August 25, 2026 – After our Orcas Island pick up we had thoughts to head south so we came down the Shaw Island coastline in Upright Channel. However, then we received a report of orcas, Biggs/Transient orcas T49A’s, to the north so we wrapped around Shaw Island to head that direction. We moved quickly on the flood current and hugged the San Juan Island side of Spieden Channel to keep to the back eddy meeting the orcas near Davidson Head. Great views of the orcas. We left the orcas near Center Reef and headed for New Channel. Glassy seas with fast moving current – bald eagles, pigeon guillemots, jellyfish and harbor seals. Took the pass between the Cactus Islands before crossing to Flattop Island and returned to Orcas Island to drop off our passengers.
