Today we left Friday harbor with reports of orcas off the west side of San Juan Island. We heard reports of K pod in the area for the first time this season. As we headed out our anticipation grew for the possibility of exciting whale viewing. We got west of Henry Island and came upon the leading group of orcas. We let them pass by and got to see a large group of orcas that consisted of about 20 individuals. This group included members of J and K pod. We then saw a few whales from L pod as well and at that point we knew that we had encountered a superpod. Superpod is when all 81 whales in the southern resident community come together and socialize in one area. We watched the amazing sight of all of the orcas breaching, tail slapping, pectoral slapping, rolling and social touching. We had an absolutely superb day out on the water with the whales! As we headed back to Friday Harbor we stopped by to see a bald eagles nest and we were lucky enough to see a chick in the nest. Luckily it was large enough that was visible from the water. We then got some great looks at a pod of harbor porpoise swimming through San Juan Channel. Today was an absolutely amazing day out on the water! First picture taken by Naturalist Sarah. Second picture taken by naturalist Rachel. Both pictures were taken on our tour today.
Naturalist Rachel
M/V Sea Lion, San Juan Safaris