Today we left the dock with reports of resident orcas out on the West side of San Juan Island. It was a beautiful sunny day here in Friday Harbor so our trip out to the whales was filled with sunshine. We met up with the K14's on the South side of Stuart Island. We first spotted K26 (Lobo), an adult male with a 6 foot dorsal fin, feeding in the area. We also got a great look at K42 (Kelp), the youngest member of the K14's. The whales then started moving towards the Cactus islands, which are located behind Spieden Island. It was very odd to seem them travel in this area because they generally stick to the outer straits of the San Juan Islands. This was actually the first time in 20 years that the whales were seen traveling in that area. We then watched the K14's meet up with the J2's (Granny and her family) as well as the J19's, including the new calf J51. We watched the whales travel around the area and display different social behaviors including tail slapping and even a breach. It was an unusual and interesting day out on the water but a memorable trip for all on board.
Naturalist Rachel
M/V Sea Lion, San Juan Safaris