Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T123s)
Harbor Seals
Bald Eagles

June 6, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

With word of whales floating in as we left the dock, we were excited and optimistic as we began our adventure. Angling up the eastern coastline of Guemes Island, we enjoyed a leisurely cruise while looking for birds along the cliff sides. Bald eagles were perched high atop trees, pigeon guillemots chased each other, and swallows expertly glided all around us. As we continued north, we scanned the glassy seas for activity, noting that the calm conditions made it easier to spot every porpoise fin and seal face. We cruised past Viti Rocks too, where darling harbor seals were hauled out and cormorants were nesting.

Our journey took us just past Lummi Rocks, where whales were waiting…The inky black dorsals of the T123 family broke the surface in unison. Sidney leading her three kids through the emerald waters off the west side of Lummi Island. This pod of four Bigg’s killer whales were traveling close together at first, Darcy occasionally getting playful with her sister Lucky. As we spent more time with them, they spread out and started scouting the surrounding waters for their next meal. They ultimately led us down into Bellingham Bay. Where we finally waved goodbye and watched them swim north towards Fairhaven.

During our encounter, we took some time to visit with some very sleepy Steller sea lions on a nearby navigational marker. They’d open one eye to look at us, then drift back to sleep, surely dreaming of fish. Unaware, their predators lurked nearby.

It was an all around beautiful day on the water, and we were spoiled for whale time!

-Sam