Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Humpback Whales (Achilles, Poptart, Poseidon)
Bigg's Killer Whales
Harbor Seals
Steller Sea Lions

May 31, 2025 | 10 AM and 3 PM Whale Watch

Gray days make for great spotting conditions, and some of our best encounters have been on rainy days. Today was no exception with breaching humpback whales and Bigg's killer whales on our whale watching tours!

Shortly after leaving the marina, we heard word of three humpbacks having been sighted near Lawson Reef. After a stop at Bird Rocks, where we visited with pigeon guillemots, black oyster catchers, gulls and nesting cormorants, we angled south towards whales. These three Salish Sea regulars (two year old Achilles, six year old Poseidon, and nine year old Poptart) were frolicking. We arrived on scene to two full breaches, followed by dramatic flicks of the tail by Achellies, cartwheels, synchronized pec slaps, and trumpeting! I mean common, what more could you wish to see. We would learn later, that the activity continued ALL DAY LONG. Those must have been some tired whales come nightfall.

We also enjoyed a cruise to Deception Pass and a stop at Williamson Rocks where seals were gathered, pigeon guillemots were chasing one another, pelagic and double crested cormorants were nesting, and harlequin ducks were swimming by.

When the afternoon arrived, we were thrilled to find a pod of Bigg's killer whales! Two species in one day! It goes to show how whales can pop up at any moment and in any location. Every trip is a true search, and Mother Nature was smiling upon us as we got some great looks at these orca whales.

It was a remarkable day on the Salish Sea!

- Sam