where to for orca encounters?

scooby branch · Post by **scooby branch** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 6:21 am

It's our dream to see orcas close up and personal. We got to see grey whales from a distance in Neah Bay, which was brief but pretty amazing. Any ideas? We have an inflatable kayak.

scooby branch · Post by **scooby branch** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 6:23 am

CaptnJack · Post by **CaptnJack** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 7:21 am

Norway.

You'll be in violation of Canadian and US law by intentionally kayaking anywhere within 200yards of Orcas or any other marine mammals.
www.bewhalewise.org

And yes you will get reported to NOAA, happens all the time and they do investigate.

YellowEye · Post by **YellowEye** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 8:19 am

You can see them from a distance in the San Juans. The west side of SJI is usually the best.

oldsalt · Post by **oldsalt** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 4:55 pm

We have seen orca "up close and personal" at Turn Point on Stuart Island. Since we were standing on land, it was quite legal. Limestone Light on San Juan Island is also a good spot and more accessible. I saw them from both locations last summer.

-Curt

YellowEye · Post by **YellowEye** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 5:15 pm

Cool pics!

You can often see them from San Juan County Park too!

ScubaJess · Post by **ScubaJess** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 8:07 pm

Excellent pictures!!! Id love to see them up close like that!

scooby branch · Post by **scooby branch** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 9:38 pm

Awesome pics! We are heading to look for them off land in the next few days!

Ryan Nelson · Post by **Ryan Nelson** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 9:32 am

Is it possible to kayak to Stuart Island from San Juan?

CaptnJack · Post by **CaptnJack** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 10:01 am

Ryan Nelson wrote:Is it possible to kayak to Stuart Island from San Juan?

Why wouldn't it be? Although this is probably a question for a kayak forum

Ryan Nelson · Post by **Ryan Nelson** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 10:30 am

Looks do-able from google earth. I was hoping to get Oldsalts opinion.

CaptnJack · Post by **CaptnJack** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 11:41 am

Ryan Nelson wrote:Looks do-able from google earth. I was hoping to get Oldsalts opinion.

Not sure where you are starting from but have you checked the exchange? Are you going with the flow towards Stuart and with it again on the return? You don't want to be swept into Haro Strait, land of big ships with no brakes.

Fog and wind are additional concerns. There's also a ton of summertime traffic around Roche Harbor.

While I think this is do-able for experienced sea kayaks, I don't think it's prudent for loaded sit-on-top dive kayaks. Not if you are expecting to go back and forth plus dive at slack all on the same day. But I'm a pretty conservative boater.

Tangfish · Post by **Tangfish** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 12:07 pm

Those photos are fantastic oldsalt!

Scubie Doo · Post by **Scubie Doo** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 12:44 pm

Tangfish wrote:Those photos are fantastic oldsalt!

Agreed, nice work Curt.

oldsalt · Post by **oldsalt** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 6:41 pm

Kayakers go from San Juan to Stuart all the time. Captain Jack is right. You need to know what you are doing or have a knowledgeable guide. Last summer, REI was leading kayaking tours from Roche Harbor to the state park on a daily basis. The currents in Speiden Channel are vicious, much stronger than the tables indicate. Even with my sailboat, I plan my departure around the currents. From Roche Harbor (Or San Juan County Park), you could paddle to the head of Reid Harbor where there is a marine trails campsite which is available to paddlers only. From there it is a pleasant hike to Turn Point, about 5 miles round trip. My wife and I make this hike every year from Prevost Harbor, a bit longer that way. We take our packs with lunch, books, binoculars, and camera. The idea is to spend some time at Turn Point Light Station. We have had good luck at seeing whales, about half the time, but always enjoy our time there.

Thanks for the complements on the pics. I took them with a little P&S that I carry in my pocket - no telephoto.
-Curt

scooby branch · Post by **scooby branch** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:45 am

Thanx, Oldsalt! So you would recommend paddling from San Juan County park to the head of Reid Harbor? How many miles is it approximately? Heading out there in the next few days.

oldsalt · Post by **oldsalt** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:51 am

Actually, Roche Harbor is about half the distance, a little over 5 miles from the launch to the head of Reid Harbor. San Juan County park is about twice as far but the launch fee is cheaper. Double check the currents and talk to a knowledgeable local before you take off. If conditions are risky you can always go to the County Park and paddle around in the shallows and wait for whales there. While I have made these transits in the San Juan Islands in the past, I am in my 70's and have been more modest in my ventures. Whale-watching boats will probably be your first sign that whales are coming. Be careful, have a good time, and let me know how it went.
-Curt

Northwest Dive Club

where to for orca encounters?

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