Monday, June 18th

As we left the harbour this morning we got word from the spotting network that a group of orcas had been sighted off the west shore of San Juan Island. Once on scene, we identified the orcas to be a sub-grouping of L-Pod, the L-12’s. As the whales moved along the shoreline feeding on the salmon, we were able to identify several different individuals. We got a great look at Ocean Sun (L-25) as she passed our port side (Ocean Sun is a 79 year old female that has out lived her daughter and 2 grandchildren). Because of his size, we were able to see Mega (L-41, 30 years old) several hundred meters away. After viewing the whales, on our way back to Victoria, we made sure to stop at the Chain Island and got a great look at the dozens of Harbour Seals hauled out on the rocks.

After leaving the whales just hours earlier, the crew and guests were ready to go for our afternoon departures. We met up with the L12’s on the west shore of San Juan Island again and had fantastic sightings.

After a great day with the L-12’s, we decided to go it a little different for the evening tours. We got word that J-Pod had traveled north up the west shore of San Juan Island. We spent our tour watching as members of J-Pod (Ruffles- J1, Granny – J2, Slick – J16 and her calf J42) passed by in the setting sun. We were able to stay with them until Turn Point on Stuart Island were in sight. Then we headed back, enjoying the calm night to Victoria.