What a beautiful day on the water! Guests aboard the M/V Sea Lion, along with Captain Mike, Naturalist Brendan, and I departed the dock in Friday Harbor with word of orcas near the south end of San Juan Island. Naturalist Brendan was the first to spot these whales on his ferry commute from Shaw Island!
After viewing harbor seals hauled out on the rocks and Steller Sea Lions rafting in the water, we motored out towards the group of 8 transient orcas located near Hein Bank. With water like glass, the full Cascade Range, including Baker, in view, and beautiful sunny skies, it was a beautiful day to watch whales. The group of transient orcas were feeding and displaying many surface behaviors. The gulls also appreciated a free meal as they snacked on the mess left behind by the orcas.
After watching the orcas in the sun, we began motoring towards home and even got to see several Bald Eagles along the way! All in all, it was one for the books!
Naturalist Emily
M/V Sea Lion, San Juan Outfitters