Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T46Bs)
Harbor Seals
Bald Eagle
Deception Pass

April 8, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

What an absolutely gorgeous day to be on the water! The calm after yesterday's windstorm, as there was hardly a ripple on the water. We started the trip at Bird Rocks, where we found photogenic harbor seals hauled out and our favorite little sea otter smashing clams beneath the watchful gaze of a bald eagle. We continued south, cruising beneath the Deception Pass bridge with the flooding tide. We spied a pair of bald eagles, lots of flirtatious pigeon guillemots, iridescent pelagic cormorants and a flock of Canada geese.

We continued past the La Conner Channel, and were nearing Strawberry Point when we heard word of whales found in Juan de Fuca! We pulled a 180, jetted against the ebb at Deception Pass, and continued south along the western coastline of Whidbey Island. It was near Swantown that we met up with members of the T46Bs! This pod of Bigg's killer whales looked as if they were just finishing up a kill when we arrived. The little ones, including the Sedna's new 2025 calf, were all playing and throwing flukes in the air. It was so darling! It's so special to see this strong family continue to grow. I could not confirm the presence of Quiver or Raksha from our photos, but it's possible they were in the mix or nearby.

We enjoyed a sunny cruise home from Partridge Bank, spying rhinoceros auklets and loons as we went. We also got a nice look at the Burrow's Island Lighthouse before rounding the corner into Guemes Channel. Another phenomenal spring day on the water!

-Naturalist Sam