Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Humpback Whales (Europa & new calf!)
Bigg's Killer Whales (T36Bs & T99s)

June 27, 2025 | 9 AM and 1 PM Whale Watch

Calm, cloudy skies greeted us this morning as we headed out on our adventure. With reports of whales far to the west, we decided to cut through the inner islands once we crossed Rosario Strait. As we cruised, we passed beautiful views of multiple Washington state ferries, as well as the serene coastlines of Lopez island, Orcas island, Shaw Island, and San Juan island- a route we don't get to take too often! We also passed down the northern coast of Spieden Island, spotting a few sheep tucked away in the trees. Curving back around to San Juan Island, we met up with a humpback whale! This individual gave us some absolutely gorgeous looks and one beautiful fluking deep dive. With new reports even further west, we decided to make the turn to Sidney Island to meet up with the T36Bs and the T99s! We got some brief looks at these two families- including T36B1 Bhodia and her new calf - before it was time to turn home. We took the same inner island route back for more gorgeous looks at the islands before cruising back to the dock. It was another peaceful, lovely day in the Salish sea!1 nm whale watch

Cruising out of the marina at low tide, we watched a heron successfully catch a fish in the intertidal zone! With some new reports to the north, we turned up Rosario Strait and made our first stop at Peapod rocks. Here, we spotted a few harbor seals as well as a curious sea lion swimming in the shallows. Moving on, we passed the outer island chain and saw spouts in the distance. After moving on scene and getting an ID shot, we determined this was Europa the humpback, and she wasn't traveling alone... It didn't take long to determine that Europa had a calf with her. We hung with Europa and her kiddo as they slowly meandered north. Out of no where, Europa's calf breached right off our starboard side! It was quite the sight to see. With new reports close to home, we waved goodbye to these two humpbacks and headed back south. Back in Rosario strait, we met up with a second species... killer whales! We quickly determined we were on scene with the T65Bs, led by matriarch T65B Chunk. Traveling by her side were her three juvenile sons, Birdsall, Nettle, and Rook. This group moved slowly north and we were able to get lots of amazing looks before it was time to turn back towards home. Cruising over the north end of Guemes, we returned to Cap Sante Marina after a phenomenal adventure!

-Amy