Kelly | M/V Kestrel | Friday, August 1st 2025 | 2 PM
Captain Sarah and I made our way north to investigate a whale report in Rosario Straight. We pointed north up San Juan Channel and into Presidents channel. Once at President channels northern mouth, we spotted the most pristine bald eagle sitting in a tree on Waldron Island. The stoic bird of prey was perfectly perched atop Waldron's most iconic tree, the one hanging over its most eastern point (local boaters know what I'm talkin bout!). We eventually made our way into Rosario Straight and truly began our humpback search. The water was glassy calm and absolutely perfect for scanning and spotting whales. Humpback's have a 15ft exhale, and if the conditions are right (Like today), we can spot them from extremely far distances. My heart stopped when Sarah and a I spotted that smokestack-of-an exhale! About 400 yards off our bow, a juvenile humpback surfaced and continued east. We watch as it took its final breath of the sequence, arched its humped back and threw its tail up in the air! Guest were delighted to see the gorgeous tail exposed, showing off the unique patterning on its bottom side. This slinky humpback continued to surface in a zig zag formation, keeping us on our toes! On our way back to Friday Harbor, we made a scenic stop at Patos Island Lighthouse! Gorgeously framed by the north Cascades and Mt. Baker in the distance.