the day, continuously searching for that tasty Chinook Salmon that they love ohhhh so much. And it sure looked like they had found some when Captain Jim, our passengers, and myself, were rewarded with 7 breaches from Spirit on our evening trip! Breaches can commonly be used by our Resident Orcas to corral and even stun their prey below the surface. But mostly they just excite lots of "ooohs and ahhhs" from onlooking whale watchers. All in all, not a bad way to wrap up a great day. And a big thanks to Spirit, who once again stole the show with her aerial displays!
Caitlin, Naturalist- M/V Kittiwake, San Juan Safaris