Jordan | M/V Osprey | 07/15/2021 5:30pm
This was one of the most Orca-tastic days ever!!
Captain Gabe, the crew and I headed out of Friday Harbor, towards Lopez Island and essentially found orca whales immediately!
A large group of at least 3 socializing transient killer whale pods led us up the channel, through the islands and up into East Sound of Orcas Island. Throughout this time, the group of Orcas separated, and we followed part of the group further into the harbor.
We identified one of the large families as the T65As, watching them search for food (harbor seals and porpoises) throughout the seas and admiring the large males with their six-foot-tall dorsal fins. We were about to head back out towards open waters when suddenly leaping orcas came towards us from the opposite direction!! They “porpoised” at high speeds towards the T65As! It was incredible watching their whole bodies fly through the air. It seemed to be, potentially the T34s meeting up with their companions.
Eventually, we got back towards Shaw Island, and we were almost home when all of a sudden MORE whales appeared! Again, fully leaping out of the water, the orca whales sprinted along the shoreline heading north! It was absolutely fantastic to witness as their black and white bodies seemed to catch fire with the orange glow of the setting sun.
In total, we saw about 13 whales!!
I hope everyone on board felt incredibly lucky to have such a magical experience. I know the whole crew were in awe the entire trip!
Thank you whales!