Olivia Esqueda | September 1st, 2026 | M/V Osprey | 12:30pm
What an adventure we had today out in the Salish Sea finding whales. The weather this week is reminding us that the summer season is transitioning into fall, as the wind and rain are starting to pick up. This didn’t stop us from heading north through the islands in search of whales and other wildlife, though!
Weaving between the Wasp Islands, up Spring Passage and into President’s Channel, we found ourselves by the outer islands, which include Patos, Sucia, and Matia. Passing Pato’s Lighthouse, we entered the Strait of Georgia and continued even further north. We ended up east of Point Roberts, nestled roughly between White Rock and Vancouver, B.C. when we spotted six black dorsal fins! We came across a mini t-party of Bigg’s Killer Whales including the T123’s and part of the T46B’s:
T46B3/ Sedna- female, born in 2011
T46B3A/ Munro- born in 2025
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T123/ Sidney- female, born in 1985
T123A/ Stanley-male, born in 2000
T123C/ Lucky- female, born in 2012
T123D/ Darcy- female, born in 2018
We watched these orcas mill around a huge bait ball with many active birds before starting our transit back south towards San Juan Island. On the way, we brought around the photo identification book showing guests how we can tell them all apart as individuals, and even played the Galley Games, giving away free stickers to kiddos on board that could answer trivia questions about today’s trip- this is always such a hoot!
Already looking forward to getting back out on the water and seeing where our next adventure takes us.
Wanting to see more photos from our trips? Visit our SmugMug page at: https://sanjuansafaris.smugmug.com/
More information about the Pacific Whale Watch Association: https://www.pacificwhalewatchassociation.com/