September 22, 2026 – Beautiful day with glassy conditions. A bald eagle stood on the Shirt Tail Reef marker as we cut through the Wasp Islands. With news of a minke whale near Sandy Pt, Waldron Island, we headed north quickly. White Rock was filled with harbor seals hauled out warming up resting in the sunshine. We scanned as we rounded Sandy Pt and continued towards Skipjack Island. There were various diving birds in the area including common loons. Skipjack Island is one of our favorites. A gorgeous backdrop for the harbor seals resting on the smooth sloping landscape. As we came around towards Bare Island the minke whale from earlier was found a little north of us. We changed course and headed that way. The minke whale, nicknamed “Stubbs”, was milling but trending back to the west. She gave us some stunning views as she passed Skipjack Island revealing a very noticeable backlit exhale (which is rarely seen in open waters). Their exhale is often a small, non-distinct blow. After leaving the whale we continued down the Waldron coastline before crossing President Channel to Lovers Cove. We hugged the Orcas Island coastline to Spring Pass, back through the Wasp Islands and returned to Friday Harbor.
All Aboard Sailing
Whale Watching Sailing from Friday Harbor through the San Juan Islands – and beyond!
