Olivia Esqueda | April 5th, 2026 | M/V Sea Lion | 12:30pm
Heading south down San Juan Channel, we were met with crisp mountain views, both Mount Baker AND Mount Rainier in sight, and calm, blue seas. The sunshine warming the Salish Sea was the best spring day we could have asked for. After briefly stopping to view Steller’s Sea Lions thermoregulating at Whale Rocks and rolling around in the current, we passed Harbor Porpoise and Bald Eagles as we turned into Salmon Bank started crossing west through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
After heading west towards Victoria, B.C., we heard news of Bigg’s Killer Whales found heading in our direction- this was amazing news! Just after Middle Bank, we caught sight of the T123’s- one of my most favorite matrilines of transient orcas and the first time I have personally seen them in 2026!
This consists of individuals:
T123 Sidney- female born in 1985; mom/matriarch
T123A Stanley- male born in 2000; eldest male and largest dorsal fin (6ft tall!)
T123C Lucky- female born in 2012
T123D Darcy- female born in 2018
After watching them swim together, drift apart, and come back together, all while heading north, we decided to turn back towards Friday Harbor. We had some of the best folks on board asking phenomenal questions, and while I can’t speak for anyone else, today felt like one of the really good days that just hits differently and left a positive mark. This spring weather has us already looking forward to the next trip out on the water!
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/