Southern Resident J Pod Orcas southbound San Juan Channel

March 29, 2023 – After a fast sail across the channel to Shaw Island we had a decision to make as to whether to go North or South. With the report of the Biggs Orcas who have been in our area for a few days being North of Active Pass heading for Vancouver, I opted for South. The drift along the Shaw Island coastline was a moment in paradise. Many harbor seals were hauled out in Hicks Bay and a number of bald eagles watched over the channel as we drifted by.

I then heard a report of one orca by Blunden Island and decided perhaps we should go North after all. We motor sailed into the wind and current hugging the coastline and cutting through a narrow pass of the Wasp Islands for some respite from the Northerly wind. After coming through Spring Pass a whale watching boat sighted orcas near Green Point. We sailed beam reach and found these were Southern Resident J pod orcas.

Switching to wing on wing with the diminishing wind now behind us we were able to hear the blows and see the orcas from 1/2 mile distance. The tranquility was breathtaking and the blows distant but resounding. There are 25 orcas in J pod but being they were spread out and our wanting to keep good distance from this diminishing population we saw just a portion of them. After clearing Friday Harbor they turned North into Upright Channel. A couple of Steller sea lions played in the currents and gazed at us curiously. A gorgeous Spring Day.