Observing Orcas: Migrating whale pods return, and tours gear up in the San Juan Islands

Bart Rulon was in a kayak the first time he had a close encounter with a killer whale.

The wildlife artist relocated to the Northwest from Kentucky when he was in his early 20s to photograph the massive animals, also known as orcas. During a trip to the San Juan Islands, an adult male swam toward him.

"Six-foot-tall dorsal fin, 30 feet long and 10,000 pounds," the Whidbey Island resident recalled. "It went right under my kayak. My heart was in my throat."

Regular brushes with the majestic mammals could begin again soon. Whale watching tours targeting orcas have begun in the San Juan Islands, coinciding with the animals' return to local waters.

The orcas, which are actually the world's largest species of dolphin, are drawn to the area for one big reason: food.

Three groups, also known as pods, generally arrive in the San Juans between May and July to hunt chinook salmon. Additionally, lone orcas, or transients, already have been spotted in local waters, chasing seals and other marine life.

Killer whales earned their deadly name because of their huge size and carnivorous tastes, but the distinctive black-and-white animals attract tourists for a less lethal reason.

"They're quite beautiful -- the panda of the seas," said Ken Balcomb, a senior scientist for the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor. "They're lovable."

Rulon, now 39, tends to agree. Along with teaching wildlife illustration at the University of Washington, this spring and summer he will serve as a naturalist for Island Adventures out of Anacortes.

During trips, visitors might see orcas perform a number of behaviors, he said. Along with feeding, the orcas sometimes leap out of the water, poke their heads up to look around, or do aquatic cartwheels, propelling their tails up and over their heads.

If visitors are exceptionally lucky, other surprises could be in store.

"They might have a new calf with them," Rulon said of one unknown. "Every time that pods come in, everybody's excited to see."

Carl Williams, a captain for Island Adventures, also is geared up for a glimpse of the orcas. Williams, who used to take tourists on whale watching trips in Hawaii, takes his work seriously. About 98 percent of the time he can find orcas.

"When I don't, it's very disappointing," he said. "I go home probably more upset than the customers."

Granted, those customers might see other wildlife, including seals, gray whales and minke whales. But it's orcas that remain the biggest summer draw.

Generally, there are plenty to see. Outside the transients, the three pods are expected to include a total of 87 whales. They generally stay in the area until October, Balcomb said.

While the pods usually keep to themselves, on rare occasions, all three can be seen swimming, hunting and playing together.

"Super pod day is a super day," Williams said. "They're interacting among themselves. It's crazy."