Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T124As)
Bald Eagles
Harbor Seals
Steller Sea lions

March 21, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

I don’t know that we could have asked for a more perfect setting for the magic of today’s trip! We enjoyed what seemed to be the “calm” after yesterday’s wind storm. Glassy seas throughout our trip, very few boats on the water, and ample whale time! What more could you want?

We started by cruising west through Guemes Channel and into Thatcher. We’d heard word from friends that whales had been seen near San Juan Channel. We didn’t make it that far, because as we crossed the eastern entrance of Upright Channel, I spied a blow out of the corner of my eye. After a few minutes where we all held our breath (while the whales held theirs), I saw some small dorsals slice through the water. Yes! Orcas!

We enjoyed a peaceful and breathtaking encounter with Kittiwake (T124A) and her youngest two: Kasuun (T124A6) and T124A7. They appeared to be finishing up a meal when we arrived, then moved on to play amongst crab pots. At one point, they wowed us with a close pass. Little T124A7 was blowing bubbles beneath the surface, and we even heard whistling through the hull! We left them somewhere between the entrance of East Sound and Upright Head, then continued to San Juan Channel to catch up with the rest of their family. Sabio (T124A4) and her two youngest T124A4A and T124A1A. They were zigzagging in the intense currents around Turn Island.

We worked our way south down San Juan Channel, stopping at Whale Rocks for Steller sea lions and bald eagles. We cruised past Iceberg Point and Castle Island, then up to Bird Rocks. At this National Wildlife Refuge, we found more eagles and many harbor seals!

As we cruised back to Cap Sante, a faint rainbow guided us home. What a day!

-Naturalist Sam