July 16, 2026 – Rain was forecast for the morning, and reports placed Bigg’s (transient) orcas hunting near James Island. We set sail prepared for the weather donning rain gear and handing out umbrellas and warm blankets before crossing with the ebb current toward Shaw Island and then north through Upright Channel along the shores of Lopez Island. Close-hauled into strengthening winds, Peniel carried us toward Thatcher Pass. There we were greeted by the T37A’s (T37A, T37A1, T37A2 – minus T37A3 and T37A4) , T37B’s (T37B, T37B1, T37B3) and the T123 families of orcas. Their sea lion hunt had ended successfully, and the whales appeared to be in a playful, celebratory mood. Breaches, spyhops, and tail slaps as they slowly ambled through the pass. Male orca T123A did several full breaches landing with a huge crash. We hardly noticed the rain as we watched the whales.. The families continued past Leo Reef, around Upright Head, and into Cayou Channel. Turning for home, we sailed through Wasp Passage and South. Wind came in gusts which heeled Peniel for an invigorating sail.
All Aboard Sailing
Whale Watching Sailing from Friday Harbor through the San Juan Islands – and beyond!
