We had wonderful views of 4 Transient Killer Whales!  We first saw the Orca Whales near Green Point as they were traveling north.  The pod included one physically mature male, he was massive.  When we arrived on scene, the whales were taking turns slapping their tail flukes on the surface before they continued traveling north.  They then circumnavigated Flattop Island, performed several lobtails and once again continued north. 

After viewing the Transient Orca Whales we found...

Literally minutes before our departure Captain Mike received a report of 2 Transient Killer Whales in the area!  Yahoozle! 

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...

Another gorgeous afternoon spent in the San Juan Islands...

Upon departing Friday Harbor we motored south and within 15 minutes spotted a group of Pacific Harbor Seals.  The seals were taking advantage of the beautiful weather and were hauled out on the rocks enjoying their midday siestas.   Within minutes we spotted our next species, a mature bald eagle perched at the top of a tree.  Amazing.  I never get enough of seeing these majestic birds.

As our journey continued south we...

Southern Resident Killer Whales were spread out over 2 miles and traveling south through Boundary Pass today. 

In total we spent time viewing 15 Killer Whales, but many other individuals were observed surfacing in the distance.  It didn’t matter in which direction you looked there were Orcas!  It was absolutely fan-tastic!

In the first group, there were 8 individuals including a mature male and also a young calf.  Initially these whales were traveling in two smaller groups, one...

Photo Contest Winner for Bald Eagle by Paige Taken August 10, 2012

We had a fabulous trip to the south side of San Juan Island today.  Sunny skies and calm waters in the Strait of Juan de Fuca made for incredible whale watching!  After seeing several harbor seals cruising through Cattle Pass, we encountered the Steller sea lions on Whale Rocks.  At least ten were lounging in the sun.  As we headed into the strait, we saw several members of the resident L-pod actively feeding offshore of South Beach (48°26N, 123°00W).  First we saw members of the L12...

As we traveled south we had amazing views of Harbor Seals and Steller Sea Lions.  Both species were taking their afternoon siestas, soaking up the sunshine.  Many of the Harbor Seals were resting in a “banana” pose, keeping their head and hind flippers raised out of the frigid, 49°F water.   Whereas, the Steller Sea Lions were sprawled out across the island, making even the most jagged rocks look comfortable.

We then caught up with four Southern Resident Killer Whales near...

Ok the candles are set. Quick - get a match. No match. Find a lighter! No lighter. Quick thinking Captain Jim to the rescue with a . . .

"line burner". It doubles as a candle lighter in a pinch.

Captain Jim to the rescue with a "line finisher" torch

Although Minke Whales are typically solitary animals, we saw 3 of them today traveling in close proximately to one another in Haro Strait (south of Salmon Bank and San Juan Island, 48°24.97N 122°59.02). They were all doing their Minke thing, traveling from bait ball to bait ball and lunging after any food in their path. They surfaced multiple times showing off the full extent of their bodies from rostrum, to dorsal fin, to the entire length of their back. At one point they even...

Get in on this contest. Now to October 31, 2012.

San Juan Safaris Partners with Puget Sound Attractions Council for Contest

Seattle, WA - San Juan Safaris Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours has been a member of the Puget Sound Attractions Council since 2006. The Puget Sound Attractions Council is a prestigious group of activities located from Tacoma to San Juan Island. The Puget Sound Attractions Council group has been in existence in the Northwest part of Washington for the last 20+...