Elle | M/V Sea Lion | 9/23/2022 | 1:30PM
Today, on M/V Sea Lion, we headed south to try to catch a glimpse of some orca whales which had been reported in the strait of Juan de Fuca. We headed south through San Juan Channel, past Cattle Point Lighthouse, and into the strait. After a nice, long journey southwest, we encountered two Bigg’s killer whales; brothers T60D and T60E. These boys have been in the area for the last week or so, from Canada’s Gulf Islands up north, to south of Victoria. We were lucky enough to catch some great looks at these whales before they ducked under our boat and popped up over a mile away! After this amazing encounter, we headed back towards San Juan Island. Accompanying us on our journey were around fifteen harbor porpoises! It’s rare to see so many at once so this was awesome! At whale rocks, south of Lopez Island, we encountered some Stellar’s sea lions, which were roaring at each other and playing in the kelp. We could smell them too, and the stench stuck with us for a few minutes even after we departed. After shaking of that signature sea lion stink, we arrived back in Friday Harbor, excited after a great tour!