Malachite, a famous Salish Sea male humpback whale who frequently visits the waters between Vashon, Ruston and Point Defiance, wowed ferry riders and those near the shores on Sunday, April 30.

Malachite, born in 2021 and the calf of Slate, was seen traveling on Sunday, April 30, from Tacoma Narrows and the Point off Owen Beach and Dalco Passage to Commencement Bay, in Ruston. The visit was reported by a Sound Action whale alert blast.

Malachite had been spotted in the same area in November and December 2022.

On Sunday, he spent hours delighting both boaters and those on land, who happened to be walking along Owens Beach, Point Defiance, or waiting for a ferry on either side.

Malachite displayed all the beloved traits of whales — blowing air/water from his blow hole, tail slapping, breaching, head bobbing, and swimming along the surface showing off his large peck fins and tail.

The MV Chetzemoka ferry came within 300 yards of Malachite, where the ferry’s captain slowed the ferry and reversed its engines to give the humpback plenty of space to take the preferred lane of travel.

The captain’s announcement of Malachite’s presence brought riders out of their cars and onto the ferry’s decks.

Malachite, being a bit of a show-off, obliged observers on the ferry and other boats, putting on a show — breaching and tail slapping and peck fin displaying, just a few hundred yards in front of the ferry.

The concussive sound of a multi-ton whale breaching and then landing in the water was incredible to experience, both visually and sound-wise, said Alice Burns, who witnessed the display. It was loud and forceful, and the ensuing wave’s wake made the ferry rock, Burns said.

The U.S. Coast Guard was out, protecting the humpback whale and keeping boats at the proper distance, she added.

“Some boats did get a bit too close at times, along Owens Beach and further out in the Sound, it appears from photos taken,” said Burns. “But most people were respectful, distant and enjoyed a wonderful moment with Malachite.”