Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Killer Whales (T36's & T99's)
Harbor Seals
Bald Eagles

July 4, 2025 | 9 AM and 1 PM Whale Watch

We knew we’d be one of the first ones off the dock this morning and were excited to see if we could also be the first to find whales. Scanning hard, we worked our way into Rosario Strait and down to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We slowed at Colville Island to visit with several clusters of hauled out harbor seals. While most were sunbathing, some swam amongst the growing bull kelp and peeked up at us as we cruised past. We also found a mature bald eagle perched high atop the island.

Just as we were starting to push through the Juan de Fuca swell, we got word from a friend of sightings near Eliza Island. We made a 180 degree turn and beelined for Rosario. More and more reports began to filter in, so we made a careful cruise up Rosario, past Eagle Cliff, along southern Sinclair and over to Samish Island. I spied dorsal fins in the shallows nearing Saddlebag Island, but they were leading us towards home so we knew we could catch up with them later. East of us another group was working the glassy waters in southern Bellingham Bay. The T36s, with their two little calves in tow! Seeing the six of them travel so closely together was a beautiful representation of the strength of the family bonds these whales share. It’s also unique to have a pod with four generations present!

We left them cruising north and made our turn south to meet up with the other pod. It turns out to be presumed extended family of the T36s, the T99s! Bella and her kids were just finishing up lunch when we arrived, as evident by the intestines draped over Barakat’s flukes… The family celebrated with cartwheels, waves of their tails and some playful behavior before circumnavigating Huckleberry Island. It was an exciting end to the morning!

The afternoon hummed with Fourth of July energy and the red, white and blue colors adorning our guests matched the Island Explorer 5 perfectly. We were more than optimistic about our odds of finding whales upon leaving the dock, given that there were now three different confirmed sightings of Bigg’s pods in our backyard (the T65Bs had been seen in Rosario Strait). It’s always so special, and lucky, when so many pods decide to visit our hometown.

We started off cruising west through Guemes Channel, angling towards Deepwater Bay where the T99s were working on another kill. From their behavior, the slick at the surface and the gulls piqued interest, we were pretty sure they successfully took out a harbor seal. The orcas proceeded to cruise along the most stunning PNW coastline, madrona trees overhanging emerald waters kind of vibe, and their blows were brilliantly illuminated in the afternoon sun.

We left them to go search Bellingham Bay for the T36s. This pod of six had made their way up to the northern coastline, just outside of Bellingham proper. They too were enjoying a meal, presumably harbor seal, and we got to witness our second hunt of the trip! Fireworks of a different sort. The pod celebrated their success with many tail slaps and waves of their flukes, even the littlest member waved their tail repeatedly in the air. It was such a memorable encounter.

On the way home, we crossed paths with the T99s once again. They were making their way up the east side of Guemes Island. We waved goodbye after a brief hello and enjoyed the company of several bald eagles, and an eaglet, as we worked our way south.

-Sam