The Southern Resident Killer Whales came and went today. We hussled away from the dock with reports that orcas were veering offshore of San Juan Island heading westbound. Concerned that we might not be able to catch up with them before running out of fuel (just kidding!), Captain Craig set a straight and swift course to intercept our aquatic brethren. We joined the fleet half way between San Juan and Discovery Island. What a sight! There were whales stretched out across the entire horizon, multiple pods of Southern Resident Killer Whales. They traveled tight together in their family groupings. Most of the animals seemed focused on their westward progress, but some took the time to breach and tail lobb.
On the way back we took a more relaxed pace and looked for wildlife near Salmon Bank. Our patience paid off when a few Minke Whales popped up among the rafts of feeding birds. We observed a few sharp looking loons in addition to the Common Murres and gulls. We also surveyed the hottest real estate for Steller’s Sea Lions in the San Juans, Whale Rocks.
Naturalist Andrew, San Juan Safaris