Welcome to the Whale Report Blog

When you cover as much water as we do in a week, it is easy to feel proprietary about the islands and creatures found therein. We all feel like we know and own the orcas, trees and birds. We even feel a fondness for the slimy spineless creatures, and who wouldn't when they make up most of the biomass (living bulk) of the ocean? So, the orcas are fabulous and I could not be happier that we have been continuing to see them everyday, but I think that the invertebrates need some love too. This is my...

The naming of an orca calf is a sensitive and involved process.  By the means of soliciting suggestions, sifting through the offerings and choosing the best options, and then serving up the prime choices for heated voting, orcas are endowed with monikers that help elevate them to the most regal of heights within the marine mammal community.  These chiefly labels will help the orcas define and express their personalities, strengths and values.  Because of this, orca calves must...

A day of boating on crystal calm, sun-sparkled waters with the very slightest breeze caressing our smiling faces as we stared out at the beautiful San Juan archipelago. What more could a boatload of people ask for? How about every member of the Southern Resident community gracing this scenery? Well, ask or not, that's what we got!

The flat waters allowed guests to watch as large clusters of orcas crossed Boundary Pass, heading towards Turn Point. The whales traveled in tight groups...

We left the harbor without any orca reports.  For about 20 minutes we wondered whether or not we would see our black and white friends today.  As we neared Spieden Island, Captain Craig started to receive reports of whales on the west side of San Juan heading north.  Surprise! This is my first season with San Juan Safaris, and I am almost convinced that I'm the lucky charm.  Either that, or it's the fact that the Fraser River is experiencing one of its biggest salmon runs in almost a...

Lately I've been appreciating the mysterious, blanketing fog. It wraps itself around the trees and the land, clinging like spider webs.We left Friday Harbor slowly and headed north, towards the orcas. Luckily for us, the fog cleared as we turned out of the harbor, but for those on the ferry headed west, the fog quieted their hearts and minds, while the sun shone on ours.

We headed north through San Juan Channel, past Flattop into President's Channel and then finally into Canadian...

Another great day on the west side of San Juan Island!  To start the trip off right we almost immediately spotted a bald eagle perched on Turn Island.  This must have been a good omen because today's trip was spectacular.  Little did we know it at the time, but there were about 20 orcas on the west side.  We traveled towards False Bay, stopping to watch the Steller's sea lions on Whale Rocks.  They were roaring loud today!  Our crew was so entertained with these charismatic creatures...

Well, the residents graced us with their presence today after a brief hiatus. However, so did the fog. Although Captain Craig isn't crazy about the fog (which I guess makes sense seeing he's in charge of our lives and safety and such), I love it. We drove through Cattle Pass on the way to reach the Southern Resident orcas and were hit with a wall of fog. Taking advantage of the luxuries of modern technology, Capt. Craig skillfully maneuvered the M.V. Sea Lion to the scene of the...

Each day we leave the harbor with hopes of seeing the amazing black and white creatures we call orcas. Of course, ideally we also want harbor seals, sea lions, eagles, porpoises, and other whales sprinkled in the mix. But alas, wildlife is wild. Hopes and wishes aside, the wildlife of the San Juans will do what it pleases, which is one of the reasons we love to experience it in this setting. Now ... based on this introduction, you probably are guessing we didn't see orcas today...

Minke Whale By Erinn Taucher People For Puget Sound

Sea Birds and A Catamaran By Erinn Taucher People For Puget Sound

Stellar Sea Lion by Erinn Taucher, People For Puget Sound PugetSound.Org

Stellar Sea Lion Dive by Erinn Taucher, People For Puget Sound PugetSound.Org

Minke Whale by Erinn Taucher People For Puget Sound PugetSound.org

Minke Whale by Erinn Taucher People For Puget Sound PugetSound.org

Minke Whale by Erinn Taucher People For Puget Sound PugetSound.org

Pe...

The orcas and humpbacks were conspiring against us today. They were all 20 miles or more from Friday Harbor and were heading further west. Not a good combination for a successful whale watching tour. Luckily for us the minke whale were cooperating, so we went and spent time with them. Afterward we had a lovely cruise around Lopez Island, where we visited quiet coves and glassy waterways all chock-a-block full of seabirds. All of this was just what the cruise director ordered since People for...