Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Humpback Whales (Pop Tart & Sand Storm)
Puffins
Sea Lions
Harbor Seals

June 2, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

With a windier day in the making, we began our trip with a visit at Bird Rocks. Here, we spotted many of our frequently seen bird species, including gulls, pigeon guillemots, and cormorants. Continuing south, we passed a small gathering of harbor seals hauled out on the intertidal zone surrounding Colville Island.

Turning out into the strait of Juan de Fuca, we soon came across two humpbacks traveling closely side by side, CRC16926 Pop Tart and MMY0163 Sand Storm! With the tranquil conditions out in the strait, no wind, plenty of sunshine, and clear views of the stunningly sharp Olympic Mountains, our visit with these whales was absolutely beautiful. We traveled with these two as they leisurely made their way in a slow circle just north of Smith Island. After a good amount of time with this pair and lots of great looks in glassy conditions, we bumped south to smith island where we came across many more sea birds, including a tufted puffin! Pushing in towards Rosario strait, we paused to check out some rowdy sea lions competing for space on a red channel marker that made for quite the entertaining encounter.

Finishing off our trip, we passed by the Burrows Island Lighthouse before turning back into Guemes Channel. What an incredibly gorgeous day out on the water!

-Amy