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Whale-watching day-trips
• List of whale-watching companies
Whale-watching has long been a popular activity for tourists in the Pacific Northwest, but many locals have never bothered to take a tour.
It's a great family day-trip, and all generations will enjoy seeing the whales frolic while learning more about them from on-board naturalist experts. Other kinds of wildlife are visible during the tours, from bald eagles perched near their huge nests to sunbathing seals.
There are three "pods" (matriarchal family groups) of Orcas that call the waters of southern British Columbia and Washington home. They are considered "resident", meaning they tend to remain within a 200 mile radius of the area, and are referred to as J, K and L.
The smooth, black and white bodies of Orcas are quite striking (think Shamu and Keiko), especially when they burst out of the water in jumping manuevers called breaching and spyhopping. To give yourself the best chance of seeing whale activity, take a tour in high season from April to October. Whale-watching companies use a spotting service to locate the animals each day, so there's a good chance you'll see some.
It's good to note that whale-watching has become a controversial activity in recent years. Canada has listed the J, K and L pods as "threatened" due to a decline in their population. This has occurred for a few different reasons including a diminishing food source. Orcas primarily hunt salmon, which are also threatened. Because they are at the top of the food chain, the Orcas consume animals that have ingested toxins, causing high levels of toxic chemicals to be stored in their blubber.
These pods are also exposed to boat traffic and pollution, which may also be responsible for reduced numbers. Many people involved with the whales are hoping that the U.S. will follow Canada's lead and list them as threatened, which will force more measures to be taken for their protection. However, many tour companies believe that the educational benefits gained by seeing the whales first-hand will aid in their preservation.
You'll need at least half a day for the experience, and more time if the boat departs from somewhere other than the San Juans. There are numerous charters and tours from which to choose (see list). Some handy tips: wear lots of layers, as the weather can change quickly, bring your own binoculars and the longest lens you own for your camera, and don't forget to put on sunscreen.
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