When can you see whales in Washington state?
4 min read
Asked by: Josh Simpson
Whales are a migratory species that follow the pacific coast during the spring and fall. While sightings have occurred anywhere from October through July, your best bet is to plan a trip in spring, specifically the month May.
What time of year is best for whale watching in Seattle?
Summer
The best time for whale watching in Seattle is in the Summer between May and October.
What time of year can you see orcas in Seattle?
summer
You can see orcas in Seattle, Washington and the surrounding areas year round. But summer between May and September are the best times to kayak with orcas. That’s because their food source, salmon, is most active around this time.
What is the best month to go whale watching?
When is the best time to view the whales? The best time of year to view Orca whales is in May through September. If you’re looking for humpback whales then we suggest September through January.
When can you see whales in Puget Sound?
Types of whales in the Puget Sound
Minke, humpback, and orcas are commonly seen between May and October, while gray whales are common in March and April as they head north for the summer.
When can you see whales in the Pacific Northwest?
The Best Time of Year to Spot Whales
Whales are a migratory species that follow the pacific coast during the spring and fall. While sightings have occurred anywhere from October through July, your best bet is to plan a trip in spring, specifically the month May.
Where are the whales in Puget Sound?
The most reliable sightings are gray whales from the end of February through the end of May or into early June, and the best place to see them from is Langley, or from most beaches off South Whidbey Island. They’re also sometimes found further north in Saratoga Passage.
What is the best time of year to see orcas in San Juan Islands?
San Juan Island (90 miles north of Seattle) is the best place for orca whale watching as we are located in the heart of Salish Sea. Orca whales range through the San Juan Islands the most between May and October when the Salmon runs are strongest, although we do have sightings throughout the year.
Where are the orcas in Washington?
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
The southern resident killer whales, also known as blackfish or orcas, frequent the west side of San Juan Island from late spring through early autumn. Whale watching tours depart daily from Orcas and San Juan Island allowing an opportunity for viewing the whales in the wild.
When can you see orcas at Whidbey Island?
WHEN TO SEE WHALES. Gray Whales are sighted daily near Langley in March and April. Southern Resident Orcas are seen in Admiralty Inlet, west side of Whidbey most often in the fall, but may be seen at other times of the year. Transient Orcas and Humpback Whales are sighted from Whidbey throughout the year.
Are whales in Puget Sound?
Meet thePuget Sound Orca Whale
In the waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands there are two different types of orca whales: mammal-eating orcas the Chinook salmon- eating orcas called Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW).
Are there whales in Puget Sound in December?
From Seattle
The beach is a popular spot for seals and their pups to rest, making it a draw for Orcas as well. You’re more likely to spot orcas here during the fall and winter months, but transient whales can be seen here year round.
Are there orca whales in Puget Sound?
Orcas, or killer, whales (Orcinus orca) swim in every ocean on Earth. But Puget Sound’s Southern Resident Killer whales have an unusually beloved place in human hearts and culture.
How many orcas live in Washington?
Orca survival
In spite of their protected status as an endangered species by Washington state, the U.S., and Canada, the Southern Resident orca population has fallen. It has declined from 98 in 1995 to only 74 as of August 2021. Even with the birth of two calves, this group’s numbers remain dangerously low.
Are there orcas in Hood Canal?
Resident orcas rarely visit Hood Canal today, but it was an important part of their habitat in the past. In recent years, Hood Canal is more often visited by transient orcas, drawn by the abundant seal population. In 2005, a group of transient orcas entered Hood Canal, and stayed there for almost 3 months.
