Subject: Introducing new calf, T36A1B 🥹

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Introducing new calf, T36A1B!

New calf T36A1B swims alongside its mother

New Calf in the Bigg’s killer whale population! On September 26, we had the pleasure of watching a brand new calf swimming closely with T36A1 (Tierna) on our afternoon whale-watching trip from Edmonds. That was the first day it had ever been seen, and there are still fetal folds visible on the dorsal fin, so this calf is probably only days or weeks old! The calf has been given the designation of T36A1B, and will eventually get a name as well.

Since our original sighting, we’ve had many great opportunities to watch this tiny little calf with mom and older brother T36A1A, Drift. They have been traveling with T137, T137B, T137D, and occasionally with T65A5 (Indy) over the last week. It is always exciting to see new calves arrive, and it looks like Tierna (T36A1) might have finally peeled off from her mom’s family, the T36A pod, to start her own pod now that she has two offspring. If that holds, her pod would be called the T36A1 pod. We wish her all the best of luck in leading her new family to success for many years to come!

📸: All photos were taken with 840mm and 1200mm lenses and cropped. Photographer/ Naturalist Bart Rulon

New calf T36A1B lifts their head above the water while traveling with their mother.

🐋 Trip tip: when to see orcas 🫍

One of the questions we get asked most often is about the best time of the year to see orcas, and we're here to share some wisdom! The Bigg's Orcas that call the Salish Sea home do so year-round, so there's always a chance to see orcas, whether you visit in December or July!

With that said, the greatest number of shore-based sightings occur in the summer months (May through early September), as this tends to be when the greatest number of eyes are on the water. Statistically, this makes your chances to see an orca slightly higher in the summer months.

Now booking: 2027 season!

Orca pod travels by San Juan Island, just outside of Friday Harbor

This season has been so fun; let’s do it again next year! With only three months left in 2026, it’s time to start booking 2027 tours! Check out our 2027 schedule below:

📅: February 13 — Edmonds Gray Whale Tours begin

📅: February 27 — Port Townsend Gray Whale Tours begin

📅: April 1 — Edmonds Half-Day Tours begin

📅: April 2 — Port Townsend Half-Day Tours begin

📅: May 1 — Edmonds & Port Townsend Full-Day Tours Begin

📅: May 8 — Port Angeles Half-Day Tours begin

Planning to join us on a safari adventure on the water next year? Booking is live now! For more information or to make a booking, visit our website or give us a call at 360-385-5288.

To keep up-to-date with all things Puget Sound Express, don't forget to follow us on social media!

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Subject: Introducing new calf, T36A1B 🥹

Introducing new calf, T36A1B!

🐋 Trip tip: when to see orcas 🫍

Now booking: 2027 season!