Whale Watching Report

Moving (3 Pacific White-Sided Dolphins)

Creating "Footprints" (3 Pacific White-Sided Dolphins)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Our wildlife adventure began with our first wildlife sighting just outside the marina! In the water a Pigeon Guillemot swam while high above perched on a conifer was a mature Bald Eagle! We entered into the calm waters of Rosario Strait turning south towards the southern end of Lopez Island. Nearing Castle Rock our guests enjoyed close looks at Bull Kelp and a very close encounter with 3 Black Oystercatchers as they flew just over the bow pulpit! Continuing north we came across some hauled out Harbor Seals on Swirl Rocks! During our search for whales we received a call that there were Pacific White-Sided Dolphins near San Juan Island! At first we thought there were 3 of these rare cetaceans visiting our waters, but there were 4!! Guests enjoyed this rare opportunity to visit with these dolphins as they slowly played in our wake and swam just under the surface of the water! Perfect conditions followed us throughout our journey as we spent time with Rhinoceros Auklets, Pacific Loons, Cormorants, Glaucous-winged Gulls, hundreds of Harbor Porpoises, a total of 5 Bald Eagles, and hauled-out California Sea Lions!! Unfortunately the whales did not make a guest appearance, thus making the Pacific White-Sided Dolphins the real showstoppers!" - Naturalist Kate Janes