Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T65As minus T65A5)
Harbor Seals
Sea Lion
Tufted Puffins
Brown Pelican
Deception Pass Bridge

August 3, 2025 | 1 PM and 5 PM Whale Watch

This afternoon we cruised down Rosario Strait with word of whales in the south. Along our journey, we spotted a small splash against the shoreline of Burrows Island, most likely a harbor seal thrashing around some food, as well as a bald eagle perched in the treetops. Continuing south, we met up with the T65As along the coast of Whidbey Island, just south of Ault Field. As we cruised on scene, this family switched from traveling to hunting mode, circling in one spot. Soon, we spotted an unlucky harbor seal caught in the fray, trying desperately to escape. Unfortunately, T65A Artemis has taught her kiddos well, and they conducted a long, drawn out, coordinated, and tight knit hunt. We got to see spy hops, tail slaps, moon walking, and even a few cartwheels as these whales hunted. It was absolute magic to watch! When we peeled off scene, we traveled to Smith Island where we spotted puffins and many other seabirds hunting in the kelp forests. We also spotted a brown pelican flying over the surface! After exploring Smith, we pointed back toward home. It was a fantastic afternoon visiting with so many amazing species!

What an evening!! We began our adventure with a stop at bird rocks where we spotted a mature bald eagle on the reef marker and a sea otter wrapped up in the bull kelp surrounding the wildlife refuge. We also spotted some harbor seals, cormorants, and gulls. Continuing south, we made a stop at the west Lawson Reef marker to check out a resting sea lion. From here, we ventured out to Smith Island where we spotted LOTS of tufted puffins, a brown pelican, pigeon guillemots, auklets, gulls, and more harbor seals. After investigating Smith Island, we ventured back to the east to explore around Deception Pass. Crossing under the bridge, we got amazing views at the massive structure. We also spotted a few great blue herons stalking in the bull kelp and more pigeon guillemots scooting around the placid surface. Cruising back up to Allen Island, we then met up with the T65As, who had been steadily making their way north since this afternoon. We got absolutely amazing looks at both T65A2 Ooxjaa and his little brother T65A3 Amira as their massive dorsal fins broke the surface. This family cruised the coastline of Allen Island scouting for food. Just as we were getting ready to depart, we got a gorgeous spy hop from little Callisto (who isn't really so little anymore) and even a quick predation event as one of the females of the group whacked a harbor porpoise faster than we could blink!! I didn't even realize what had happened until after we were off scene and I was sorting through photos to show guests! The fact that this afternoon these whales took almost an hour to complete a hunt, and this evening they completed a kill in just a minute or so, is a true testament to their skill, intelligence, and power. After our lovely encounter with this family, we cruised back home surrounded by the stunning pastel colors of a salish sea sunset.

Amy