Rare Transient killer whale behavior was recorded in Haro Strait on December 11, 2013. When killer whales "sleep," they form a resting line, where they are bunched closely together. On our whale watch & wildlife tours, we've encountered upwards of 50 Orcas shoulder to shoulder, surfacing with synchronized movements and breathing. It's pretty incredible! However, the Center for Whale Research captured this video a few days ago of Transient (mammal-hunting) Orcas "logging"...

And we have confirmed sightings of Southern Resident Orcas! This is a treat in December. During the last two weeks or so, our endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales have been frequenting the Seattle area, which is very common. Then, to our surprise, K pod was heard vocalizing on the Lime Kiln Lighthouse Hydrophone late last night around 10:00pm.

Then, around 10:30 this morning, we received reports of 20 killer whales traveling north in Haro Strait near Kelp Reef...

Photography by Mark Gardner

One of the most fantastic things about living in a small community is our holiday spirit. If you think San Juan Island is charming, comfortable, and cozy in the summer month, just wait until you experience Friday Harbor during the holiday season. It's wonderful. We've got some great holiday specials and events coming up in the next few weeks and want to share our infections island holiday spirit with you!

Here is a sampling of what's...

Transient mammal-hunting Orcas have been sighted several times in the past week! Transient killer whales were spotted just north of San Juan Island, near Spieden Island, on November 22, 2013. They just happened to be traveling along with a Washington State Ferry. Then this afternoon, we received reports of the same pod traveling in Haro Strait near Discovery Island (across from Victoria, BC). These killer whales were identified  as T035, T038, T038B, T038C, T038D, T075B...

Many of our guests who travel to San Juan Island have a goal to encounter killer whales by sea kayak on the west side of San Juan Island. Our Southern Resident Orcas calls the waters surrounding San Juan Island home mid-May through mid-September, and the highest probability of countering killer whales by kayak are mid-June through August.

Orcas are the ocean's top predators and travel over 100 miles in a 24 hour period. They are foraging, resting, traveling, and...

Every summer, Savor Seattle Food Tours and San Juan Outfitters partner to offer a  3 Day/2 Night Gourmet Kayak Expedition in the San Juan Islands. 2014 will be no different!

Instead of typical camping fare, our guides prepare gourmet meals using recipes developed by Savor Seattle’s founder, Angela Shen. Fascinating sea life and spectacular sunsets are complemented by entrees like braised short ribs, desserts like raspberry white chocolate cheesecake, and Happy Hour treats...

Here are a few of our 2013 season highlights!

Sunset from Stuart Island, WA. Captured during a spring Multi-Day kayak tour. By Alex Tande.

San Juan Outfitters offers professionally guided Multi-Day Sea Kayak Tours to many different island near San Juan Island. Our two exclusive departure locations (both Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor) gives us a great advantage to paddle in waters seldom paddled by others. The sunset photo above was taken by kayak guide Alex Tande...

Killer whales all over the world have been catching a lot of main stream news this past week. Killer whales, also known as Orcas, and some of the most widely recognized cetaceans in the world, and are found in all the earth's oceans. Just last week, an Orca pod was sighted near Kona, Hawaii! Researchers from Cascadia Research Collective reported that this is only the third time in 14 years of research that they've sighted Orcas in Hawaiian waters. More on their ongoing...

Members of our Southern Resident Community of Killer Whales made an appearance in Seattle a few days ago. This is very common for October, November, and December. As the Chinook salmon runs finish for the summer season, the SRKW community expands their travel territory throughout the Puget Sound. Eventually, the Orcas will follow their food source out the Strait of Juan de Fuca and to the outer coast.

Until that happens, our Resident Orcas may pop up anywhere! Still keep...

We have been very fortunate with great weather the past few days! Summer is here with blue skies, warm weather, and lots of wildlife.

Kayak guide Amy R. had a very fun family kayak tour this morning. Amy and her guests paddled to Posey Island, which is now part of the San Juan Islands National Monument. Posey Island is Washington State's smallest state park at high tide and is a favorite stop for guides & guests. Amy and her young guests were very eager to explore the...