Whale Watching Report

Crisp autumn air, blue sky dashed with whispy white clouds, changing leaves painting the island landscape and a bounty of wildlife on the water what could be better? The Island Explorer 3 took off into the great blue in search of wildlife. With a nice stop at the south end of Lopez Island we continued further into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The western portion of Constance Bank provided the perfect dining table for 6 massive Humpback whales and their pinniped friends. Intermixed the two species interacted, as the huge (by pinniped standards) Steller Sea Lions swam about the whales. The size of the Humpbacks (48-58 ft in length) made the 11 foot and 2,400 lb. sea lions look shrimp-size! After a great visit with the giants we encountered some Dall's Porpoise and even a Minke Whale, making the trip a double header! About half the size of a Humpback, these Minke Whales have a torpedo look about them in their streamline physique. Yet another great day out on the water enjoying the areas wildlife and some of its seasonal visitors!