Ten sailings into the 2013 season, and our Island Mariner passengers
have seen whales on every trip. This
past weekend, June 14-16, we spotted several members of a transient pod,
including the seldom-seen T103.
Transients normally travel in small pods of 6-7 animals, dine on warm-blooded
marine mammals, and are infrequent visitors to the Salish Sea.
Saturday’s Bellingham Herald reported that conservation
efforts to save the North Pacific humpback whale have resulted in a dramatic
increase in sightings in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We’ve seen a humpback on one trip this season
and we’ve spotted Minke whales on two occasions. More whales in the area mean more chances for you to experience some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring animals in our region.
Governor Jay Inslee has declared June 2013 as Orca Awareness
Month, a statewide effort to educate the public and take action to improve conditions
for the survival of our Southern Resident Orcas.
With the summer season in full swing, our cruises are
filling fast. We had 100+ passengers on
each of our sailings this past weekend.
While there is usually space for last-minute, walk-on passengers, we suggest
that you call ahead (360-734-8866) or reserve your seats on our website.
