Literally minutes before our departure Captain Mike received a report of 2 Transient Killer Whales in the area! Yahoozle!Â
We found the whales near Kettle Bluff on the westside of Henry Island (48°36.15N, 123°12.60W). The whales were identified as T20, a mature male, and T21 a female, most likely his mother. The whales were traveling north, tightly against the shoreline. Initially their behavior was predictable: several breaths at the surface before a deeper dive as they continued hugging the coast. Then, the whales began to extend their dives and change direction under the surface; Transient Killer Whales are known to be stealthy and elusive because they are hunting intelligent prey: other marine mammals. They definitely kept us guessing in which direction to look. As the whales changed direction and began to travel east through Spieden Channel we decided to circle around to the north side of Spieden Island to see what other wildlife species we could find. We saw over 30 Harbor Seals resting on small rocky outcrops near the Cactus Islands. Then as we circled back around the other end of Spieden Island, we observed the exotic Mouflon Sheep, introduced to the island in the 1970âs. While viewing the sheep the Transient Orca Whales surfaced, hugging the shore of Spieden Island. We had a few more looks before the whales turned and continued north. Â
Naturalist Amy, San Juan Safaris Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours