Olivia Esqueda | April 25th, 2026 | M/V Sea Lion | 12:30pm
Continuing our streak of beautiful weather in the Salish Sea, we headed south today past Cattle Point Lighthouse and into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The water was calm and we were gifted with sharp views of Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and the Olympic Mountains.
We headed far west today past Victoria, B.C to see one of my personal favorite matrilines of Bigg’s Killer Whales- the T019’s [formerly referred to as the T018’s]. These three whales, consisting of mom and her two sons, were very spread out and we spent most of our time watching the youngest, but certainly still large, son known as T019C “Spouter” who was consistently surfacing with the mountains behind him. He has a 6ft tall dorsal fin!
After chatting about orcas with curious passengers, we headed back east, making a pit stop at Whale Rocks to see the Steller’s Sea Lions hauled out with an adult Bald Eagle keeping watch. It sure was another great day in the Salish Sea!
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/