The gray whales are back in Saratoga Passage, and Island County Beach Watchers are organizing a fundraising, whale-watching cruise aboard the Mystic Sea next month.

Gray whales are annual visitors to the waters off Whidbey from March until early June, feeding on ghost shrimp in the sandy, muddy shallows of Whidbey and Camano islands from Langley to Coupeville.

The Beach Watchers will be cruising out of Coupeville at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 10, on board the 100-foot Mystic Sea. The $75 fare includes a four-hour cruise, lunch, beverages and on-board naturalists.

To reserve a space, call 331-1030 or e-mail wsu.bw.island@gmail.com.