Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Humpback Whales (CRC-16617 Pepper & other)
Harbor Seals
Harbor Porpoises

June 26, 2025 | 10 AM and 3 PM Whale Watch

It’s one of the best feelings in the world to be the first person to find a whale, and that was us this morning! We’d just left Bird Rocks, and we’re working our way south with the extreme ebb tide when I sighted a blow at the entrance of Watmough Bay. It turned out to be humpback whale CRC-16617 “Pepper”! This Salish Sea regular also frequents the waters off Baja California Sur, Mexico. They consistently showed us their beautiful flukes, diving deep amongst the churning emerald waters of Rosario Strait.

We also enjoyed visits to a couple different wildlife refuges. The first, Bird Rocks. The extreme low tide had revealed a kaleidoscope of color amidst the intertidal zone. Invertebrates and algae galore! The gulls were scavenging amongst the rocks while harbor seals hauled out nearby. We saw our first mom-pup pair of the season! At least, it was a first for Tyson and Sam. We also admired the bustling double crested cormorant rookery.

After our humpback visit, we ventured south to Smith Island where enjoyed the company of so many Alcids! Pigeon guillemots, common murres, rhinoceros auklets, and several tufted puffins! The bull kelp was flowing and the forage fish jumping. It was a wonderful stop before we turned back to the north; scanning Rosario Strait one last time before calling it a morning.

This afternoon’s trip has the dreamiest Pacific Northwest vibes. Misty clouds weaving through the treetops, waters so calm you could see every raindrop bounce, and gentle plumes of whale breath hanging in the air. We were in heaven.

Mother Nature spoiled us this evening, with a double header of both Bigg’s killer whales and a beautiful humpback. The wildlife encounters started with harbor porpoises racing past us in Bellingham Channel, rhinoceros auklets dove as we cruised past, pigeon guillemots chased each other midair, and a mature bald eagle called out from the treetops. We went west from Toehead Island, stopping to visit with a sleepy Stellers sea lion on a nearby navigational marker. Just south of here, the T65Bs were pushing against the raging flood tide. They traveled tightly as a family, upsetting every flock of rhinoceros auklets they passed.

We left the Bigg’s to venture into the heart of the San Juans. The rain fell around us as we cruised down Upright Channel, stopping at the intersection of San Juan Channel where Pepper (CRC-16617) the humpback whale was flowing with the flood. Apart from the Washington State ferries, we were the only vessel in sight for the bulk of our encounter. We could not have asked for a more picturesque setting to end an incredible trip.

-Sam