Whale Watching Report

Our guests are watching Orca Whales just north of Anacortes! Click on this link to see the location of the Orca Whales from space and stay tuned to the Whale report for details from Naturalist Kate Janes!

On Mother's Heels (Slick J16, J42 & Alki)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Being that is was the seventh day of the seventh month most certainly brought us luck!! We ventured into Rosario Strait under blue skies where we found a Minke Whale! We watched as the whale set course for a number of respiration's and then lunged!! After visiting with our first whale of the day we headed northward towards Lummi Rocks where we found the Orcas of J pod!! The whales were spread out enjoying the day in a lackadaisical pace! The passed Rosario Strait and seemed to be destined for Bellingham Channel, then we watched as the leaders Granny (J2) & Ruffles (J1) began milling about Sinclair Island. A decision was finally made as they lead us home through Bellingham Channel! This was the first time for the crew to see Orcas near the Cone Islands, which is where the film crew for the Free Willy Movie filmed the capture scene!! Our afternoon lead us south towards the waters just outside Deception Pass! One of our first visitors was Oreo's family. Then we found Ruffles (J1) & Granny (J2) swimming near Faith (L57)!! In the mix of Orcas swimming was a lone Minke Whale attempting to join the family!! What a treat to have both trips enjoy a doubleheader!! We ended the day with the Orcas at Castle Rock as Slick (J16) ushered her youngsters Mike, Keet, Alki & little J42 through the breathtaking pass!! The grand finale to one spectacular day was a youngster breaching an outstanding 5 times in the glow of the sun!!!" - Naturalist Kate Janes