Saturday, September 1

Today's tours were excellent as we were able to spend time with resident whales off San Juan Island on both tours! Our morning tour caught up with J-pod, a pod of 25 southern resident killer whales, offshore of Lime Kiln State Park. There we found a large sprouting male. With no distinguishing marks, it was hard for us to tell who we were looking at. As we ventured further offshore, we found a large male that was unmistakeably Ruffles (J1) and it became immediately clear that we were looking at J-Pod and the sprouting male was most likely Keet (J33). For most of the trip, we spent time with the J2 matriline, which includes Granny (J2), her granddaughter Samish (J14) and great grandchildren J30 (Riptide), J37 (Hy'Shqa) and J40 (Suttles). It was a wonderful morning with flat calm seas and some great tail slapping behaviour from our resident orcas. On our return to the harbour, we stopped at the Chain Islets to view some harbour seals. It was a great way to conclude another successful tour aboard the Orca Spirit.

For the afternoon trip, we travelled to Salmon Bank where we encountered some members of J-pod spread out and foraging. On this tour we were thrilled to see several whales. A highlight of the afternoon tour was a wonderful visit with the J16 matriline. This family group includes J42, the newest member of J-pod. Although she is now almost four months old, she is still quite orange in colour and very cute! We were also pleased to see Mike (J26). This adolescent male is a staff favourite because of his sometimes boisterous behaviour. It was a great day of calm weather and sunny skies.