Wildlife of the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea

The San Juan Islands are home and host to a variety of magnificent wildlife. Some

make their homes here year round, others seasonally, still others only infrequently. One never forgets their first whale encounter. Yet even for those of us who call the Salish Sea home and see these creatures often, it never fails to inspire a sense of awe Orcas (Killer Whales). The orca, or killer whale is the most revered of all of the denizens of the deep found in the waters of Pacific Northwest. Family groups or “pods” are usually led by a senior female; theirs is a matriarchal society. There are two distinct populations of orcas found here, the transients and the southern residents. The transients, which prey primarily on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, and these whales are thriving. The southern residents, comprised of J, K, and L pods however are in peril. Their primary prey, the chinook salmon are in dwindling supply.

Humpback whales are another frequent visitor in our waters. Humpbacks are known to put

on quite a show by breaching, fluking, finning, or spy-hopping. They seem to pay no notice to boats in their midst as they go about their business. It is an incredible thrill when a whale that dwarfs your boat approaches close

The smallest member of the baleen whale is the minke whale. They too frequent these waters. We’ve notice

d that when a large group of sea gulls are gathered and actively fishing, the minkes will sometimes go after the same school of fish as the gulls.

An encounter with Dall’s porpoises is the highlight of any cruise when they appear. They love nothing better than to ride the bow wave of passing boats, eliciting squeals of delight from all aboard. At times they are so close you could almost touch them. The Dall’s porpoise is one of the world’s fastest marine mammals. You’d never know it to look at them due to their rather

pudgy shape. Their speed serves them well in escaping the jaws of transient orcas who would love to have them for a nice snack.

Harbor porpoises are the smaller cousins of the Dall’s porpoises. We see them just about

every day but they are notoriously hard to photograph due to their shy nature. We often spot them in tide rips and over falls or areas where the currents converge.

Seals, Sea Lions, and Otters

Harbor seals are likely to be one of the first critters you’ll see after getting under way. You’ll see their heads pop up and look at you. Later, you’ll see them basking in the sun on rocks along the way. They are generally a mottled gray in color with much lighter colored pups. Their numbers have exploded in recent years, nearing maximum sustainable numbers. Steller sea lions are often seen on or around a few reefs and rocks along the way. Males can be up to eleven feet long and weigh over a ton. So large are they that they can be seen from a considerable distance. Sea Lions are considered eared seals. Able to fully articulate their hind flippers, they are much more nimble on land than their smaller cousins. And in the water, they are truly acrobatic! Steller sea lions are somewhat golden or reddish in color.

Although more common in the south Puget Sound region, California sea lions Are also seen

in the San Juans occasionally. They are slightly smaller than the Stellers and are dark brown or gray in color. They’re agile enough to launch themselves up onto docks or buoys to rest.

It’s not uncommon to spot a raft or a romp of river otters. These are not to be confused with sea otters which are not found in the area. These playful critters are a lot of fun to watch as they frolic in the water or ashore.