July 25, 2026 – After casting off from Friday Harbor we headed south today despite the flooding current. At Turn Rock a bald eagle was roosting on the navigational aid and the sea otter was wrapped up in bull kelp preparing for his nap. Harbor seals were hauled out near Pear Point and various diving birds including rhinoceros auklets and common murres were around. There were some harbor porpoise nearby including a mother and small calf. We ducked inside of Griffin Bay down to Goose Island where there were many harbor seals hauled out, gulls with young gull chicks and cormorants with their nests. There had been a pair of humpback whales about 3 miles ahead of us which we hoped to catch up to, but unfortunately they traveled too quickly for us. Instead we went to Middle Bank to search for minke whales. We found one and got a couple views before it vanished on us. Sometimes it can be tricky getting dialled in with minkes when they aren’t actively feeding on bait fish. On Salmon Bank we search for minkes but none found here. Many Steller sea lions were on Whale Rocks. At Deadman Island we spotted a couple bald eagles, more harbor seas with pups, black oystercatchers and a great blue heron. A fantastic trip fill with so much wildlife.
All Aboard Sailing
Whale Watching Sailing from Friday Harbor through the San Juan Islands – and beyond!
