Kelly | M/V Sea Lion | September 9th, 2026 | 12:30pm
We left the harbor and pointed right into San Juan Channel, staying steading south as we cruised into Cattle Pass. This narrow pass is an exceptionally rich food zone. As the water flows through at high speeds, it stirs up nutrients from the bottom of the ocean floor. As the nutrients flow upward, they mix with the sun- producing an abundance of phytoplankton. In this hotspot near Goose Island, we watched the cormorants both flying overhead and resting on the rocks. Harbor seals adorned the shoreline off the island’s north side and San Juan Island’s Cattle Point Lighthouse made a perfect coastal backdrop. We soon made our way into the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Gazing to the south we were treated to a surreal dream-like scene as the Olympic Mountain range nearly blended into the mirror like ocean below it. We began to slow our boat as we approached a little island in the middle of the strait known as Smith. We slowly cruised toward a large bull kelp forest off the island’s southern side. Suddenly, a large 6ft dorsal fin emerged from the forest! A full-grown male known as “Yelnats” surfaced first, the reminder of the family followed shortly after. This family was pf 4 was identified as the T35a’s made up of:
T060/Panthera — female, estimated to be born in 1980
T060C/Yelnats — male, born in 2001
T060F/Tigris — female, born in 2012
T060G/Uncia — female, born in 2019.
We continued to watch as this family circled about in the kelp, patrolling every inch for a tasty harbor seal snack. Multiple tail slaps occurred as it appeared that someone had found what they were looking for. They all emerged from the kelp and slowed their speed, soon a group of seagulls began to dive at the water around them. It became clear the family was sharing a meal underwater! Orcas are pack hunters, working together as a unit to complete a kill. They are also incredibly family oriented and share each kill amongst the group. After their quick snack, it was celebration time! One small breach from one of the family’s youngsters and one MASSIZE breach from Mister T60C “Yelnats” himself. His impressive 8-ton body fully launched completely from the water. In my 5 seasons on the water, I have only witnessed a full breach from one of these big males a small handful of times. It is truly an unforgettable sight.