View of Southern Resident J Pod orcas

October 1, 2024 – After casting off we headed south around Turn Island passing a great blue heron, harlequin ducks, raccoons foraging, harbor seals resting on the rocks, and a black-tailed deer. Goose Island had empty cormorant nests, a few gulls and cormorants scattered on the island, and many harbor seals hauled out on shore. With news of Southern Resident J pod orcas inbound we sailed offshore of Eagle Pt to get some distant views. We observed many whales foraging and were able to hear some vocalisations on our hydrophone. Misty rain was in the air but calm seas with stunning mountains created a magical landscape. On our return we crossed Salmon Bank looking for a minke whale who had been there an hour or so earlier, but not luck finding it despite hundreds of diving birds there (gulls, cormorants, grebes, loons, scoters, common murres, and rhinoceros auklets). Drifted by Whale Rocks to see the Steller sea lion and Deadman Island passing bald eagles, black oystercatchers and more harbor seals. Everyone was all smiles after a fun day exploring the Salish Sea.

Note: All photos of Southern Resident orcas were taken with 800mm equivalent lens and further cropped to show detail. We follow all Federal and State Regulations for viewing guidelines.