Humpback whale near Smith Island and a beautiful sunset

August 19, 2026 – After casting off we decided to head south. The adorable sea otter was resting in the bull kelp at Turn Rock. We tacked back and forth down San Juan Channel giving us a lovely sail down to Cattle Pass. At Goose Island cormorant chicks are visible in their nests, gull chicks are growing up and harbor seals were in their usual place resting on the beach. A great blue heron stood nearby on the bull kelp looking for a meal. Steller sea lions were gathered at Whale Rocks resting. We came over Salmon Bank and then made a run to meet a humpback whale near Smith Island. A stunning colourful sunset mesmorized us as we returned to Friday Harbor.