Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T124Ds)
Brief look at a Minke Whale
Sea Lions
Harbor Seals
Bald Eagle
Kingfisher

August 17, 2025 | 9 AM and 1 PM Whale Watch

Without even a breath of wind up on the Salish sea we headed out on our first adventure of the day. As we left Cap Sante marina we got some great looks at a belted kingfisher before continuing on our way into the wild. We headed around Guemes Island, spotting a bald eagle flying toward Towhead island. We then turned south and started making our way through the San Juan islands. We stopped at Whale rocks where we had a brief fly by from a minke whale before it vanished into the massive flood tide that was pushing through the area. After this look, we checked out a nice big group of Steller sea lions. We continued southeast from Cattle pass and as we reached some waters near Smith island we joined the T124Ds. We cruised with them for a while as they led us back up toward Rosario strait. After a great show from this pod of 4 Bigg's orca whales we headed back up into Cap Sante Marina.

This afternoon the rain clouds parted and blue sunny skies began to surround the area. We headed out Guemes channel and immediately began to see many different sea birds and lots of harbor porpoises zooming all over. It did not take us long to reacquire the T124Ds as they were cruising up the Blakely shoreline and were slowly working on some lunch. The island made for a beautiful backdrop and the green waters were spectacular for views of this gorgeous pod of 4 Bigg's orca whales. We followed them up the Blakely shoreline and found a few bald eagles and great blue herons along the way. Just before entering the San Juan islands we found a nice big bob of harbor seals that were very lucky that the T124Ds didn't come over and have a late lunch. We headed into the San Juan islands through Obstruction pass and soon found ourselves back on scene with the orcas. We got many amazing looks and even a spy hop along the Blakely shoreline before we had to wave goodbye and head for home. It was a perfect day on the Salish sea today.

-Tyson