Southward was the plan as we left Friday Harbor on our Classic Whale Watch and Wildlife Tour. A rumored report of killer whales in the Strait of Juan de Fuca was our destination, a long run on the ole M/V Sea Lion but we were determined to make it work! As we transited down San Juan Channel and approached Cattle Pass, guests aboard pointed out splashing in the distance! After slowing the boat to investigate, it became clear that the splashing was made by a stellar sea lion. This massive pinniped was splashing about hunting in a large kelp bed, his pointy nose in the air as he came up to exhale a puff of warm air. After a few quick looks, on we went! We had orcas on the brain and didn't want to waste any time.
From Cattle Pass we motored into the Haro Strait and eventually the Strait of Juan de Fuca (our entrance into the open pacific ocean). Our transit through this large body of water was breathtaking. Beautiful calm seas reflecting blue sky, the Olympic mountain range looming in the distance. The sky was clear enough to see Mt. Rainer in the distance, a rare sight here in the San Juan's. Captain Vaun and I began to spot exhales in the distance, two killer whales! A mother and son duo:
- T65 "Whidbey II" 1968 (est.) F (mom)
- T63 "Chainsaw" 1978 M
T63 has arguably the most recognizable dorsal fin the entire Biggs killer whale population. Appropriately named "Chainsaw", this adult male has two very noticeable notches on his 6ft dorsal fin- resembling blades on a chainsaw. We watched as these two surfaced parallel to one another in the slow rolling waves. With each surface expelling all the stale air from their lungs in a plum of mist. Guests were delighted that our transit was well worth the wait.