San Juan Islands Sea Kayaking from Anacortes

A few days ago Andaria was out on a 3-day trip to Sucia Island with some very strong paddlers as guests. The weather conditions were perfect and the currents were mild, so the group decided to head all the way out to Patos Island (right on the border with Canada) to spend the night. Patos Island is one of those magical places that are hard to describe without reducing the place. When you are camping out there it feels like you are out on the edge of the world, looking out over the Canadian Gulf Islands to the west, and the San Juan Islands to the south.

While crossing between Sucia and Patos she caught sight of a few whale watch boats drifting near her destination, and she knew that a whale of some sort must be in the area. When they saw a large dark object rocketing out of the water they knew that it was Orca whales. Only one animal out here makes its presence known like that. A few breaches and tail-slaps later the kayakers were drifting in a raft about 200 yards from the 4-5 animals and had great views of them traveling east towards Sucia Island. It wasn't until later, when she called us, that she learned that this was no ordinary sighting of the Southern Resident Killer Whales (fish-eaters), but rather a rare opportunity to see a pod of Transient Orcas (mammal eaters). Upon hearing that information she was glad that she and her guests were sitting a safe distance away. There's something about being in the presence of mammal eaters that gives pause to us mammals, eh?
The next morning they were out for a pre-breakfast paddle when suddenly there were Orcas swimming around the corner of the island. Again the same group of Transient Orcas were prowling the seal rich waters around Patos Island. The kayakers sat quietly as the group swam by and disappeared around the next bend in the shoreline. What a way to start the day!

Leslie Mix just reported that she and her guests had a large Gray whale swim by their group out on the 1.5 hour Deception Pass tour! This Spring there was a large whale hanging out near Whidbey Island, and occasionally Deception Pass, but usually we do not see this type of animal around the San Juan Islands during the summer months. The whale on Leslie's trip surfaced pretty close to the kayaks and stayed in their vicinity for a good while before moving on. What a treat!

In other news, Julia was coming back from leading a 3-Day Cypress Island trip when a harbor porpoise repeatedly breached (full body out of the water) in front of her and her guests. This is highly unusual behavior for these diminutive cetaceans who seldom come very far out of the water. We speculate that it was either exhibiting a rather aggressive foraging technique, or possibly chasing off a rival animal. Either way it was an exciting way to finish off a great experience up at Cypress Island.

It's been a little tough trying to keep up with the Reports these last weeks. The summer season is in full swing and lots of people are excited to get out on the water.
Freddie just came back from a great 3-Day trip out to Sucia Island. He said that the seals were thick as thieves up there, and were constantly following him and his guests. He even got this great photo of one particularly curious animal who nearly climbed aboard his kayak. As always, his guests were blown away by the incredible scenery up there, the seals were simply icing on the cake!
The reports that I'm getting back from our guides out at the Burrows Island trips sound similarf to Freddie's report. Apparently there are a few gregarious seal pups right there in the marina who are giving people quite a show. Our guide Brent just told me that a young seal climbed up onto the dock during his orientation talk at the beginning of the tour. Many more have been gettting quite near to the kayaks while out near Burrows Island.

Brent told me about an interesting rescue that he performed a few days ago. He was leading a family kayak trip down in Deception Pass State Park when he came upon a power boat that was dead in the water and drifting towards the rocks. He quickly jumped into action, securing his tow line to the boat and towing it out into deeper water where the skipper could fix his engine and not go aground. Good job Brent!

James just called in to tell me that he and his guests were heading home from a 3-day trip to Cypress Island when 50 Orca whales came by. Apparently the show was great. The best news is that Freddie is just a little further down the channel from James, leading a family group up to Cypress, he should get to see them too. Jeff Porter has a group of lovely ladies out on a 3-Day to Cypress as well, I'm certain that he is also kayaking with whales and is waiting until they pass by before he calls in. Not to be outdone, Monica and Ben are leading a group out into the San Juan Islands on a great 5-day trip, they are about to have a whale show right in the middle of their crossing of Rosario Strait!
Wow, what a day for whale sightings near Anacortes!