Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Humpback Whales
Eagles
Seals
Sea Lions

August 1, 2025 | 9 AM and 1 PM Whale Watch

This morning we began our adventure at Bird Rocks in Rosario Strait, where we spotted nesting cormorants, juvenile and mature glaucous winged gulls, an oyster catcher, and lots of hauled out harbor seals. Feeling some stronger swells to the south, we turned north and pointed for Thatcher pass. Once on the other side of Thatcher, we made our way down San Juan channel, angeling for Cattle Pass. this inner island route gave us beautiful looks at Lopez and San Juan Island as well as several Washington State ferries. Past Cattle, we stopped at Whale Rocks to investigate some resting sea lions and then continued on to Salmon bank. Here, we spent about 15 minutes moving in a slow search arc, watching for any Minke whales that might have been feeding in the area. With no luck, we moved back up San Juan channel and out Obstruction pass. We crossed Rosario Strait once again and pointed for Cypress Island. Along the coastline, we spotted a solo mature bald eagle, and a little further south two more mature bald eagles-- most likely a mated pair-- perched together in one tree. We even got to see a bald eagle nest nestled in the branches of a dead snag. Passing back through Guemes channel, we wrapped around the corner of Cap Sante lookout and headed for the marina. Unfortunately, the whales evaded us this morning, which is rare but not impossible due to their highly transient movement patterns. We deeply appreciate our guests positivity and curiosity throughout the course of our adventure, and we hope to see them back out with us again soon!

This afternoon, with reports coming in far to the north, we pushed off the dock and jetted up to the outer island chain. Stopping briefly at Clements Reef, we got some good looks at a few hauled out harbor seals and sea lions basking in the afternoon sun. Turning our bow north, we plunged into the vast Strait of Georgia, pushing all the way up to the apex. This was the farthest north I've been in a long time, and it was amazing to be able to get to see the canadian gulf islands from a different perspective. As we pushed all the way up into Canada, we met up with two humpback whales! These whales gave us some absolutely stunning looks, taking their time with each breath and surfacing in a slow, synchronized manner. Most likely, these two whales were keeping each other company while they snoozed. We hung around with this pair for as long as we could before we had to make our way back down south. Calm seas and sunshine guided us all the way back home this afternoon, and to top it all off we got a breathtaking view of the Patos Island Lighthouse lined up with Mt. Baker in the background! It was another gorgeous, peaceful day out in the Salish Sea!

Amy