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Harbor Seal - The most numerous marine mammal around the San Juans. Up to 6' in length and weight up to 200 lbs. We commonly see Harbor Seals on every trip. They haul out on rocks in large numbers during low tide. |
| Harbor Porpoise - These marine mammals are smaller than a Dall's Porpoise and a solid brown color. They typically do not approach boats. Concentrations can be found along the north and west sides of Orcas Island. |
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Steller Sea Lion - Seen around the San Juans during fall, winter and spring, these animals are truly magnificent to view in the wild. They have a beautiful golden color and weigh up to 2,000 lbs. Large numbers of Stellers can be found around Spieden Island during the spring months making them the focus of many off-season trips. |
| Dall's Porpoise - These endearing comics are numerous in the San Juans year-round. Lengths to 6' and weight to 200 lbs, the Dall's Porpoise is the world's fastest marine mammal. They often swim with the boat, sometimes in large groups. Their markings sometimes lead to them being misidentified as Orcas in reports to the whale hotline. |
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| Minke Whale - These baleen whales are commonly seen around the islands during the summer months. Minke Whales feed mainly on small schooling fish. Size is up to 30' and lifespan is estimated at up to 50 years. The most numerous whale in the world. Distribution is worldwide. |
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| Orca - Also referred to as Killer Whales. The main reason most people come on our trips is to see these mammals in the wild. Orcas are actually members of the dolphin family. They possess all the human senses except smell. The most common Orcas in this area are known as the Southern Resident Community, comprised of J, K and L Pods, who primarily eat fish (mainly salmon). We also have what are known as Transient Orca Pods. These groups feed primarily on marine mammals such as Harbor Seals and Porpoises. Resident Orcas remain with their family pods for their entire lives. They have no natural enemies (except man). Sightings of J Pod are reported year-round in the Puget Sound areas while K and L pods usually return in June and stay through October. Orcas can reach lengths of 30' and weight up to 16,000 lbs. |
| OTHER WILDLIFE SEEN |
| American Bald Eagle - Seen on most every trip, the bald eagle is one of the top predators of the bird world. Bald eagles are opportunistic feeders. They will feed on fish, birds or carrion. Their impressive aerial displays are a sight to see. Wingspans can exceed six feet. |
| River Otter - Early in the morning around the docks is the best chance to see these comical animals. We sometimes see them during low tides along rock ledges. |
| Pacific White Sided Dolphin - Every so often these dolphins show up in large numbers. They are fast, beautiful and fun to watch. |
| Gray Whale - Mainly seen along the coast, the Gray Whale is starting to also make appearances in the San Juans. Size up to 50' and weighing up to 80,000 lbs. |