Wildlife Diversity of the Salish Sea

The Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest is a biodiversity hotspot. It covers the inland waters from Vancouver Island and the southern coast of British Columbia, and along the inland west coast of Washington state, south to the state capital of Olympia. One of the many islands within the Salish Sea is San Juan Island, and it's my favorite. I've been going there for about 30 years. My primary draw has always been the orcas, but there are so many other wildlife to see on and around the island.  It's truly incredible.

I love to share the wildlife with others and have been taking my family, friends and tour groups there every chance I get. Now I've teamed with NANPA, North American Nature Photography Association, to lead a photography tour June 3-6, 2025 to explore the island and the surrounding waters. 

If you love to photograph wildlife, here are 10 reasons why you should join me on this photographic journey for Wildlife of San Juan Island.  

1) Southern Resident Orcas - aka SRO's. My original draw to the island, these endangered resident orcas, J, K, and L pods, follow the salmon through the Salish Sea. They have been studied since the '70's when the photo ID method of photographing their dorsal fins was developed and is still used to study the families and population. 

2) Bigg's Orcas - aka Transient orcas. This is another subpopulation of orcas which feeds on marine mammals. They don't intermingle with the southern resident orcas. Below is Jack, T137A, porpoising after an encounter with a sea lion. 

3) Stellar Sea Lions - The largest sea lion native to the Pacific Northwest. The males can weigh up to 2,500 pounds! 

4) Harbor seals - aka sea puppies. They are often seen playing around the coastal bull kelp and haul out for a long rest on the rocky coastline. And they are just so darn cute! 

5) Whales!! Gray, Humpback, and Minke whales spend the summer feeding throughout the Salish Sea. 

6) Birds! In the trees, along the shore, and throughout the Salish Sea. Check out my previous San Juan Island tour for our bird list.

7) Photographing from a Zodiac boat - They're fast, steady, and are low on the water which puts us at eye level with wildlife. When we stop for a wildlife sighting, the boats are very stable so we can stay focused on our subject. When the captain gets a sighting report, we can get there quickly. And they're so fun! 

8) Photographing from a kayak - Peaceful and relaxed exploration of the coastline. As we quietly glide along the surface, we'll be ready for intimate images of wildlife without disturbance. 

9) Foxes! Red foxes are not only red, but gray, black, and blonde, too. Early summer we can see young fox kits playing and honing their hunting skills.

10) Sunsets - Beautiful sunsets contouring the mountains on Vancouver Island and reflecting colors off the waters of Haro Strait. And there's always a chance whales or orcas will pass by.

I hope you'll join me on this amazing photographic journey. 

Registration for Wildlife of San Juan Island NANPA Regional Event