Southern Resident J pod orcas near Flattop Island

February 19, 2023 – We headed north in San Juan Channel and were fortunate to sail with Southern Resident orcas from J Pod. They were first reported by the WA State Ferry and had been milling in the area near Point Caution for a couple hours before traveling northbound. We viewed from approximately half a mile as they slowly traveled in loose groups spread out in the channel. On Green Point, Spieden Island, there were many Steller sea lions hauled out and swimming in the water. One of the sea lions is easily recognized by the branding on its side (183R). The orcas continued northwesterly into Boundary Pass, and we came about and had a great close-hauled sail down the channel sailing almost the entire way back to Friday Harbor. A chilly, exhilarating, exciting winter February sail.

Note: All orca photos are taken with 800mm lens equivalent and cropped