Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T18s)
Sea Otter
Steller Sea Lions
Harbor Seals
Bald Eagles

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

A stunning morning with Bigg’s killer whales! We started off with a wildlife stop at Bird Rocks and admired gulls, cormorants, harbor seals, and a sea otter who was well camouflaged in the kelp.

A report took us north through the heart of the islands, and right outside of Friday Harbor, we met up with the T18 pod of Biggs! There were three traveling together; Nootka and her sons Galiano and Spouter. These boys continue to amaze us with their size and massive dorsal fins. We cruised with the pod and got lots of surface time, but after a while we had to say adios.

Cruising back home we saw bald eagles in the trees and enjoyed calm seas. What a great way to start the day!

This afternoon we were treated again to Bigg’s killer whales. We cruised to Bird Rocks and were surprised to find the sea otter swimming a bit offshore! It swam right by us and we got some wild looks at this adorable animal. The T18 pod had made their way west so we met up with them again right by Shaw Island. At this point they were scanning the rocks for food and ultimately were successful. Gulls flying in the area picked up the scraps, and after a nice meal, the pod continued on. They moved quicker along the coastline, and after reaching a current line, surprised us with a cool pass. It was incredible to see their size!

We finally said adios and went to check out a sleepy Steller sea lion on a channel marker, and seals and eagles on a wildlife refuge. The sun came out as we headed back to the dock!

-Juliann