Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T100s)
Harbor Seals
Great Blue Heron
Kingfisher
Bald Eagle

August 18, 2025 | 1 PM Whale Watch

With word of killer whales seen swimming up Cattle Pass, we headed off on our adventure and pointed for Obstruction Pass. Once through, we angled into East Sound and met up with a small, charming family of Bigg's orcas, the T100s! This group is led by 46 year old matriarch T100 Hutchins. Traveling with her was her 23 year old son T100C Laurel as well as her 11 year old daughter T100F Estrella. When we first got on scene, this fam was stretched far and wide, scoping out the sound. Off in the distance, Laurel investigated the west side of the sound. We kept pace with Hutchins while Estrella scouted far off to our right. When these whales got to the end of the sound, they changed directions, routing swiftly towards each other. Laurel zoomed over from the west and Estrella bolted over from the east, crossing off our bow. The sudden direction changes from these siblings led us to believe that Hutchins most likely vocalized something along the lines of... "get over here now! Family meeting!"

We then watched as they chose to change up their path, heading back south and out of the sound. This time, the family grouped up together in a tight knit swimming formation, and we got to see just how much taller Laurel's dorsal fin was compared to his mother and little sis. We journeyed with Hutchins and her kiddos until we reached the end of the sound, then waved goodbye to these whales and continued on into Peavine Pass. As we slowed and passed through, we spotted a great blue heron flapping through the trees and a kingfisher darting from branch to branch. Crossing up to Peapod Rocks, we got some great looks at a mature bald eagle as well as a few harbor seals nestled on the exposed rocks. We then skirted up around Sinclair, down the coast of Vendovi, and back towards the east side of Guemes Island before ducking into Cap Sante. It was another fantastic day exploring the San Juan Islands!

-Amy

Tomorrow, we will embark on a 10-12 hour extended range tour. Our 6AM departure will allow us to begin our journey as the sun rises over the islands. We'll see harbor seals winking awake after a long nights rest and alcids taking to the air and sea, ready for the new day of baitfish collection. We'll search far and wide for humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and so much more. Be sure to check out August 19th's whale report for a recap of our adventure!

'Twas the night before our extended range,

and all through the docks,

not a harbor seal was stirring,

not even the pups.

Our camera batteries charged on their chargers abound,

in hopes that humpbacks and minkes soon would be found.

Our guests and crew nestled snug in their beds,

while visions of killer whales danced in their heads.

In just mere hours the sun will rise on our journey,

And we'll explore the Salish Sea, in all her Glory!