July 31, 2026 – Today we sailed south cutting inside Turn Island and tacking our way south in San Juan Channel. We passed by Goose Island to see the cormorants on their nests and gulls with young chicks before checking out the Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks. Many harbor seals were hauled out on Long Island and belted kingfishers and black oystercatchers were around as well. Our sail continued around the beautiful south Lopez Island coastline. We spotted adult bald eagles and an eaglet in its nest. The dramatic scenery near Castle Island is one of our favorite areas. As we rounded into Rosario Strait we cut through the gap by James Island before coming in through Thatcher Pass. Crossed to take the narrow pass between Spencer Spit State Park and Frost Island before rounding Upright Head. As we came down the channel we came inside of Canoe Island before wrapping around into San Juan Channel where we encountered a humpback whale. We identified the whale as BCZ0492 “Meqe’” (BCY0584’s calf 2017). It was traveling north on the flood current up San Juan Channel. A nice way to finish out a beautiful full day sail. 
All Aboard Sailing
Whale Watching Sailing from Friday Harbor through the San Juan Islands – and beyond!
