Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's killer whales (T65As)
Sea lions
Harbor seals
Spieden Island
Cattle Point Lighthouse

July 31, 2025 | 9 AM and 1 PM Whale Watch

This morning, we began our search to the south down Rosario Strait, however we quickly turned back up north when we noticed a thick fog bank in the Strait of Juan de Fuca as well as some rolly swells coming in from the south. We searched north Rosario Strait until we reached Peavine Pass, where we decided to duck in to begin an inner-island search. Crossing through Peavine pass, we spotted a bald eagle perched on a reef marker, some harbor seals hauled out on the intertidal zone, and a great blue heron stalking in the tide pools. Passing down into San Juan Channel, we spotted another bald eagle swooping down to try to grab a fish from the surface. Unfortunately, this individual missed their target and lifted back into the air empty-taloned. Passing through Cattle Pass, we got beautiful looks at the Cattle Point Lighthouse before making another pitstop at Whale Rocks. Here, we visited with a few of our sea lions. Continuing south, we began to investigate Salmon Bank. We spotted several bait balls with feeding frenzies of birds enjoying the feast, however we didn't spot any whales so we decided to expand the search further to the north. Crossing back through Cattle Pass and up San Juan Channel, we made a large search arc around Spieden and Flattop Island. After thoroughly searching this area, we passed back into the Islands and headed for Thatcher Pass. Back in Rosario Strait, we crossed to Guemes Channel and headed for the dock. Although the whales evaded us this morning, we still got absolutely gorgeous looks at the San Juan Islands any many of the species that call this ecosystem home. Trips where we don't see whales are rare, however because of the very transient nature of these species, not impossible. Unfortunately this morning, no boats in the area were able to spot any whales, however we sincerely hope that our guests from this mornings tour will join us again in the future! I greatly appreciate their adventurous, strong spirits and smiles throughout our journey today!

With reports coming from far to the south this afternoon, we decided to roll the dice and jet down to Admiralty Inlet. The journey took us down Rosario Strait, past the coastline of Whidbey Island, and over the eastern side of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On our journey south, we also got gorgeous looks at the expansive and jagged Olympic Mountains that stretched out before us to the west. Way down south, past Marrowstone Island, we began the search for the reports of killer whales coming north out of Puget sound. The only problem was that no one had seen these whales in about 30 minutes. As the seconds ticked by, we scanned from shoreline to shoreline, nervous that this group had decided to turn and head back south, leaving us at the edge of our search bubble-- so close yet so far. Our guests and crew were scanning hard for this elusive family until simultaneously one of the guests on our bow and captain Carl spotted some black dorsal fins in the distance. We'd found them! And even better, these whales were still headed north, leading us slowly closer to home. As soon as we got on scene, we recognized this family as the iconic and very well known T65As. This family frequents the Salish Sea often in the summer, and they've spent the last week down deep in Puget sound near Seattle and Olympia. This family is led by mother and Matriarch T65A Artemis. Traveling with her were her two sons, T65A2 Ooxjaa and T65A3 Amira. Also at her side were her two younger daughters, T65A4 Elli and T65A6 Callisto. What about Artemis's middle child, T65A5 Indie? He was absent from his family, although this was not a cause for concern. Indie often travels by himself or with other family groups in the area. He's a very free spirited whale that often runs away from home, but we don't typically worry about Artemis's third son. Although he can get into trouble at times, he's proved himself to be very independent and capable of traveling alone. Artemis and her fam traveled north, at times close together and at other times spread out and scouting for food. We got absolutely gorgeous views at all five present family members, watching as Artemis kept the lead and her kiddos filed in behind her. Little Callisto was spending quite a bit of time hanging with her older brother Amira, which was fun to see. Because we had made a long journey down south, we eventually had to say goodbye to the T65As and head back north. Cruising back up into Rosario Strait, we paused for a few sea lions resting on a navigational marker as well as one more sea lion swimming in circles around the structure and looking for a place to hop up. We finished the day with gorgeous views of Guemes channel before rounding the corner and back to the dock. What a phenomenal afternoon!

-Amy