Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Two Gray Whales (CRC-2362 "Thidwick", CRC-2557)
Bald Eagles
Harbor Seals
Sea otter
Deception Pass

March 19, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

It was a beautiful gray day, both in regards to weather and whales! Moody overcast skies blanketed the islands, and we watched dramatic flurries rain down in the Olympics. The snow-capped peaks made for a dramatic backdrop for today’s search.

We cruised through Guemes Channel, past the Burrow’s Island Lighthouse, and through Allan Pass. It was off Biz Point that a sharp-eyed passenger spotted blows! It was a gray whale! We traveled with it as it worked its way past Sare’s Head and towards Bowman Bay, the turquoise waters contrasting nicely with the scarlet madronas onshore.

After a dramatic show of tail by “Thidwick” (CRC-2362), we continued to search to the south. We passed beneath the Deception Pass bridge, spying eagles, Canada geese, double-crested cormorants, belted kingfishers and more! We circumnavigated Strawberry Island, then ventured out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Captain Carl saw a blow to the south, so we angled towards NAS Whidbey. It turned out to be another gray whale! This one was feeding in the shallows, showing off flukes as it rolled onto its side. These partial fluke shots allowed for a positive ID match (shoutout to Trevor)! It was CRC-2557.

We continued the search north from there, stopping at Bird Rocks. Here we found two bald eagles, many hauled out harbor seals, and a SEA OTTER! We were so excited to see this little guy back in the kelp. He was rolling and grooming and being altogether cute. It was a wonderful finale to a fun day on the water!

-Naturalist Sam