Welcome to the Whale Report Blog

At long last, the mysterious K-pod has returned! It's heartwarming to see those familiar dorsal fins and saddle patches gracing our inland waters once more, because we really didn't see them at all at the start of our summer season. While L and J-Pod would meander through the Salish Sea, K-pod seemed to remain out in the open ocean, perhaps seeking salmon. Whatever the reason we didn't see them in June and July, we sure are happy that they are here now! M/V Kestrel had a wonderful...

Yesterday was probably one of the hottest of the summer here in the San Juan Islands. It got to around 80˚F on land, but once we were on the water it cooled down to a nice pleasant temperature. Today was one of those rare days as well that we did not really go that far. Friday Harbor is on the east side of San Juan Island and usually we make a few stops to see wildlife and eventually make our way to one of the larger straits to see the whales but today we went about a minute outside...

We certainly had a cool encounter with some transient killer whales today! First off, the Kestrel is a speedy boat - no getting around it. At a max speed of around 35 knots and a typical cruising speed around 25-30, we can get places on this beauty of a vessel. Life is even better when the water is glassy calm (is this the Salish Sea or a lake?), because then we can really fly! And thank goodness for our speed, because we have a chance to check out some amazing critters out here...

What an absolutely breathtaking day out on the M/V Sea Lion! We had two whale watch tours today, and a chance to hang out with several members of the J-Pod. These Southern Resident Killer Whales were happily foraging and traveling along the west side of San Juan Island today, a treat for both boat- and land-based whale watchers. The best part? We had two excited calves showing off their tail slapping abilities! This is such a fun behavior to not only see, but to hear as well. So what's up with...

You know those moments in life that absolutely take your breath away? We certainly experienced some of those today on our two whale watch tours on the M/V Sea Lion. Transient killer whales, the mammal-eaters who we encounter frequently in the Salish Sea, were spotted near East Point in the Strait of Georgia, and we were lucky enought to witness three families meeting up and socializing. It was breathtaking, as they seemed to be moving in tight formations, greeting each other while...

Today was a classic resident killer whale watching day. When we headed out of Friday Harbor we had reports of orcas all up and down the west side of San Juan Island, from Pile Point to the south end of Henry Island.

After heading south past Griffin Bay and moving through Cattle Pass, we noticed some Steller's sea lions laying out on a rocky island. These sea lions migrate every spring from California to Alaska and back in the fall, often stopping by our area on their way there and...

Whales, whales, whales...we have a marvelously diverse marine ecosystem out here, but of course, sometimes we get to encounter the biggest marine mammals of all. Humpbacks, minkes, killer whales, gray whales...each day brings new sightings and new experiences! Sea Lion was up and running, ready for her two trips on this wonderful Saturday afternoon. Pulling out of Friday Harbor with the breeze tugging at our hair and sleeves, there was a feeling of anticipation and the taste of...

Today was another super day in the San Juan Islands. We had perfect summer weather of flat calm water and baby blue skies, and for the third day in a row the Southern Residents were here! They haven’t been around that much since their main food source, Chinook Salmon has been very low this year, but we encountered them around Turn Point on Stuart Island! It was all of J pod together! The J16’s passed and the J2’s passed and we saw some of the males, Onyx and Blackberry swim past as...

Hello, It’s me... again, and yes I’m sorry but not sorry I’m going to talk about salmon and their connection to Southern Resident Orcas again. Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) eat fish and 80% of their diet is one species of fish: Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and yes before you ask they definitely tell the difference. It’s probably not because of their refined palate, but perhaps, it’s more likely due to their incredible echolocation abilities to determine between...

What an adventure of a day out on Seahawk! We traversed waters that we don't typically get to venture out in, all due to beautiful weather conditions and exciting whale reports! On our morning trip, we ventured north and had the chance to view some harbor seals (our adorable little rock sausages as we call them here), the majestic bald eagle, and several little harbor porpoises playing all around our boat. So cute! The water was sparkling, the sun beaming, and the Salish Sea...