As we cruised south through San Juan Channel, Captain Mike, Naturalist Caitlin, and myself couldn't help but notice how calm it was on the water! Even though the tides are extreme today because of the summer solstice, the water was calm as could be. As we continued into the Strait of Juan De Fuca, we found a cluster of sea birds, which usually leads to Minke whales! This theory did not lead us astray, as we saw several Minkes right over Salmon Bank!
After some looks at Minke whales, Captain Mike took Naturalist Caitlin, the guests, and I to the south end of Lopez Island and to Castle Rock. With a large tidal change today (almost 11 feet!), there was a TON of water moving through this small passage pushing our boat to a speed of 21 knots! With the full moon and the summer solstice tidal changes are going to be big for the next few days! It is a great time to do some tide pooling!
As well as the Minkes, we saw many Harbor Seals playing in the water, had excellent views of Bald Eagles, and even several llamas! I hope everyone is enjoying the first few days of summer, I know I am!
Emily, Naturalist, M/V Sea Lion, San Juan Safaris