Whale Watching Report

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Orca Whales Headed Toward Hein Bank


An early morning report of lots of Orca Whales, headed east into our area, has been confirmed. We depart today at noon to search for whales! 2 pm: Captain Carl reports the Island Explorer 3 is on-scene with a group of about 20 Transient Orca Whales! Stay tuned for updates from Naturalist Jami Nagel. "Today was also a double header for us. We headed south today in search of some 20 Transient orcas. We ended up just north of Admiralty Inlet. When we arrived on scene the whales were in a resting pattern. As we observed things began to change a the youngest of the group was ready to wake up. This youngster about 2 year old was tail-lobing, rolling into the other whales and even gave us a good look with a spyhop. The other whales joined in on the fun and were rolling over each other. A couple of them took to porpoising (speed swimming) out of the water. As we headed out toward Anacortes we were treated to our second whale a minke near Smith Island. The minke kept to a tight circle as he worked the bait fish that no doubt became his dinner. Our eagle friends on Minor Island were again staying close to their nest on the beach. The visibility was so good today not only could we see Mt. Baker but Mt. Rainer was visible too."-Naturalist Jami Nagel

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 9:39 AM   0 Comments

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Gray and Minke Whales South of Deception Pass


The Island Explorer 3 is on-scene today with two species of Baleen Whales, mostly calm seas, and lots of sunshine. Check back for a full report from Naturalist Jami Nagel. "We are on a role for amazing weather and a double header today. We headed out of Guemes channel for our first large mammal sighting, a California sealion sunning himself on the marker, barely looking our way. We headed up Bellingham channel encounter numerous bait balls (gulls actively feeding on bait fish at the surface, this attracts seals, porpoise, sealions and even minke and humpback whales). We headed south in Rosario strait and found ourselves off Whidbey Islands, West beach area. Here we found our gray whale that has been dining on the plentiful Ghost shrimp of the sandy beaches of West beach. We watches as he manuvered himself in very shallow water just off the beach than made his way out into deeper water toward us. We headed out toward Smith Island were we encounter a minke whale feeding just south of Smith Island. Captain Carl was even gracious enough to put a down wind giving our guests the pleasure of not only seeing and hearing the whale but also smelling it too (minke whales have the nickname "stinky minke"). We headed off to Minor Island to check out a mated pair of bald eagles that nest there. As we were watch the eagles another minke surfaced taking us all by surprise. When this minke would surface it would bring its head out of the water showing us the white underside of its chin and quick glimpse of baleen. Among the other wildlife today were; harbor porpoise, rhinocerus aucklets, cormorants, harbor seals and bald eagles."-Naturalist Jami Nagel

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 9:01 PM   0 Comments

Friday, May 29, 2009

Whales South of Fidalgo Island

Whidbey Gray
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Minke Showing Face

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

People Watching Harbor Seal

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"With sunscreen applied we ventured out under a blue sky and beautiful conditions towards Deception Pass where a Gray Whale was busy enjoying his lunch of Ghost Shrimp. Watching as this massive cetacean fed in just 11 feet of water stiring up mud towards the surface we heard his exhalations and his barnacle ridden body gracefully glide through the water. After visiting with this giant we made our way towards Smith & Minor Islands where we found a pair of Bald Eagles near their ground nest, over 60 Harbor Seals hauled out with over a dozen swimming in the waters near shore, and auklets fishing. We continued south of the islands and found a couple of Minke Whales cutting grid patterns on the large bank. Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Common Murres, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Harbor Seals and Harbor Porpoise all were feeding along side the Minke Whales as an incredible cooperative feeding activity took place right before our eyes!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 6:40 PM   0 Comments

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Double Hitter today!

Our first minke whale surfaces in front of Mount Rainier.

A gray whale spouts near Whidbey Island.

One of four minke whales we saw today!

We had a fantastic day out on the water today. The weather was perfect, and we started out spotting a gray whale just south of the naval air station on Whidbey Island. He was feeding in shallow water again today. At one point he raised his head high out of the water, and another time he swam on his side showing us his tail fluke and pectoral fin. After the gray whale we headed toward Partridge Bank and Captain Michael spotted a minke whale from a distance. We moved in, and soon realized that we had two minke whales nearby. They gave us a great show, coming close to the boat and coming up to breathe with their heads high out of the water on many occasions, all with Mount Rainier as a backdrop. Pretty soon a third minke whale surfaced and we had three minke whales to keep track of! It was hard to leave them because they gave us such a great show, but we wanted to take a look at Smith and Minor Islands too. As we approached those islands Michael spotted yet another minke whale. We also found 3 tufted puffins, and 3 bald eagles out there. Other wildlife spotted today included harbor seals, harbor porpoises, harlequin ducks, rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, pelagic cormorants, California sea lions, and a great blue heron. What a great day! Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 7:51 PM   0 Comments

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Gray Whales South of Deception Pass


Captain Michael reports gray whales in sight from the Island Explorer 3. Stay tuned to the whale report for an update from naturalist Bart Rulon, and click here to see the whale location from space. Today we were the first boat to find a whale thanks to Captain Michael. He spotted the gray whale just south of the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island. The whale was in shallow water near shore. He surfaced many times for us and eventually he swam off-shore a little more and visited us at close range. Everybody got some great close-up views of him! Afterward we cruised over to Smith and Minor Islands. We were very fortunate to find 8 tufted puffins on the edge of the Bull Kelp along with lots of harbor seals near Smith Island. At minor Island we saw both of the bald eagles at the nest along with one chick sticking his head out for a look. Other wildlife we saw today included lots of harbor porpoises, California sea lions, rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, pelagic cormorants, and a red-tailed hawk. None of the whale watching boats found any orcas today, and it seems our gray whale was the star of the day for most of the tour companies. Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 4:52 PM   0 Comments

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Gray Whales Sighted from Island Explorer 3

Gray Whales and lots of Tufted Puffins were sighted off Whidbey Island, just south of Deception Pass. Stay tuned to the Whale Report for an update from Naturalist Kate Janes.



New Friend (Gray Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Hop, Skip, Take Off (Tufted Puffin)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Ground Nest For Acrophobic Eagles (Eagles afraid of heights)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Our journey lead us towards the west side of Whidbey Island where we found none other than a California Gray Whale. Apparently this whale is in no hurry to leave the protected and food rich area of the San Juans to make the long journey back to Alaska (the location of its major feeding grounds) as the majority of the gray's in the area have already departed. We found this gentle giant cruising steadily southward under a blue sky. After a great visit and having the opportunity to hear its exhalations and a surprise close encounter we ventured off towards Smith & Minor Islands. There we were treated to some great looks at some parrots of the sea, the beautiful Tufted Puffin. Smith Island is home to a small colony of Puffins and they were out enjoying the day on the water. We had one take flight right in front of the Island Explorer 3 and flew right by the boat for a great photo opportunity! We also saw over 20 Harbor Seals bobbing in the bull kelp and a few Bald Eagles near the two nests on the islands." - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 5:04 PM   0 Comments

Monday, May 25, 2009

Orca Whales Near Eagle Point

"J-Pod in sight" reports Captain Carl from Island Explorer 3. Our guests were watching Orca Whales today, with a little unexpected wind, and then cruising in calm conditions through the inner islands. Stay tuned for details on today's tour from Naturalist Kate Janes.


Granny's Sass (J2)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Matriarch (Granny J2)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"We ventured through a bit of bump today to get to the Orcas of J pod but did it pay off! We first encountered the leaders as they headed south near Eagle Point. None other than Granny herself was making waves as the rest of the pod followed. This 98 year old matriarch showed that she still can keep up with even the youngsters as she taillobed perhaps to get the rest of the pod moving in her direction. Then she surprised us all with a HUGE breach! It was the first time in 3 years I have ever seen Granny breach and it was definitely worth the wait. We also visited with Spieden (J8), Shachi (J19) and her little one Eclipse (J41). Our guests also enjoyed visiting with Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Cormorants and Glaucous-winged Gulls." - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 3:59 PM   0 Comments

Sunday, May 24, 2009

J Pod Orcas Seen On Both Trips!

Where are you going?

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Towards the Sun

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

A Baleen Encounter (Minke Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

AM: " We found the Orcas of J Pod on this beautiful day in Canadian waters just outside of Victoria. The whales were traveling in 3 distinct groups and were displaying an array of different behaviors from breaching to tallobing and we even witnessed multiple spyhops. We were treated to seeing both of the new calves in the pod, J44 & J45. And could even hear the exhalations of the whales as they surfaced. Our last visit was with Slick's (J16) subpod who had Mike (J26), Keet (K33), Alki (J36) and her youngest two- year old Echo (J42) in tow. On our way back towards Anacortes we even had time to visit with a Minke Whale, allowing our guests the opportunity to experience the difference between toothed & baleen whales."

Rhapsody Wave (J32)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Beautiful Orca Belly

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Curious (Doublestuff J34)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes


PM: " In the afternoon we ventured through the San Juan Island in order to find J pod at the north end of Haro Strait. We spent our visit with Oreo's (J22) subpod which consisted of Doublestuff (J34), Cookie (J38) and her niece Rhapsody (J32). We found them milling about rolling, taillobing, pec slapping, and even an upside down taillobs! We not only could hear the sound of their exhalations in the calm of the evening but the sound of their flukes smacking the water even carried across the water." - Naturalist Kate Janes



posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 10:44 PM   0 Comments

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Orca Whales Sighted!

Captain Carl reports J-Pod Orca Whales in sight, in Rosario Strait, just west of Anacortes. Stay tuned for updates from Naturalist Kate Janes on the Island Explorer 3.

Think Big (from L to R: J45, Spieden J8, & Ruffles J1)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Up and Out

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Whidbey Island Gray Whale

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes


AM: "It was a beautiful morning out in the San Juan Island, I dare say a morning we dream about. Blue sky overhead, calm conditions and the Orcas of J pod right in our very backyard! We found the whales literally 15-20 minutes off the dock heading south down Rosario Strait-such a treat! The whales were very active with multiple breaches, fishing behaviors with quick changes in direction, spyhops, cartwheels and even some taillobs from the new calves! Our guests watched as the two new moms, Samish (J14) and Princess Angeline (J17) swam fairly close to one another showing off their little ones. Both J44 & J45 were very surface active playing as they swam along side their moms. We also visited with Blackberry, Mako, Oreo, Doublestuff, Cookie, Ruffles, Granny and the rest of J pod could be seen spread out. Captain Carl didn't stop there however he found a Gray Whale later in the trip near Deception Pass making it a double header (seeing two species of whales in one trip)!"

Deadhead's Rainbow (Deadhead K27)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Deadhead K27

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Evening Glow (Deadhead K27)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes


PM: "In the afternoon we found our Southern Resident Orcas near False Bay and they were really spread out, over 7 miles. We found the trailers and it was done other than Deadhead (K25). This was quite the shock since the portion of K pod, the K13 subpod, had reportedly headed westward yesterday and were already back with J pod! Deadhead was swimming with another whale who we were unable to identify due to lighting, but did they gives us some great looks as they milled around the boat. Our guests enjoyed hearing the exhalations and the beautiful lighting of the early evening. On both trips today we also enjoyed visiting with Bald Eagles, Harbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, Rhinoceros Auklets, California Sea Lions, and Cormorants!" - Naturalist Kate Janes




posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 10:31 AM   0 Comments

Friday, May 22, 2009

Orcas Under a Blue Sky

Brotherly Glow (Blackberry J27 & Mako J39)
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Pacific Loon Before the Dive

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Sunbathing Seals (Harbor Seals at Mummy Rocks)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Today we along with some lounging pinnipeds were enjoying the heat of the sun and working on our tans as the Island Explorer 3 made its way towards the Orcas of J & K pods! We found the whales really spread out in the Strait of Juan de Fuca as we came on scene with the trailers we found Riptide (J30), Mako (J39), Blackberry (J27), Oreo (J22), Doublestuff (J34), Cookie (J38) and young Rhapsody (J32) moving quite quickly in the direction of the leaders. As they rose gracefully to the surface their wet black backs glistened under the sun. Before our visit had to come to an end the group merged and slowed as they continued towards Haro Strait. We also enjoyed encounters with Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Pacific Loons, Rhinoceros Auklets, over half a dozen Bald Eagles, Black Oystercatchers, Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, and Cormorants." - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 7:22 PM   0 Comments

Thursday, May 21, 2009

J-pod at Eagle Point

A bald eagle circles over J-pod.

Oreo, J22, coming up for air.

Double Stuff, J34, keeps getting bigger!
We had a great day today, filled with sunshine and orcas. We found J-pod just north of Salmon Bank heading north. J-pod was spread out pretty far and we ended up spending all our time with the trailers in the pod including Oreo, J22, Double Stuff, J34, Cookie, J38, Blackberry, J27, Polaris, J28, and others. A bald eagle spent lots of time soaring over the orcas as they swam by. J-pod traveled along at a predictable pattern, and we followed them until they reached Eagle Point where they swam right next to the rocks. Next we cruised over to Deception Pass Bridge in search of more wildlife. Other wildlife spotted today included harbor porpoises, California sea lions, harbor seals, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auklets, pelagic cormorants, and a pacific loon.
Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 6:47 PM   0 Comments

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

J & Partial K Pod Near Saturna Island!

Not So Little Anymore! (Echo J42 surfacing behind mom Slick J16)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Right Place + Right Time = Experience of a Life Time

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes


"The Island Explorer 3 found the Orcas of J pod & the K13's really spread out making their way down Boundary Pass. The first whales that came into view were the very active K13's as they quickly porpoised and did multiple back dives! Next we saw Granny, Ruffles and about a dozen other whales make their way southward in a fairly tight formation. Young Blackberry, Oreo's subpod and the rest of J pod seemed to be following the K13's lead by hugging tight to Saturna Island's shoreline giving a couple of on-lookers and kayakers an experience of a life time. Another beautiful day out on the water with not only whales but also more than a dozen Bald Eagles, Pigeon Guillemots, Harbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, Surf Scoters, and a pair of lounging California Sea Lions!" - Naturalist Kate Janes


posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 7:54 PM   0 Comments

Minke at Hein Bank, Sunday May 17, 2009




"Sunscreen needed! Today was a beautiful day in the islands. We headed out Guemes channel and were treated to a California sea lion lazily enjoying the beautiful weather on top a channel marker. He didn't even bother to look up as we made our way past him into Rosario strait where we encountered harbor porpoise feeding off of Burrows island. Mt. Baker was in full view today as were the Olympic Mt's. and even distant Mt. Rainer. We headed around the south end of Loped island checking out the 40 or so harbor seals hauled out on the rocks. As we neared Hein bank we had our first whale sighting of the day by Captain Carl. We soon found that we not only had one Minke whale but two. The birds started to get active, Rhinoceros Auklets were diving and the gulls were actively feeding on bait balls at the surface of the water attracting the whales to them. Soon the whales were joining in the feeding frenzy and were scooping up bait fish near the surface of the water. Our guests not only got to see and hear these beautiful baleen whales but they got to smell them too. They have the nickname "stinky minke"." -Naturalist Jami Nagel

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 1:10 AM   0 Comments

Monday, May 18, 2009

Orca Whales Near Haro Strait

J and K Pod Orca Whales were seen today by our guests on the Island Explorer 3. Captain Carl said they were seeing some great activity! Stay tuned for a full report from Naturalist Kate Janes.

Special Guests (Spock K20 & Comet K38)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Blackberry Beneath (J27)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Brotherhood (Blackberry J27 & Mako J39)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"It may have been a grey day, but the faces of our guests were glowing when their eyes saw the black dorsal fins of our Southern Resident Orcas! We found J Pod and a portion of K Pod just north of False Bay really spread out. Granny (J2) and Ruffles (J1) were the furthest off shore on their own making their way northward. We first visited with some members of K Pod (Spock K20, Comet K38, and Skagit K13) before enjoying a surprise visit with Blackberry (J27) and his siblings. Blackberry with younger brother Mako (J39) made a close pass while our engines were out of gear which was a special treat for all. Seeing their gorgeous white portions under the water as they slowly rose in the water column- it is beyond words. Mixed in with Blackberry and family was Spock's younger brother Scoter (K25) obviously enjoying some boy time." - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 4:56 PM   0 Comments

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Orca Whales Near Saturna Island


Cookie (J38) Breaching

The Island Explorer 3 is on-scene with J-Pod. Check back for details on today's tour from Naturalist Jami Nagel and click here to see the location of the whales from space. "Heading north today took us on the east side of Guemes Island where we encountered our first 6 out 8 bald eagles. We caught up with J-pod just off Saturna Island as they made their way into Boundary Pass. As soon as we arrived on scene we were greeted with 3 breaches in a row by 6 year old Cookie (J38). Cookie (J38) was travelling with her mother Oreo (J22), big brother Doublestuff (J34) and cousin Rhapsody (J32). Cookie was very surface active with several more breach series of 2 and 3 breaches in a row. Even Rhapsody (J32) joined in with a couple of cartwheels (peduncle throws). We then moved on to check out Blackberry (J27), a sprouter male at 18 years old who will be considered mature in 2 years, with his sister Tsushi (J31) and little brother Mako (J39). Before saying goodbye to J-pod today we headed over to Granny (J2), the matriarch of J-Pod and the oldest female in the southern residence at 98 years old (est.), with her son Ruffles (J1) who happens to be the oldest male in the southern residence at 58 years old (est.). Our route home took us through the inner islands where we found our last 2 bald eagles and Dahl's porpoise who decided we would be fun to bow ride with."-Naturalist Jami Nagel

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 3:14 PM   0 Comments

Friday, May 15, 2009

Breath Taking Visit!

Playful Youngster (Samish J14 & J45)
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

People Watching Orcas

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Shachi Rising

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Shaw Island Eagles

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Our guests enjoyed a beautiful scenic tour through the San Juan Islands on our way to visit with the Orcas of J Pod. We entered into Canadian waters today to visit with the sleeping Resident whales. It was incredible seeing the entire pod in close proximity to one another slowly cruising northward as the sound of their exhalations carried due to the calm conditions. We were enjoying their peaceful slumber when all of a sudden without warning they awoke and turned abruptly towards the Island Explorer 3. All we could do was pull the boat out of gear and just sit still in the water. At the mercy of the whales we sat and watched in awe as they swam right off the stern on either side causing hearts on board to race, tears to flow, cameras could be heard clicking away hoping to capture the beauty of the moment. It was breath taking seeing not only the oldest female (Granny J2), the oldest male (Ruffles J1), but also to get a close glimpse of the newest member of the pod little J45 as Samish (J14) was seemingly showing her newest calf off. It was an incredible gift that won't soon be forgotten by those who experienced it today." - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 9:46 PM   0 Comments

Thursday, May 14, 2009

J-pod and Three Minke Whales!

Two photos of Samish, J14, with the newest member of J-pod, J45!


Captain Carl steered us into a double hitter today! Not only did we see J-pod but we also found three minke whales. Our first whale sighting was a minke whale just off Salmon Bank. We watched him for about ten minutes, but soon departed because we could see J-pod in the distance. The first group of orcas we watched was J16, Slick, J26, Mike, J33, Keet, J36 Alki, and J42, Echo. Polaris, J28, and Tahlequah, J35 were also with them. This group was moving at a steady pace close together. Next we moved ahead to visit another group. This group was getting active as we saw a few breaches and they appeared to be chasing salmon because of all their changes in direction. We saw Blackberry, J27, Spieden, J8, Riptide, J30, Samish, J14, and her new calf. Carl turned off the engines and the orcas circled the boat. Samish brought the new calf over and they swam right under our boat giving everybody a thrill!! As we were watching the orcas we also saw two minke whales swimming nearby. Some other great sightings for today included a huge pod of harbor porpoises, and twenty five brown pelicans both in Rosario Strait. We also found a bald eagle, harbor seals, California sea lions, pigeon guillemots, pelagic cormorants, rhinoceros auklets, and a common loon. The weather was sunny and beautiful to put the final touches on an awesome day. Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 6:19 PM   0 Comments

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Orca Whales in Sight!

J33, Keet, and J27, Blackberry surface together.


J16, Slick



Captain Michael reported in from the Island Explorer 3 that they are on-scene with J-Pod near Alden Bank. Stay tuned to the Whale Report for an update from Naturalist Bart Rulon and click here to see the location of the whales from space. J-pod was heading northward very fast, and quite spread out as we were approaching their location. When we arrived four orcas slowed down and grouped up giving us a great first look. It turned out that we had J27, Blackberry, traveling with J16, Slick, and two of her offspring, J33, Keet, and J42 Echo. We watched these four orcas at close range for our entire visit, and they surfaced more often than normal for some great viewing. All the orcas were swimming at a quick pace, and at times they were porpoising. We could also see J-pod orcas in the distance spread out during our entire visit with the orcas. Throughout the day we also spotted many bald eagles at locations such as Strawberry Island, Peapod Rocks, Clark Island, and Lawrence Point, and more. We came across two large pods of harbor porpoises at different times on our journey. Other wildlife spotted today included harbor seals, California sea lions, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auklets, surf scoters, pelagic cormorants, Brandts cormorants, and a long-tailed duck. I definitely enjoyed my first sighting of orcas since January. Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 3:01 PM   0 Comments

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Through the Heart of the San Juans

Break Between Feedings (Rhinoceros Auklets)
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

A Pass Called Deception

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Quick Reflex (Peregrine Falcon)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"It was yet another beautiful day out in the San Juan Island with a blue sky following us all throughout our journey today and a breeze coming out of the southwest. Our guests enjoyed a scenic tour through the heart of the San Juans where we saw multiple Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Harbor Seals, and watched the Washington State Ferries heading in to dock. We made our way out Cattle Pass watching large groups of birds that were involved in a feeding frenzy before heading towards Castle Rock. There we found more Harbor Seals, Black Oystercatchers, 3 more Bald Eagles, and a Peregrine Falcon on Young Island! Unfortunately we did not find any whales today, but our guests will be able to join us again for free until they see whales with us...it's our guarantee!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 7:45 PM   0 Comments

Monday, May 11, 2009

Southern Residents Near Point Roberts

The Littlest Whale (J45)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Look Both Ways When You Cross the Traffic Lanes

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Samish's Surprise! (J14)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Our journey today took the Island Explorer 3 up into Canadian waters where we found J Pod Orcas and a portion of K Pod really spread out. We spent our time visiting with Samish's subpod who was showing off its newest member, J45! Gorgeous conditions allowed our guests to see the whales cruise through the water effortlessly and Samish at one point quickly changed into hunting mode sending a HUGE splash across the water. I'm sure that Salmon didn't get away! Also seen were Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Marbled Murreletts, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Harbor Porpoise, Pacific Loons, Brant Geese, and a Coyote on Guemes Island." - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 8:14 PM   0 Comments

Sunday, May 10, 2009

A Happy Mother's Day Spent With Orcas!

Stuck In The Middle

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Samish (J14) with her newest calf (J45)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

The Good Son (Ruffles-J1 swims close to mom Granny-J2)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Love Birds (mated pair of Bald Eagles & Harbor Seals)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Every captain wants to be the first to find whales and today that honor went to ours truly, Captain Michael. We found J Pod with a few friends from K Pod just south of Lummi Rocks. It was sure great to see their familiar fins & saddle patches as we got on scene. We spent Mother's Day with some Orca moms under a blue sky and on calm waters. We even got to see the newest members of J Pod (J44 & J45) traveling as new calf's should- tight next to their moms! Even at 58 years old Ruffles was spending this Mother's Day close to his mom, Granny. K Pod whales that were seen mixed in with J Pod included: Spock (K20), Comet (K38) and Scoter (K25)." - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 8:11 PM   2 Comments

Friday, May 8, 2009

Back in Anacortes Under a Blue Sky!- Saturday, May 9th

Warm Refuge (Northern Elephant Seal on Minor Island)
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Steller Pose (Steller Sea Lion on Bird Rocks)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

WSF Under Clouded Mt. Baker

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Small Cetaceans Making Big Waves! (Harbor Porpoise)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"A gorgeous May day welcomed the Island Explorer 3 back to the San Juan Island and there was quite the welcoming party taking place out on the water with some amazing wildlife. Our guests had the rare opportunity to see all 4 species of pennipeds (seals) that we have in the area! Which I have never experienced all in one trip, because typically the different species don't always overlap. We visited with Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, a Northern Elephant Seal and ended with two Steller Sea Lions. Unfortunately after covering a large expanse of water and searching high and low we weren't able to find any whales. It was later in the day as we were venturing back to the dock that whales were found far north. Our guests that joined us will have the opportunity to join us again for free to see whales- its our guarantee." - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 6:58 PM   0 Comments

Gray Whales on 100% of our Trips in Everett

A Dall's porpoise with a Dall's/Harbor porpoise hybrid behind him


Gray Whale #21 surfaces near the shore

Thanks Patch for another great season departing from Everett!

Captain Shane took the reins today as we attempted to finish a perfect whale sighting record so far in 2009. We started out getting some great views of California sea lions hauled out on a few channel markers, and lots of harbor seals in the water. Shane took us between Whidbey and Camano Islands where we found a large pod of Dall's porpoises mixed with Dall's/harbor porpoise hybrids. Many of the hybrids looked at first glance to be full blooded harbor porpoise, and its possible we could have had a completely mixed pod. Not long after the great porpoise viewing, Shane spotted two gray whales. It turned out to be our old friend, Patch, #49 traveling with #21. They started out in the deep water, but eventually worked their way into the shallows to feed, giving our passengers some great viewing. We were all excited to finally be able to say we've found gray whales on 100% of our trips from Everett this Spring. That makes two years in a row that we have had perfect records during our spring gray whale season in Everett!! Other wildlife we saw today included western grebes, bald eagles, osprey, pigeon guillemots, great blue herons, and double-crested cormorants. What an awesome finale to our time in Everett this spring. Tonight we drive up to Anacortes in order to start our orca/minke whale trips on Saturday. I can't wait! Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 2:46 PM   0 Comments

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Orca Whales Sighted in front of Anacortes! Plus our Best Gray Whale Trip of the Year!

Gray Whale #22 spyhops for us!

Gray whale #383 spyhops for us too!

Looking into the eye of the whale

A bald eagle making a perfect landing

Tomorrow (Friday) is our last Gray Whale trip out of Everett. It's been a great Gray whale season; we showed our guests whales on every trip! Perfect 100% viewing! It's not too late to reserve for Friday's trip! Saturday we are excited to begin the Orca/Minke whale watching season out of Anacortes! The weather is suppose to be great and Orca whales were sighted right in front of Anacortes the past few days so we are set! Reserve now and let us show you the beautiful Salish Sea! Without a doubt our trip today was by far the best trip of the year!!!! I will start with the highlight of the trip. We found gray whales #22 and #383. They started by showing us plenty of tail flukes as they dove time after time. After about half an hour of viewing they swam into the shallows off Hat Island and started spy hopping like crazy for us. It was one spy hop after another for us. In total these two gray whales probably spy hopped a total of 30 times. It was the best gray whale watching I've ever seen in my 9 years of doing this. Other wildlife spotted today included California sea lions, western grebes, bald eagles, and caspian terns. What an awesome day! Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 1:30 PM   0 Comments

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

J-Pod Orca Whales Sighted

A new gray whale for this year, without a name yet.

Right after our trip our nesting osprey protects his catch from a crow looking for scraps.

One of two gray whales spotted today comes to the surface.

Today, the Island Explorer 3 is on-scene with Gray Whales - that's 45 tours in a row with the whales. Our Gray Whale program from Everett has had a 100% sighting success rate for 2008 and 2009! Our last Gray Whale Tour from Everett will be Friday, May 8th. While we had a great spring season in Everett and are sad to leave, we are really excited to start our Orca Whale tours from Anacortes on Saturday, May 9th. Southern Resident Orca Whales were sighted in the area yesterday for the first time in over 30 days - so, our timing looks good...that's exactly why we focus on Gray Whales in the spring.
For details on today's tour, check back for an update from Naturalist Bart Rulon. We had some rain today on our trip but the wildlife didn't mind at all. We started out with sightings of three California sea lions. Next Captain Michael spotted our first gray whale. This whale was taking some deep dives and raising his tail flukes into the air before each long dive. We soon realized that this whale was a new one to the area for this year. We decided to cruise around some more and look for more whales. We eventually came back to the area with our first whale, but we found another one instead that gave us some good close up views right before we returned to the dock. Other wildlife spotted today included western grebes, bald eagles, ospreys, and a red-necked grebe. Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 12:20 PM   0 Comments

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

It's Not Just Any Monday When You Are Out on the Water!- Monday, April 4th



"Our day on the water started with some great looks at a few California Sea Lions hauled out on two channel markers. From there we ventured toward Gedney Island where we found Patch, #49, & #21 swimming side-by-side! The stillness of the day allowed the sound of their exhalations to arrive to our ears! Getting some great looks as the two ventured closer to the boat before making their way towards the Snohomish River Delta where their behaviors changed abruptly into meal time! At the northern end of Gedney Island we happened upon three Harbor Seals that had found refuge from the frigid water on a floating log! All three were balancing making sure to stay perfectly still as their rounded bodies curled upward out of the water as much as possible, while another seal swam around hoping to find room on their makeshift island! Quite the day to kick off our last week with the gentle Grays! We also enjoyed a close encounter with a Osprey who flew just over the bow pulpit, a Bald Eagle perched on the day marker, and a group of friendly Harbor Porpoise were a great finale to a fantastic day!" -Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 5:04 PM   0 Comments

Sunday, May 3, 2009

4 Different California Gray Whales Seen on Today's Trips!


AM: "We found two Gray Whales about mid-Gedney Island approximately 25 minutes once leaving the dock! #21 & #383 made a direction change towards Mission Beach as they slowly made their way East. We were getting quite spoiled as #383 was fluking about every other exhalation! Once over to the shallow waters off of Mission Beach they both switched quickly into feeding mode in close proximity to one another! As they fed our guests watched as their pectoral fins & half of their flukes broke the surface of the water! Incredible to see these two over 40 ft animals in about 10 ft of water!"
PM: "On the afternoon trip we spotted a whale from quite a distance away after leaving the marina! However, by the time we ventured closer the whale, who turned out to be our old friend Patch (#49) was moving from feeding on the Snohomish River Delta to heading out into the channel and moving north towards Saratoga Passage! We had some excellent looks at his large fluke and he even gave us a couple of really great looks as he ventured closer to the boat to do some people watching! The sound of his exhalation was heard by all as he gracefully moved through the calm waters! Later we ventured back towards Mission Beach were we found #53 & Dubnuck, #44. Also seen on today's trips were Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Western Grebes, Surf Scoters, and Caspian Terns!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 7:53 PM   1 Comments

Saturday, May 2, 2009

40 Tours in a Row With Gray Whales

Captain Carl radioed-in from the Island Explorer 3 to report 3 Gray Whale sightings today. Next tours are Saturday, this afternoon at 3pm, Sunday at 11am and 3pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11am. Orca Whale Tours from Anacortes start May 9th. Stay tuned for details on today's tours from Naturalist Kate Janes. AM: "Our day may have started with a little bit of Washington's fine liquid sunshine but it didn't seem to bother our guests or the amazing wildlife we found out in Possession Sound! We found a couple of Gray Whales feeding in the Snohomish Delta! Enjoying these massive cetaceans move confidently in very shallow water as they fed on Ghost Shrimp was quite the experience! The giants thrashed about as they sucked in mud, water and those tasty little shrimp that they love so much!"
PM: " By the afternoon trip there was a break in the weather and the sun decided to grace us with its presence and so did the whales! We found #49, Patch, hanging out with #53 at the north end of Gedney Island moving northward up Saratoga Passage! These two were very fluke happy bringing their large tails high out of the water! On both trip today our guests enjoyed other wildlife as well including: Bald Eagles, Osprey, Western Grebes, Pigeon Guillemots, Caspian Terns, Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions!!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 1:24 PM   0 Comments

Friday, May 1, 2009

#723 Puts On a Show to Remember!!

"In the midst of crew introductions a juvenile Bald Eagle flew right over our guests standing dockside!! While still in the marina we slowly passed by Jetty Island where we found 5 more juvenile Bald Eagles & 3 mature Bald Eagles soaking up the sunshine, but they took a backseat to the Gray Whale we watched feed on the other side of the island! He was chowing down exposing a partial fluke and a pectoral fin at the surface as he sat in very shallow water! Later on during the trip we introduced our passengers to Patch, #49, as he was heading southbound towards the Snohomish River Delta where #723 was leaving from! We ventured over to visit with the giant as he speedly went towards Gedney Island lifting his fluke every 3rd or 4th surfacing! We got some great looks and he did as well as he spyhopped not once but twice exposing his eyes at the surface looking right at us!! What an amazing day!! First spyhop of the 2009 season on a day that could pass for a day in June!!" -Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 3:48 PM   0 Comments