If your summer-camp plans aren’t entirely locked in yet, here’s a unique opportunity – one week to learn about orcas with West Seattle-based nonprofit Killer Whale Tales:

Calling all young ocean adventurers! This summer, get ready to dive deep into the world of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) at an exciting, action-packed week-long camp designed to spark curiosity, foster teamwork, and inspire the next generation of marine scientists, conservationists, and storytellers.

Led by Jeff Hogan, Executive Director of Killer Whale Tales, this hands-on, immersive camp will transform campers into real-life researchers, equipping them with the skills to decode orca data, crack the mystery of marine ecosystems, and tackle real-world conservation challenges. Through a mix of role-playing, creative problem-solving, and epic science games, participants will:

– Investigate real orca research data and practice field techniques like professional scientists.
– Learn how orcas communicate, form family bonds, and work together—just like a pod!
– Explore the impact humans have on the ocean, and brainstorm wild solutions to protect these majestic creatures.
– Join thrilling, hands-on games that simulate the challenges and triumphs of saving wildlife.

“This camp is more than just a summer break—it’s a chance for campers to become ocean heroes, empowered to make a real difference," says Jeff Hogan. "They’ll walk away with a deep connection to orcas and a ton of new knowledge to share with friends and family.”

Perfect for future marine biologists, ocean lovers, and curious minds, this camp is a splashing good time full of hands-on learning, new friendships, and conservation action. Spaces are limited, so sign up soon to secure your spot in the adventure of a lifetime!

Dates: July 14th-18th
Location: Westside School,

Register at: westsideschool.org/about-westside-school/summer-camp

5:42 PM: Orcas have been in the area much of the day – we heard a report of some off south Vashon Island this morning, but nothing further; now Kersti Muul sends word of ocas “milling mid-channel south of Lincoln Park, surface active.” So if you’re in west-facing West Seattle, keep watch!

5:50 PM: Kersti says orcas are now northbound, passing Me-Kwa-Mooks/Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, close enough to see easily without binoculars.

9:29 PM: The whales subsequently went into Elliott Bay; thanks to Steve Pumphrey for sending the photos above and below, taken from Duwamish Head just after 7:40 tonight!

9:03 AM: Kersti Muul tells us orcas are headed northbound along west-facing West Seattle, close to shore off Brace Point. Let us know if you see them!

9:07 AM: Now nearing the Fauntleroy ferry lanes.

If you’re out by the water on this sunny Sunday, you might see whales. Kersti Muul tells us two groups are in the area – one that’s been “on a kill” east of Eagle Harbor, then slowly drifting northbound, another in Colvos Passage (west side of Vashon Island). Let us know if you see them from here!

9:44 AM: If you’re in view of west-facing West Seattle shores, Kersti Muul tells us a “small group of orcas” is southbound, south of Alki Point, east side of the channel. Let us know if you see them!

10:18 AM: Update from Kersti – still southbound, now off Me-Kwa-Mooks/Emma Schmitz (4500 block Beach Drive SW), “east of mid-channel.”

11:02 AM: Kersti reports transient orca T65A5, “the guy who likes to be alone and play in fishing/crab gear,” is close in, approaching the Fauntleroy ferry lanes.

(Added: Photo by Mark Malleson, Center for Whale Research. Taken under DFO SARA License XMMS 2 2023. Republished with permission)

A new Southern Resident orca calf! The Center for Whale Research just published this announcement:

The Center for Whale Research has some exciting news! We are pleased to announce the arrival of a new calf in J Pod!

On April 6, 2025, CWR Field Biologist Mark Malleson located J Pod as they traveled west past Victoria Harbour. During this encounter, he observed and documented a newborn calf swimming closely alongside J40. This is J40’s first known calf and the fourth born into the Southern Resident killer whale population in the past 12 months – a sign of hope for this endangered community.

(Added: Photo by Mark Malleson, Center for Whale Research. Taken under DFO SARA License XMMS 2 2023. Republished with permission)

Based on initial observations of the new calf, now designated J63, there are no immediate concerns. However, the first year of life is often a challenging time for young whales, particularly those born to first-time mothers.

We remain cautiously optimistic about J63’s survival and will conduct follow-up observations of the calf’s behavior and physical condition in the coming days and months, as opportunities allow. Each new calf is vitally important to this critically endangered population – every birth counts – and we’re hopeful that this young whale will continue to thrive.

More info to come.

4:14 PM: Looking for a reason to get down to the shore on this truly springlike day? Kersti Muul tells us a “large group” of transient orcas is headed southbound across the mouth of Elliott Bay, possibly into the bay. Let us know if you see them!

4:32 PM: Update from Kersti: The orcas are southbound, passing Restoration Point, plus there’s a report of a humpback whale headed northbound past Lincoln Park.

(Added: Photo by Robin Sinner, from Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook)

9:58 AM: If you can spare time for Sunday whale-watching, Kersti Muul reports orcas were passing Constellation Park, southbound, a short time ago. That means they’ll eventually have to turn around and head back this way, so keep watch, and let us know if you see them!

10:08 AM: Kersti says they’re now passing Brace Point, “mid-channel.”

1:39 PM: Kersti just texted to report they’re northbound now, headed toward Brace Point, “east in channel.”

2:02 PM: Kersti says thry’re now making a close pass by Lincoln Park.

(Added: Photo by Robin Sinner)

Orcas are in Elliott Bay today, Kersti Muul tells us. Closer to downtown than West Seattle at last report, but that can change fast. She also says there are reports of another group off Southworth on the west side of Puget Sound. Let us know if you see any of these whales!

If you can spare time to whale-watch today, this might be a good time, between waves of showers – Kersti Muul texted to tell us that orcas are currently “northbound from the south end of Blake Island.” Let us know if you see them; thanks again to those who share photos/video of local sightings (we*************@***il.com)!

8:50 AM: Orcas are in our area again today. Kersti Muul reports sightings this past half-hour or so of orcas seen westbound from Alki Point Lighthouse and southbound near the Fauntleroy ferry dock “hunting right off the dolphins!” (Those are parts of the terminal, not marine mammals.) Let us know if you see them!

9:01 AM: Update from Kersti – orcas are heading toward Brace Point.

11:18 AM: Thanks to Lori Hinton for the video we added above that shows orcas – baby included – just south of the ferry dock!

ADDED: Another video, this one from Greg Dirks, who edited together all the above-water sightings:

Southern Resident Killer Whales from J-Pod are coming into view this morning. Kersti Muul reports they’re emerging from Colvos Passage on the west side of Vashon Island, headed northbound. Let us know if you see them!

For four weeks, transient orcas – the ones that are NOT considered endangered – have been in the area (including that thrilling appearance within feet of West Seattle’s shore on Sunday). Now, Kersti Muul reports, Southern Resident Killer Whales have reappeared in central Puget Sound- J-Pod whales, including calf J62, were southbound, seen approaching Fay Bainbridge State Park, at last report. That’s still a ways north of here, so this is early heads-up depending on how fast they’re traveling. Please let us know if you see them!

3:34 PM: Transient killer whales have been in this area for the better part of four weeks now, notes Kersti Muul, in telling us a moment ago that they’re in Elliott Bay again – north side of the bay, heading southbound quickly. Let us know if you see them (and thanks to those who sent photos on Saturday!).

7:10 PM: Added photos above and below, sent by Bob Spears (thank you!).

7:52 PM: And here’s video by Vineta Jackson showing the orcas so close to shore, they were practically in touching distance (don’t try that, ever, though!):

That was at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (added – Eilene Hutchinson‘s photo below shows the context:)

ADDED: David Hutchinson sent these photos from that same sighting:

12:29 PM: Just in from Kersti Muul, a report of “orcas close to shore northbound, heading toward Me-Kwa-Mooks” (Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, 4500 block Beach Drive). Let us know if you see them!

1:15 PM: Now approaching Constellation Park, per Kersti.

5:14 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo above, taken today as the orcas left Elliott Bay.

6:57 PM: And thanks to Robin Sinner for sending this photo, also taken today:

3:10 PM: Thanks for the tips! Orcas are back in Elliott Bay. Kersti Muul says they’ve been seen “deep in the bay” from Seacrest, while another tip says they’ve been in view from Jack Block Park. Let us know if you see them! P.S. Kersti says a humpback whale that’s been in the area today is in the bay too.

4:58 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for sending that photo as the orcas departed the bay.

12:13 PM: As Kersti Muul observes, we’ve had transient orcas in the area for the better part of three weeks. And now they’re back in view, currently southbound across the Seattle/Bainbridge ferry lanes, she tells us. Let us know if you see them! (And we always appreciate photos.)

5:17 PM: As noted in comments, a big group is now northbound from north Blake Island.

Transient orcas were here for much of the weekend, and they’re still around today; Kersti Muul just texted that a group is eastbound from the north end of Vashon Island. Let us know if you see them! (Here are the photos and video shared with us on Saturday.)

(Added: Photo by Manuel Valdes)

2:27 PM: It’s perfect whale-watching weather if you’re looking out over Elliott Bay – the black fins are easy to spot in the silvery water. And you just might see some – Kersti Muul reports that orcas have been in the middle of the bay this past hour. Let us know if you see them!

5:25 PM: Still in the bay, commenter Bill reports – right off Anchor Park.

6:52 PM: Added above, a photo sent by Manuel Valdes, who says the calf is “T124D4 as ID’d by Brittany Noelle from Kersti’s WhatsApp group.”

7:24 PM: Two more photos, sent by Robin Sinner:

Those sightings were from Jack Block Park.

ADDED: Video from Kelly Howard:

11:24 AM: Thanks to Steven Rice for the photos! Transient orcas are back in our area on this holiday Monday.

He photographed these whales around 9:30 am from Constellation Park (along the “Healthy Street” north end of Beach Drive). The Orca Network had a report of orcas in Elliott Bay about an hour before that.

Since they were headed southbound, they’ll have to turn back this way eventually – let us know if you see them!

11:35 AM: Kersti Muul just told us that some are reported “close to shore along Alki,” heading toward the lighthouse.

12:40 PM: Per a comment, four orcas were near the Fauntleroy ferry dock as of about 10 minutes ago.

8:57 PM: Thanks to Steyn Benade for the video, editing together multiple surfacings

Beautiful day to whale-watch if you can get away from the desk. Kersti Muul tells us orcas are heading this way, SB off south Bainbridge Island.

8:11 AM: Again this morning, orcas are in Elliott Bay, off Seacrest and heading east, reports Kersti Muul.

9 AM: A few minutes ago, Kersti noted in a comment below that the whales have stopped for food off Anchor/Luna Park.