Kelly | M/V Osprey | July 29th, 2026 | 12:30pm
We pointed south in San Juan Channel towards the nearest whale report. Cruising past the scenic Cattle Point Lighthouse and eventually into the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Transiting in this bigger body of water we were treated to views of both Mt.Baker, Mt. Ranier (in the haze) and the Olympic mountain range. We began to slow our speed as we approached Smith Island, a lonely island off the coast of Whidbey Island. In the distance along the shoreline, dorsal fins appeared! This family was identified as the T75b's made up of:
- T075B / Pebbles — female, born in 1994 (mom)
- T075B2/Jasper/Fifi — female, born in 2015
- T075B3/Rubble/Kasnikyu — male, born in 2017
- T075B4/Petra — female, born in 2021
This family of 4 were so close to the shoreline off Smith Island’s southern beach, that members with taller dorsal fins couldn’t fully submerge! It is so incredibly rare to see these orcas spend so much time at the surface! It’s hard to say 100% what behavior we were witnessing, could've been hunting or play. Perhaps they were just having some good belly rubs along this shallow beach. They took their time eventually making their way down to the island’s east side, occasionally throwing up a tail and often remaining at the surface as they cruised along the shore. In another incredibly rare sight, a large flock of white pelicans were spotted just behind the orcas on the island eastern point. This is the first time I’ve ever seen this species in the Salish Sea! On our way back home from our unforgettable encounter with the whales, we additionally spotted a tufted puffin, steller sea lions and a sea otter.
Photos from this tour:
https://sanjuansafaris.smugmug.com/7-29-26-kk