2023 Season Experience Update: B.Y.O.B. (bring your own bedding and bath supplies)
We setup cedar platforms with canvas tents on walk-in Moran State Park campsites.
You take it from there.
Lots of amazing wildlife calls Orcas Island home. From friendly deer to the largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48, you never know what amazing animal encounter is just right around the next corner. However, the most majestic members of our community are the iconic Killer Whales! Keep reading to learn some fun facts about Orcas.
Guests travel from all over the world just to get a glimpse of these incredible individuals.
Fun Facts About Orcas
Killer Whales, also known as Orcas (not to be confused with the island, which is pronounced Orc-us) are not whales at all. Orcas are actually largest member of the dolphin family! There are three different ecotypes of Orcas that make the waters around the San Juan Islands home. Resident, Transient, and the very hard to find Off Shore Orcas. Today we’ll look at the first two ecotypes: Resident and Transient. You’ll be much more likely to find these types while exploring the San Juan Islands.
The Southern Resident community is made up of 76 whales and 3 pods. Contrary to their name, they do not spend all their time just in the Puget Sound. They have been known to swim as far South as California and as far North as Alaska. However, in the heat of summer, they’re usually looking for their favorite treat, Chinook salmon, in the waters around the San Juans.
Transient Orcas live in smaller family groups, and travel much more frequently than Residents. Their favorite tasty treat are the fat seals and porpoises you’ll see frolicking in the coastal waters around the islands.
Family Focus
Family is incredibly important to both Transients and Residents. Orcas live in matrilineal cultures, meaning that they stay with their mothers their entire lives! Each type of Orca has its own distinct dialect to communicate. Residents take it even further. Each pod has its own individual language, so to speak. This is how Orcas keep track of distant cousins and strangers!
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these incredible creatures. If getting back to nature is at the top of your summer to-do list, we highly recommend learning more about these fascinating animals that call the Puget Sound home.
While you’re out exploring, make glamping with LEANTO your island basecamp! Located right in the heart of Moran State Park, you’ll be steps from endless hiking trails through emerald green forests and just a short drive from getting out on the sound.
