Kayak guide Jesse and his guests were in for a treat when they left for their West Side Kayak Tour today. Within 5 minutes of the tour, kayak guide Jesse heard breathing at the surface from J pod! Jesse and his guests were able to see several breaches from the orcas as well as porpoising! Porpoising is when the whale is traveling quickly at the surface and comes almost completely out of the water. Orcas can travel at speeds of almost 30 mph in short bursts!
J pod came back into the waters of the Salish Sea two days ago after being off the west coast of Vancouver Island. J pod, like all our resident killer whales, are salmon eaters with a preference for Chinook salmon. Salmon are born in rivers and then travel to the ocean to feed and grow. After several years, salmon make the long journey back home. The Haro Strait on the west side of San Juan Island is a major highway for salmon as they return to the place they were born to spawn. Whales and fisherman alike, hope that the salmon run is good this year! Hopefully we will be seeing more of our Southern Residents as the salmon start to travel home!
Another great day of Kayaking San Juan Island!