Can you see orcas in October?

Orca whales range through the San Juan Islands the most between March and October and you can expect to see them on the vast majority of our tours during that time, although we do have sightings throughout the year. We also regularly encounter beautiful Humpback Whales (through November) and Minke whales in the area.



People Also Ask

It's whale-watching season in Seattle! Although orcas, gray whales, and humpback whales can be spotted in the Pacific Northwest year-round, May through October is the best time to look out for southern resident orcas.

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Puget Sound in Seattle is a year-round orca playground. There are two different types of orcas that ply Western Pacific waters: resident and transient orcas. Seattle is known for its resident orcas living in pods that operate as family units, feeding on salmon, and staying in Puget Sound and nearby coastal waters.

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They advise boaters if they encounter an orca in the wild to stay 50 yards from it. This isn't the first siting of orcas near Florida this year. Boaters spotted a pod off the Florida Keys in the waters off Key Largo in July.

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Is it safe to kayak with orcas? We have been paddling with orca whales since 1980 and know that these intelligent whales are always as aware of us as we are of them. They might be curious at times and swim extremely near, but with no malicious intent. It is illegal to paddle into their path.

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But Orcas Island IS a great place to go whale watching! Orca (or killer) whales live in these waters year-round with the most sightings between May and October, when the salmon runs are strongest. This region is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent animals in the wild.

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