August 30, 2017

Orcas Make for Happy Days in the San Juans

[08/29/17- M/V Sea Lion- Kelsey, Naturalist- 1:30PM] Smoke returned slightly to the San Juan Islands today, but that didn’t get us down on our whale watch and wildlife tour on M/V Sea Lion! We departed Friday Harbor in high spirits, ready to see what would await us as we trekked through some of the...Read more

August 24, 2017

Tiny Humpback Hangs Out in the San Juans

[Naturalist Sarah C. 8/24/17 M/V Sea Lion 1:30 Departure] An itty bitty humpback has been spotted perusing the waters south of Lopez Island for three days in a row now. This little whale nubbin obviously favors his chosen location, and it's an unusual one for massive baleen whales like him to be...Read more

August 22, 2017

We Love Humpback Whale Appearances in the San Juans!

[08/22/17- M/V Sea Lion- Kelsey, Naturalist- 1:30PM] Up until about 2002, there hadn’t been any humpback whales seen in the Salish Sea for over 60 years, because they were hunted until they were close to extinction. Since being put on the endangered species list, they have made quite the comeback,...Read more
Orcas

April 22, 2017

Whale Watching in Wild Waters

Captain Mike seemed antsy to board our guests and depart on the day’s safari. The skies were dark and brooding, but there wasn’t a puff of wind and the channel outside of Friday Harbor was calm. By the time we left the dock, the wind had cranked up and white caps busted against the bow, blurring...Read more
Transient Orca swimming near Friday Harbor

April 11, 2016

T18s glide through San Juan Channel

On Saturday, we had a pretty unique trip. Our crew had the honor of assisting in the memorial service of a long-time island resident. Our guests said their goodbyes on a beautiful sunny day in front of the back drop of the Olympic Mountains. As the current gently pushed us along in San Juan Channel...Read more

May 12, 2013

North or South?

We left the dock again today with very little information about wildlife sightings and a fresh crew full of expectations for the day. Should we go north or south from Friday Harbor in search of wildlife? It's a question that we sweat over in the business. The Salish Sea is a big place, with animals...Read more

August 18, 2012

Mysterious Minke!

We went on a wildlife adventure today, which included a circumnavigation of Lopez Island! Several harbor seals were hauled out near Turn Island, off the east side of San Juan Island. As we headed south we encountered at least seven Stellar’s sea lions on Whale Rock. The waters on the Strait of Juan...Read more

July 30, 2012

Spotted...

Another Minke Whale southeast of Lopez Island, a couple miles offshore, Rosario Strait (48°21.55’N 122°48.78’W). Captain Mike, also known as "Minke Mike", was the first to spot him and soon after, the fleet moved in. This whale seemed a bit distant at first, luring us into the strait, but...Read more

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