Whale Watching Report

Captain Carl reports Transient Orca Whales in sight! Stay tuned to the Whale Report for updates.

What an amazing trip we experienced today aboard the Island Explorer 3! We always remind our guests (and ourselves) that wildlife can pop up anywhere at anytime, and that we spend every moment during our trips searching for the wide variety of animals that live in the region.
The day started with a California Sea Lion resting on a navigational marker in Guemes Channel. A good omen for the day, considering we had not seen one of these critters for some time. After our guests were able to take several pictures of the posing pinniped, we continued on the adventure.
J-pod Orcas had been spotted by a Washington State ferry captain the previous day, to the south. Captain Carl pointed toward Smith Island, hoping the Resident Orcas had made their way into the Straits of Juan de Fuca. During our extensive search of this area, we made a stop at Minor Island, visiting with @ 3 dozen harbor seals hauled out on the point, under the watchful gaze of a mature bald eagle.
Travelling west to cover as much water as possible, we eventually ended up in Cattle Pass, and were rewarded with quite a show. A dozen or so Stellar Sea Lions were resting on Whales Rocks, flanked by maybe 2 dozen of the large animals surfing the strong current. They twisted and dove, circling the boat for great show!
As we continued our trip word came in to Capt. Carl that J-Pod hade been spotted out west, past Victoria. Travelling the inter-islands toward our dock, the search continued for other whales.
The wind picked up and skies darkened as we entered Rosario Strait, now in the last hour of the trip. Out of the blue Capt. calls out "We've got whales!" Orca whales! Right in our backyard! Transient Orcas were moving north up the strait at a good clip!
Our guests all jumped up out of their seats and bundled up for the show. We spent the next hour enjoying our fortune as members of the T-18 family reminded us that wildlife will appear when you least expect it to!
A great trip today, one the crew will be talking about for some time to come.

-Michael Colahan