Biggs Orcas T90's venture up into Eastsound

April 15, 2021 – An early morning report came in of 4 orcas coming up San Juan Channel. We called our passengers who were keen to cast off early with the hopes of sailing with them. Thanks to a friend on shore who spotted the orcas turning into Upright Channel we found them just beyond Canoe Island.

We were able to identify them as Biggs/transient orcas known as the T90’s. They were taking fairly long dives and acting stealthy. Suddenly there was a chase taking place from one orca in the distance, and off on his own T90B back flipped with a harbor seal in his mouth. It was time for brunch. After they finished eating the orcas travelled quickly up into Eastsound by Orcas Island.

Winds picked up coming down the sound giving us a great sail. We caught up with the orcas again 3/4 of the way up the sound just as more hunting of a harbor seal began. Upon finishing they turned back south hugging the beautiful coastline with relaxing slow travel and we were able to sail downwind peacefully alongside.

Another report came in of 2 more orcas identified as T77A and T49A2 near Cattle Pass who were coming into San Juan Channel. We had a fantastic sail over to see a large group of harbor seals near Turn Island as the orcas were getting closer on their way up the channel. At first the males looked to be taking Upright Channel but instead did a 180 and we spotted them behind us continuing north. With the flood current in their favor they travelled very quickly (over 10 knots) making it hard to keep up. After they passed Friday Harbor going north along the Shaw Island coastline we decided it was time to return to port.

On a side note: T49A3 (T49A2’s brother) showed up at the top of the channel crossing towards Spieden Island. The rest of their family had been seen earlier up in Canada by Active Pass. The two males made it north of Yellow Island and flipped south passing Friday Harbor again. Also worth noting that another orca report came in of a pod coming up the westside of San Juan. It turned out to be the T65A’s with T77D and T77E. Orca soup out there!