Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T36As)
Eagles
Harbor Seals
Sea Lions
Active Bait Ball

July 20, 2025 | 9 AM and 1 PM Whale Watch

With no reports this morning we decided to begin our search to the south. Slipping out of the harbor at low tide, we got a really phenomenal look at a great blue heron perched on one of the marina channel markers. Continuing on, we cruised down Rosario Strait and made our way to Colville Island at the south end of Lopez, spotting a mature bald eagle on the top of the small island watching over a large gathering of harbor seals. Pushing out into the strait, we kept our eyes sharp for blows all around, eventually making it all the way to Victoria before turning back to continue the search to the east. Cruising back over Salmon Bank, we picked up some reports of killer whales traveling through San Juan Channel. Transiting north, we met up with this group just north of Upright Head. Soon after getting on scene, we recognized the distinguishable notch of T36A1 Tierna, and realized we were on scene with the T36As! Leading this group was T36A Lealand, who traveled with her kiddos slowly east. In the heart of the San Juans, we had gorgeous looks at this family swimming in a tight knit unit in glassy water. After moving with the T36As to the opening of East Sound, we waved goodbye and headed back towards Cap Sante Marina. Our morning of searching was well rewarded with a visit with this amazing group of orcas!

This afternoon we pushed out past Guemes Island and up Rosario Strait. Passing Strawberry Island, we got a sneaky glimpse of an immature bald eagle hiding in the shadows of the trees. Just to the north, we paused for a very active bait ball. We watched as glaucous-winged gulls gulped down mouthfuls of baitfish and even spotted a harbor seal swimming right in the middle of the feeding frenzy! Continuing north we spotted a lone sea lion on a red navigational marker and crossed over to Peapod rocks. Here, we saw a mature bald eagle perched on top of the small island and many harbor seals gathered near the rocky shoreline. We even got to see an adorable mom pup pair! These seals were smart to haul out and away from danger, because just about 1000 yards away, a family of Bigg's killer whales were making their way slowly north. As we approached, we recognized this family as the same group from this morning, the T36As! This group traveled together in a tight knit swimming formation, moving peacefully through the glassy surface conditions. We cruised with this family up the coast of Orcas Island before waving goodbye to Lealand and her crew. Moving back down south, we paused at another nav. marker and watched a massive bull Steller sea lion jump up onto the marker's base platform. From here, we cruised back into the marina with a successful day of exploring the San Juans under our belts!

-Amy