Puget Sound Express - Port Angeles

08/19/2024

There are certain days where the weather, whales and timing all come together to create pure magic; yesterday afternoon was definitely one of those trips. With calm winds and rare summer storm clouds rolling in from the west, we headed north into the strait. Just south of Race Rocks, we spent a few minutes with a young humpback we have yet to identify. Afterwards, we cruised up to the Vancouver Island shoreline where two pods of Bigg's orcas (T60s and T109s) were hugging the coast. They played with kelp, socialized and hunted before turning and heading towards Race Rocks Ecological Park. We kept our distance while they entered the park, and the dramatic lighting from the clouds created a stunning backdrop as we witnessed several enormous breaches, tail slaps and even MORE hunting behavior! Before heading home we encountered the whales one last time on the south side of the rocks while they rested together after an eventful afternoon. Simply an incredible excursion that both crew and guests will not soon forget. - Naturalist Rachel R.

08/12/2024

Sometimes luck is simply on your side and you find orcas in the harbor! Yesterday (August 11th) was just one of those days, and we located the T75Bs hunting at the base of Ediz Hook minutes off the dock. After what appeared to be a quick seal meal, they slowly cruised eastbound along the shore before heading out into the strait. We decided to leave them to their post-brunch nap, and traveled a bit further north and stumbled upon a humpback (ID'd as Pinnacle). Though he was doing 15+ min dives, we got several good looks before heading back in.

The afternoon was equally exciting! We again caught up with the T75Bs in gorgeous, glassy waters near Hein Bank. While there, we got a tip from our sister ship Saratoga about several minke whales another 2 miles to the east, so we headed that way. With the incredible conditions, we were able to mostly drift and watch them quietly lunge feed around the boat. All the crew agreed, it was the best encounter we've ever had with these generally elusive and slinky baleen whales! This summer just keeps delivering truly magical moments ✨ - Naturalist Rachel R.

08/09/2024

It's prime whale season around here, folks! This month alone, we've seen between our Port Angeles, Port Townsend, and Edmonds locations: BIGG'S ORCAS (T34s, T36Bs, T37s, T37As, T65As, T75Bs, T77s, T117A & B, T60D & E), HUMPBACK WHALES (Thunderbolt, Orion, Vertigo, Aerie, BCY1210, BCX2064, numerous juveniles), MINKE WHALES, and last of the GRAY WHALES (2557, 2559) departing to continue their migration.

(Photo by PSE crew Zoe Olson)

08/01/2024

Rare Bird Alert! On Wednesday's Port Townsend half-day whale watching tour, our eagle-eyed naturalist Colleen Farrell made a terrific discovery of a Red-footed B***y on a buoy off of Dungeness Spit. Our Port Angeles half-day whale watching tour was also able to see this beautiful bird on its tour.

This is a tropical seabird, and according to Ian Paulsen of the American Birding Association's Rare Bird Alert group, this would be only the second confirmed live sighting of a Red-footed B***y in Washington.

Learn more about this bird: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/.../Red-footed_B***y/overview

Photos by PSE Naturalists Rachel Rodell and Colleen Farrell.

07/31/2024

Both our trips on July 26th included orcas and humpbacks, but each went entirely different directions had saw none of the same whales! The morning tour headed west from Port Angeles and encountered 2 humpbacks, one named Hemlock, who we saw pec slapping for several minutes. We then found a mixed group of 10 Bigg's, which included members from at least four different pods! For the afternoon we instead headed east. Near Protection Island, we caught up with the T46Bs, and then stopped for fan-favorite humpback Scratchy, who wowed us with a few cartwheels on the way home. An incredible wildlife-filled day from start to finish! - Naturalist Rachel R.

07/24/2024

We always say, "every day and every tour is different"; a morning trip can look very different than afternoon trip, as these wild animals are constantly on the move. July 19th was a perfect example of this for our Port Angeles guests and crew. In the morning, we encountered a large group of Bigg's killer whales absolutely charging westbound along the Vancouver Island coastline. There were so many moving so fast, it was hard to tell exactly how many total whales we saw (we estimated anywhere from 20-40)! In the afternoon, it was a humpback bonanza, with 6 different individuals (Yogi, Sage, Hendrix, Titan, Exclamation and Meqe) circling and feeding on the US side of the border near Salt Creek Recreation area. With the sun setting, we got to see some incredible "rain-blows" from their exhalations. There's simply so much wildlife here in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, you never know what you'll come across...and that's what keeps us all coming back for more. - Naturalist Rachel R.

07/10/2024

Tuesday's afternoon trip was true humpback madness and we were lovin' every moment of it! Not only did we see the more whales than we have any day so far this season, but we witnessed just about every behavior in the book; breaches, cartwheels, lunge feeding, pec slapping and more. Perhaps most excitingly (at least for the crew), we finally welcomed back one of our all-time favorite whales, BCX1358 Frankenstein! This well-known male humpback has been returning to the Salish Sea to feed every summer since 2013. Today, Frankenstein was spending quality time with Zephyr and her calf, and all three of them kept rolling, splashing and lunging at the surface the whole time we watched! It's always such a joy to see whales we recognize returning year after year, knowing they've survived another long migration, and thriving here in the wild PNW! - Naturalist Rachel R.

07/03/2024

June has simply flown by and boy, did we have some spectacular trips! June 28th was a particularly special day, with both morning and afternoon tours seeing humpbacks AND orcas in probably the glassiest conditions of the season thus far! The 10am sailing encountered at least 5 humpbacks. While watching our first whales, we spotted the T36As and T49A1 in the distance, and cruised with them as they headed west. In the afternoon, in an very rare occurrence, we had orcas (T35s) and a humpback (Yogi) traveling in the same direction, going the same speed, only a couple hundred yards apart...we were able to slowly travel watching orcas off the left side of the boat and Yogi off the right! Neither seemed to acknowledge the presence of the other. After leaving the scene with those whales we caught up with the T38s and T75Cs as they looked for a meal tight along the Vancouver Island coastline. We even got a glimpse of Ollie the sea otter at Race Rocks swimming right beside the boat as he munched on some urchins. Here's hoping for even more good weather and great sightings as we enter July! - Naturalist Rachel R.

06/17/2024

The Port Angeles crew had a wonderful Father's Day out on the strait of Juan de Fuca! Our morning trip started off with the T002Cs, a family of four Bigg's orcas, just west of Race Rocks. We got some amazing looks at this pod as they slowly cruised the Vancouver Island shoreline. On the way home, we stumbled upon perhaps the most famous humpback in the Salish Sea...BCY0324 Big Mama! The afternoon trip was a humpback party with at least 8 individuals spotted. Early on we found Zephyr and her 2024 calf (granddaughter and great-grandchild of Big Mama), as well as Scuttle just north of Ediz Hook. We then swung up to Race Rocks, and were treated to gorgeous views of harbor seals, a bald eagle and Ollie the sea otter. On the way home we spotted several more humpbacks feeding mid-strait, including Sandstorm, Eros, 2022 calf of BCY1075 and a couple mystery whales that we have yet to ID. A month into our 2024 season, and it just keeps getting better! - Naturalist Rachel R.

06/11/2024

On Sunday June 9th, we braved some windy weather and it definitely paid off! Not far off the dock, we came across a humpback we've been seeing a lot of over the last week; BCX2046 Pinnacle. On this day, Pinnacle was circling and feeding near the surface, affording us many excellent views as we simply drifted in place. After a trip north to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve to look at some eagles and pinnipeds, we started making our way back south in buildings seas. However, no amount of white caps could conceal the highlight of our trip...a frisky humpback calf! We got to watch mom BCZ0414 Zephyr and her calf cartwheel, dive and breach several times before finally heading home. This was our first time seeing Zephyr this season, and we have our fingers crossed her bouncing baby continues to thrive and grow all summer long (and that we get to watch it happen)! - Naturalist Rachel R.

06/06/2024

Our 2024 PSE Family! Each year we gather our team from all three of our locations for a picnic at the Hanke homestead. This group of talented and caring individuals make it possible for folks near and far to learn about - and become enchanted by - the whales and wildlife of the Salish Sea. We are so grateful for their dedication and passion!

06/04/2024

We kicked off our first double day of the season with some incredible humpback action and fantastic weather! Our 10am trip headed east towards Dungeness, where we had our first sighting of humpback whales BCX2046 Pinnacle and BCY1123 Sandstorm this year. While on scene, Pinnacle thrilled us with an epic series of cartwheels (or caudal-peduncle throws) and tail-lobs, all with the beautiful Dungeness Lighthouse in the background. Since we had such good luck in the morning, we headed east for our 2:30pm trip as well. Around the same area north of Dungeness, we found a total of 4 humpbacks (Sandstorm, Pinnacle, 2022 calf of BCY1075 and BCX1641 Windsock), all spread out and lunge-feeding non-stop! It was an amazing sight, seeing all of these whales filling their bellies after a long winter fast. On our way home, we stumbled upon a fifth whale, fan-favorite BCX1795 Scuttle, in his typical spot north of Ediz Hook. With all these whales returning to our waters, it's finally starting to feel like summer...and we sure can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings! - Naturalist Rachel R.

05/30/2024

Daily Double Time! Starting June 1 we will be running two daily whale watching departures in Port Angeles: 10am and 2:30pm (with occasional modifications due to tides). Join us to see humpbacks and orcas - and Ollie the sea otter! https://www.pugetsoundexpress.com/port-angeles-half-day-whale-watching-tour/

Video by PSE crew member Reef G.

05/20/2024

On Sunday we got to see both humpbacks AND orcas, our first "double-header" of the season! We caught up with the T77s just off of Dungeness Spit and watched them mosey their way northwest in calm seas under sunny skies. We even got to witness the oldest male in the pod, T77C Neftali (2006) leisurely dragging some kelp along with him as he passed by the boat. We then got word of a humpback just a couple miles north. When we arrived, this whale seemed to be sleeping, bobbing slowly just beneath the surface; a behavior often known as "logging". All in all, a practically picture perfect spring afternoon! - Naturalist Rachel R

05/16/2024

After a couple days off the water, we returned Tuesday the 14th with our first killer whale sighting of the season! We cruised east in beautiful conditions to catch up with the T46B pod of orcas near Sequim Bay. While we watched, this family found and worked on catching a harbor seal, taking their time to teach the youngest members how to hunt. The post hunt celebration consisted of tail slaps, rolls and spyhops all around! Afterwards, we took a short ride over to Protection Island where we encountered many birds and harbor seals to round out the trip. A fantastic day in the Salish Sea! - Naturalist Rachel R.

05/13/2024

Our first trip of 2024 featured sunny skies and humpback whales "Split Fin" and "Smiley" near Smith Island. This male and female duo has seemingly been "going steady" for years. We also saw Tufted Puffins!

05/08/2024

Port Angeles Half-Day Whale Watching begins Saturday - just in time for Mother's Day! Speaking of...Mother Nature is blessing us with some *truly epic* weather for the next week. Our fingers are crossed that we'll encounter some early-season humpbacks as well as orcas. We are located at Port Angeles Wharf downtown. Due to tide, Saturday's tour departs at 2pm; Sunday's tour is at 11am. More info at https://www.pugetsoundexpress.com/port-angeles-half-day-whale-watching-tour/

(photo by Erin Gless)

Port Angeles Half Day Whale Watching Tour Visiting Olympic National Park via Port Angeles? This whale watching tour allows you to see humpbacks and orcas during your visit! 2024 Tours May 11 – 3112:30pm departure (see note in “Things to Know” below)June 1 – September 210am and 2:30pm departu...

04/11/2024

We are exactly one month away from the start of our 2024 Port Angeles Half-Day Whale Watching season on Mother's Day weekend (hint hint). Orcas, Humpbacks, Minke Whales await! We are located downtown at the Port Angeles Wharf. Daily tours will run from May 11 - October 13 with 2 trips/day June-September. Info + reservations: https://www.pugetsoundexpress.com/port-angeles-half-day-whale-watching-tour/. (Can't wait until May? We are currently running Gray Whale tours in Port Townsend 🙂) This post features a video captured on opening weekend last year - with T137 124D and 71B families of Bigg's orcas, and humpback Whale "Zephyr."

10/04/2023

Fall has arrived, and October sure started off with a bang! We left the harbor Sunday morning under sunny skies and mild winds...perfect conditions. After heading north for a bit, we encountered over a dozen humpbacks near the Vancouver Island coastline, many of which were actively lunge feeding on huge schools of baitfish at the surface. We were able to identify many well-known whales within the dispersed group, including Merlin, Hammer, Oracle, Ta**us, Pinnacle, Aerie, Hale-Bopp and Zillion with her 2023 calf! After the leaving the humpback party, we swung through Race Rocks Ecological Reserve to take a look at the hundreds of sea lions and the crowd favorite, Ollie the sea otter. Departing Race, we meandered south, where we were lucky enough to catch up with an extended family gathering of 11 orcas; the T46Bs, T46B1s and T46C2! Best of all, we were afforded great looks at the newest (and cutest) member of the crew, T46B7, born just this year. The last month has been incredible, with amazing weather and tons of wildlife...it's hard to believe we have less than 2 weeks remaining in our 2023 season! - Naturalist/Photographer Rachel Rodell

09/18/2023

Friday's cruise began with two humpback whales in Canadian waters that were traveling together! We identified them to be Titan and Exclamation. Exclamation showed us their fantastic flukes going on plenty of deep dives while their travel companion Titan cruised beside them with minimal fluking. We then headed closer to the Vancouver Island coastline where we saw a sea otter that has been named Waldo. With him in the kelp patty was a cute little harbor seal. Then we stopped at one of our favorite spots, Race Rocks ecological reserve. There we witnessed a bunch of humpbacks! The one we were able to identify were Zillion and her calf, Scuttle, and Hammer. Those four whales were in proximity to one another and then out in the distance we saw another recognizable dorsal fin that belongs to Pinnacle. We watched the group of four travel relatively in the same direction and after we saw in the distance some lunge feeding activity. Upon further investigation it was Pinnacle enjoying some tasty krill and bait fish! Our last and final sighting for the day was a lovely haul out of two common pinniped species we see out here at Race Rocks, Stellar and California sea lions. We headed back home to Port Angeles harbor on smooth seas and without a cloud to be seen in the sky. A perfect day on the Strait of Juan De Fuca. ~~Mary Cochran

09/04/2023

On Sunday afternoon we were met with an overcast yet beautiful sky that the PNW is so known for. Our first stop was mid-Strait where we got a glimpse of the T38A and T35A families of Bigg’s killer whales. We then made our way out to Race Rocks where we visited our favorite colony of pinnipeds. We saw Stellar and California sea lions as well as a couple of harbor seals hauled out on the rocks. Just before returning to Port Angeles harbor we were greeted by a little cuddle puddle of harbor seals at the tip of Ediz Hook. ~~Mary Cochran

09/01/2023

Wednesday's afternoon cruise started with another glassy and calm day on the Strait. Our first encounter was with fan favorite, the humpback whale 'Frankenstein.' After visiting him for a bit we scooted over to Race Rocks Ecological Preserve where we saw a ton of Stellar and California sea lions as well as one little lone harbor seal resting on the rocks. Additionally we saw a couple of what appeared to be Stellar sea lions swimming among the ripping currents. We then got word of two members of the T30 family of Bigg's orcas cruising west past Otter Point in Vancouver Island, BC and sure enough our naturalist Rachel spotted them in the distance closer to Sheringham point! We spent the rest of our time with them and just watched them motor along and witnessed their graceful journey continue. Our last sighting of the day was a cute little cuddle puddle of a few harbor seals at the end of Ediz Hook, including a little pup with the group! The ride home was absolutely beautiful with a breathtaking sunset to watch as we headed back to the dock. ~~Mary Cochran

08/28/2023

Saturday's morning trip was another calm and glassy day on the Strait. We met up with two humpbacks at the Rock Pile, a great place of upwelling fish that are on the humpback's menu. We were able to identify one of these beautiful creatures as Valiant but were unable to identify their pal. After watching Valiant and friend cruise along for a bit we departed and headed north towards Canadian waters to the Trial Islands where we visited the T60 family of Bigg's orcas on the hunt! It always amazes me to see these killer whales working together searching for food. All in all, it was a great double species day and wonderful weather for our guests. ~~Mary Cochran

08/26/2023

On Thursday, we set sail on a beautiful sheet of glass – also known as the Strait of Juan de Fuca - in hopes of some amazing sightings. With perfect conditions for spotting wildlife, we spotted plenty! We saw more seabirds than usual resting on the glassy water and viewed many harbor porpoises throughout the day. Our day began in earnest near Trial Island, where we encountered the T69 family of Bigg’s orcas. They were traveling and not putting on much of a show, but they didn't need to in order to impress everyone. We spied the newest addition to the pod, as well as a male with his large dorsal fin. On the way home, we picked up numerous humpback whales, including one we haven't seen so far this year named “Exclamation.” At one point, we were surrounded by 5-7 whales within a mile of the boat! For most of the time while observing these incredible animals we were in busy shipping lanes. As always, if you’re out on the water, be on the lookout for the Whale Watching flag (posted here). If a boat displays this flag, it means there are whales in the area and that boats should be cautious and slow down. ~~Cory Mintz

08/21/2023

On Sunday our afternoon cruise took off into the smoky haze and we made our way northeast of Race Rocks Ecological preserve in Canada where we spotted the elegant humpback whale "Scratchy" engaging in some really awesome surface activity, including pectoral slapping and breaching! We then scooted over to Race Rocks where we saw a big haul out of two of our popular pinniped species, California seal lions and Stellar sea lions. As we passed through Race we got quite an earful of the two species vocalizing to one another and claiming their spots on the rocks to thermoregulate their bodies. ~~Mary Cochran

08/14/2023

On Sunday the Glacier Spirit set out from Port Angeles into beautiful and surprisingly calm water. Conditions were excellent for observing wildlife and we saw plenty because of it. First up: jumping Harbor Porpoise! These animals are very shy and do not approach boats like their dolphin cousins. They barely break the surface of the water when they come up to breath and we usually can't see it but Sunday was an exception. We then spent time with three different Humpbacks, including one identified as BCX2064. They were all over the place and probably feeding deep down. Next, we went to Race Rocks Ecological preserve. This beautiful area is a popular spot for pinnipeds and other marine life and is a common stop for the Glacier Spirit. Ollie the Sea Otter was there ruling over his kelp domain. There were plenty of Steller Sea Lions, a few California Sea Lions, and a few Harbor Seals. Glacier Spirit crew identified one Steller Sea Lion who was entangled in fishing line and had a large lure hanging from him. Crew documented it extensively and reported it to Canadian authorities. Thankfully, the Vancouver Aquarium is sending a team out tomorrow to tend to another entangled Sea Lion and has now added this one to their list. We are so grateful we saw this guy in time to add him to the list and get him help quickly. A good reminder to please be mindful of fishing equipment while you are out enjoying the ocean, as this debris is detrimental to marine life everywhere. We can all be good stewards of our ocean by recycling and disposing of fishing equipment properly. ~~Cory Mintz

08/13/2023

Saturday was yet another beautiful day out in the Strait of Juan De Fuca. This afternoon was chock full of amazing whales! First we made our way to Canadian water where we spotted our first humpback of the day! We believe this individual to be ‘Scuttle’ based on the analysis of his dorsal fin. Unfortunately he didn’t give us any flukes which is the sure fire way to identify humpback whales. We then moved on to join a fun group of Bigg’s orcas! We got a good look at the T75B pod as well as T77C and T77D traveling with them. Finally, we ended the beautiful day with a look at our final humpback ‘Orion’ just outside of Ediz Hook. Another great day on the water! ~~Mary Cochran

08/09/2023

The Port Angeles morning tour had quite the day on Tuesday (8/8). It was the nicest day the crew has seen in quite some time so they were pumped for the absolutely gorgeous day! About thirty minutes after leaving beautiful Port Angeles harbor, we met with our sister ship Saratoga which sails out of Port Townsend. With her was Pinnacle and Scuttle, two humpbacks that frequent the charming Strait of Juan De Fuca during these feeding seasons. We got to watch Scuttle give Saratoga a wonderful close inspection and saw him and Pinnacle make their way east. As we carried on our adventure and moved into Canadian waters we spotted three more humpbacks! These were our friends Frankenstein, Trident, and a mystery humpback. We identify humpbacks by taking a look at the backs of their flukes or their small dorsal fins. The third humpback on this leg of the journey did not greet us with some flukes, thus this individual was unable to be identified. We made our way then over to Race Rocks where we got to see a whole haul out of Steller sea lions, a few California sea lions, some very cute harbor seals, and Ollie the sea otter! We had a very smooth and relaxing ride home with a happy crew and very happy passengers! ~~Mary Cochran.

07/12/2023

As humpback whales continue to arrive on their migrations from their wintering waters in Hawaii, Mexico, and Central America we have been seeing large concentrations of them, especially out near Port Angeles and the Canadian Border! Big feeding groups of 30-40 humpbacks stretched out for miles have been common over the last few weeks and it appears like they are feeding on an abundance of krill that can be seen at the surface sometimes and likely down deep too. Humpback mothers are also arriving with brand new calves, and its always exciting to see these new animals for the first time and to know that they will likely come back to the Salish Sea for the rest of their lives! The calves can be very playful when they arrive as they are still under the protective watch of their mothers.

Of course, we are also still seeing plenty of Bigg’s killer whales on many of our trips and sometimes they end up close to where the humpback whales have been feeding. We can make it out to watch these humpbacks from any of our 3 locations, but our trips from Port Angeles are positioned especially well if you want to see humpback whales! Photographer/ Naturalist Bart Rulon

07/06/2023

July 6th - Another fantastic, humpback-filled trip in the books! While starting out in the fog, we quickly found 10+ humpbacks in the middle of the strait, including the fan-favorite BCZ0432 Two Spot! We also spent some good time with new mom, BCX1333 Ghost, and her calf. The calf was feeling frisky this morning, and guests were treated to cartwheels, tail lobs and rolling at the surface. To wrap it all up, we found all 4 species of local pinnipeds (harbor seals, elephant seals, California sea lions and Steller sea lions) at Race Rocks...our first pinniped "home run" in over a month! - Naturalist/Photographer Rachel