Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T124As, T124A1, and T100E)
Harbor Seals
Bald Eagles
Sea Lions

April 30, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

Another beautiful spring day full of early morning reports had our spirits soaring, much like the osprey we watched hunting in the marina as we boarded the Island Explorer 5 and prepared to leave the dock.

A harbor seal greeted us as we left the marina and soon, we were headed south to Williamson Rocks. Here we found a possibly mated pair of eagles and a nice bob of harbor seals. We continued from there down to Deception Pass where we found a couple more bald eagles, cormorants, and another group of harbor seals. Just off the rocks we found two Steller sea lions on a red marker buoy taking a nap and scooted over to check them out before picking up speed.

We headed south again and as we passed Strawberry Point, we found 2 groups of Biggs orcas whales. With Sam's skills we were able to get IDs on the T124As, T124A1, and T100E, which ended up being 8 whales total. We got some great looks and had a nice time with them as they headed up the channel between Skagit Bay and Whidbey Island. While we were with the whales, we counted over 40 bald eagles in the Skagit Bay mud flats taking advantage of our extra low tide. It was fascinating to see so many raptors in the muddy area we regularly see covered by water. As we followed the whales a very brave California sea lion showed up and seemed to be a bit confused of the pecking order, following the whales for a short while before disappearing. Our time with the whales ran out and we headed back to the north, taking a fun and wild ride back through Deception Pass before calling it a day back in Anacortes.

- Naturalist Tyson