July 24, 2026 – We had an early morning sighting of a couple orcas inter-island by Bell Island which were later found by Limestone Pt. These two turned west into Spieden Channel. As we were northbound in San Juan channel we had thoughts to head that way, but decided to go north instead for a chance to see other orcas north of White Rock known as the T100’s (minus T100B’s and T00E). Harbor seals with new young pups were hauled out on the east beach of Yellow Island, on Flattop Island and White Rock. Continuing passed Sandy Pt we made our way to Skipjack Island taking in the views on the south side of the island. Spectacular scenery, pigeon guillemots nesting, more harbor seals. Between Skipjack and Patos Island we arrived on scene with the orcas and kept with them to north of Patos Island. Upon leaving the orcas we passed by Alden Pt Lighthouse and a humungous eagle’s nest and continued to Sucia Island. Incredible honey-combed sandstone coastline on both Patos and Sucia. We returned via the north coast of Orcas Island admiring the forested steep cliffs of Turtleback Mountain, down thru Spring Pass and back to Friday Harbor.
