where to for orca encounters?
- scooby branch
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where to for orca encounters?
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.
pardon my honesty
- scooby branch
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Re: where to for orca encounters?
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.
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.
Sounder wrote:Under normal circumstances, I would never tell another man how to shave his balls... but this device should not be kept secret.
Re: where to for orca encounters?
You can see them from a distance in the San Juans. The west side of SJI is usually the best.
Visit pnwdiving.com for viz reports, slack planning, galleries and more! Your fellow diver will appreciate any viz reports you can add!
Re: where to for orca encounters?
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 Happy to be alive.
Re: where to for orca encounters?
Cool pics!
You can often see them from San Juan County Park too!
You can often see them from San Juan County Park too!
Visit pnwdiving.com for viz reports, slack planning, galleries and more! Your fellow diver will appreciate any viz reports you can add!
Re: where to for orca encounters?
Excellent pictures!!! Id love to see them up close like that!
Live Long And Prosper!!!
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Stay Warm underwater with the Weezle Extreme Plus undergarment! Please let me know if you would like to order one or have any questions.
- scooby branch
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Re: where to for orca encounters?
Awesome pics! We are heading to look for them off land in the next few days!
pardon my honesty
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Re: where to for orca encounters?
Is it possible to kayak to Stuart Island from San Juan?
Re: where to for orca encounters?
Why wouldn't it be? Although this is probably a question for a kayak forumRyan Nelson wrote:Is it possible to kayak to Stuart Island from San Juan?
Sounder wrote:Under normal circumstances, I would never tell another man how to shave his balls... but this device should not be kept secret.
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Re: where to for orca encounters?
Looks do-able from google earth. I was hoping to get Oldsalts opinion.
Re: where to for orca encounters?
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.Ryan Nelson wrote:Looks do-able from google earth. I was hoping to get Oldsalts opinion.
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.
Sounder wrote:Under normal circumstances, I would never tell another man how to shave his balls... but this device should not be kept secret.
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Re: where to for orca encounters?
Agreed, nice work Curt.Tangfish wrote:Those photos are fantastic oldsalt!
Re: where to for orca encounters?
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
Thanks for the complements on the pics. I took them with a little P&S that I carry in my pocket - no telephoto.
-Curt
Happy to be alive.
- scooby branch
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Re: where to for orca encounters?
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.
pardon my honesty
Re: where to for orca encounters?
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
-Curt
Happy to be alive.