The best time to see Orca Whales in the waters around on San Juan Island is mid-May through mid-October, when the salmon runs are the strongest and San Juan Island’s fantastic Kayak and Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour Outfitters operate. However, there is a chance to see Orcas, especially Transients, any time of the year.

This picture was taken by Captain James Maya in December. Capt. Maya has been a whale watch operator for 20 years and still sails for  Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching , one of the very few charters going out year-round.