Humpbacks BCX1068 “Split Fluke” and BCX1480 “Spotlight” outside Friday Harbor

May 30, 2023 – Just after casting off from Friday Harbor we encountered a pair of humpback whales southbound in San Juan Channel outside of our harbor. The whales were identified as BCX1068 “Split Fluke” and BCX1480 “Spotlight”. It was amazing sailing parallel to these majestic humpback whales. Shortly after the whales reached Turn Rock we broke off to take advantage of the flood current and sail north.

Drifted along the Shaw Island coastline and weaved our way through the Wasp Islands. A couple of our young passengers decided they’d like to jump into the water so we headed into the cove by Jones Island. The loved the thrill and excitement that came along with jumping into 48 degree water.

We followed the coastline up President Channel along Orcas Island up to Lovers Cove before crossing the channel to drift down the coast of Waldron Island. Here we found a California sea lion sitting upright posing there. After checking out dramatic Point Disney, we sailed across to White Rock National Wildlife Refuge to see the harbor seals hauled out.

Sailing in some nice winds we made our way across to Ripple Island and enjoyed seeing the wildlife in New Channel. A pair of bald eagles sat by their nest on Little Cactus Island. Steller Sea Lions were hauled out at Green Pt on Spieden Island including branded sea lion “526Y”. On our return to Friday Harbor we hugged the coastline of San Juan Island back to Port.