Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Humpback Whale (Scuttle)
Minke Whale
Bald Eagles
Harbor Seals

July 27, 2025 | 1 PM and 5 PM Whale Watch

This afternoon we decided to begin our search to the north. We cruised up Bellingham Channel and spotted a bald eagle perched high in the tree tops on Cypress Island. Continuing up into Rosario Strait, we got word of some reports coming from Salmon bank. With that, we turned south and scooted toward Peavine Pass. Down San Juan Channel, we exited into the strait of Juan de Fuca through cattle pass. Here, we slowed as we approached salmon bank. Sure enough, we soon spotted a minke whale! It was obvious this individual was feeding in the area, because several clusters of birds were grouped up in feeding frenzies, signaling an abundance of baitfish nearby. We even got a really close look at a bait ball and sea gulls with lots of tiny fish in their mouths right off our port side. Suddenly, the birds spooked and flew off just as our minke whale broke the surface and killed the entire bait ball in one mouthful! We got several more amazing looks at this minke whale, which is typically a very shy and illusive species. Seriously, this was probably the best minke encounter I’ve had this season! After getting our fill of minke madness, we cruised back home under clear summer skies!

This evening, we shot out into the strait of Juan de Fuca with reports of whales far beyond the horizon. We cruised all the way to the Race rocks Lighthouse (or just east of it) following reports of humpbacks feeding nearby. Our patience was definitely rewarded, because soon we came across the exhalations of Scuttle! Scuttle is a Salish Sea summertime local, and he spends June, July, and August feeding in our nutrient rich waters. We got some absolutely phenomenal looks at Scuttle as he dove and surfaced. We also got clear photos of his uniquely scratched up flukes, which we were able to examine once off scene. Together, we worked through and and practiced the humpback ID process. Because we were so far from home, we had to turn back east and say goodbye to Scuttle after hanging with him as long as we could. Passing back east, we slowed and pushed between Castle and Lopez Islands. Here, we spotted an adorable harbor seal pup and a few pigeon guillemots with fish in their mouths flying back to the cliff sides for the night. Passing around into Rosario Strait, we also got great looks at a bald eagle perched high in the tree tops of Lopez. Getting back into Guemes Channel, we finished off with a gorgeous view of a Washington state ferry passing right below gorgeous mount baker glowing in the evening light. What an absolutely phenomenal end to an amazing day!

-Amy