Orca Whales in Winter

Tom Averna of Deer Harbor Charters (our Whale Watch Charter departing the Rosario Resort marina daily in the summer) reported that the L pod was spotted in Monterey Bay, CA. There are three resident pods of Orcas whales in the San Juan Islands - J,K, and L pods (they are called the "Southern Residents"). "Resident" means they are in this area most of the year, generally from April - October. During the winter months they may travel farther down Puget Sound, farther north into Canada, or out into the Pacific. In 2000, the L pod was spotted off Monterey, CA, which at the time was unheard of, but they have since returned to that area the last few years. About 40 whales were spotted Sunday in Monterey Bay traveling south into 25-30 knot winds.


Members of L pod in Monterey Bay, CA on Jan. 27, 2008
Photo by Nancy Black of Monterey Bay Whale Watch

Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor ID'd the whales on the photos from Monterey Bay: L67, L72, L78, L88 & L105. The waters in the San Juan Islands are much calmer between April and October, and the sunshine is nice as well, so definitely plan a whale watch cruise when you visit Orcas Island!