With dense fog rolling into Friday Harbor, Captain Mike, the guests, and I headed north toward reports of Resident Orcas in Boundry Pass. The fog made everything very quiet and it was interesting to see the Islands through the wisps. Luckily, once we motored into Boundry Pass, the fog cleared and we were left with blue patches of sky and glassy waters. Once on scene, we were pleased to find that there were a plethora of whales in the area! We first viewed the L-12 matriline, and traveled with them as they headed north. Captain Mike then steered us toward another larger group of Orcas that consisted of K pod members. When we got there Captain Mike and I used the hydrophone to listen to the whales underwater. Guests got to here all sorts of clicks and whistles as the orcas chatted away! With porpoising, tail slaps, and several cartwheels, one even in a kelp bed, this group of Resident Orcas put on a spectacular show. We left the whales on the south east tip of Saturna Island in Canadian waters, which is a truly gorgeous place to be.
With incredibly smooth water, no wind, and excellent whales, it was a beautiful tour.
Naturalist Emily
San Juan Safaris, MV Sea Lion