Biggs/Transient Orcas T36’s with T137A, SRKW’s from K and L pod & a Humpback BCX1795 “Scuttle”

August 6, 2026 – Biggs/Transient orcas T36’s and T137A had been northbound in Haro Strait so we plotted a course to the north to see them. When they reached Henry Island they came in towards Spieden Channel while Southern Resident J pod orcas were southbound in Haro Strait from Turn Point to Henry Island.The Biggs double backed and continued towards Stuart Island. We sailed in New Channel on a fast ebb to catch up with them. We sailed alongside and stopped when noticing they took a hard right into a cove on Stuart Island. We quickly saw why when more Southern Resident orcas appeared coming down Stuart Island shoreline. We believe they were K pod. After the SRKW’s cleared the Biggs continued rounding Turn Point to the north side of Stuart Island. We then noticed more whales coming towards us who we believe were L pod. Sailing away from Lovers Leap we were treated to a view of L pod whales breaching as they rounded Turn Point to Lovers Leap. We then met a humpback whale identified as BCX1795 “Scuttle” northbound in Haro Strait. We left the humpback to return via the north side of Stuart Island, Ripple Island, the Cactus Islands, New Channel and down San Juan Channel. Somewhere a mile or so south of Mineral Point we noticed an odd looking Steller sea lion drifting with head well above the water before disappearing for a long time. Looking at the photos we believe it to be an elephant seal who has been noticed a few times recently in San Juan Channel.