Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T75Bs & T68)
Humpback Whale
Sea Otter
Bald Eagle
Sea Lions

May 23, 2025 | 1 PM Whale Watch

A double header to start off this Memorial Day weekend with a bang! This is historically one of the busiest days on the water and today was no exception. With the spot prawn opener and long weekend, it felt like everyone with a boat was on the water. It certainly added a layer of excitement to the day, and provided many an opportunity for some sentinel actions… Despite the chaos, we enjoyed some incredible wildlife sightings and were reminded of how lucky we are to live in such a rich ecosystem.

It started with a visit to Bird Rocks, where we found our favorite furry sea otter bashing clams. Harbor seals drifted around him, their eyes watching all the activity. Meanwhile, the double crested cormorants were waiting for a bald eagle to vacate their nesting spot and black oyster catchers vocally made their presence known from amongst the rock weed.

We continued south to the Strait of Juan de Fuca where we met up with humpback whale “Lorax” at Salmon Bank, Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks and then ventured through Cattle Pass to Griffin Bay. It was here that we met up with the T75Bs and T68(!). We were curious to see Yakataga without her son T68A, and excited to see Pebbles (T75B) and her kids back in the area.

It was a scenic cruise home through the heart of the islands, taking Upright Channel and Thatcher Pass before crossing Rosario and returning home.

-Sam