Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T75Bs)
Steller Sea Lions

September 16, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

Mount Baker was visible as we left the marina! We’ve missed seeing her peak this past month with all the forest fire smoke that’s been rolling through the region. The smoke isn’t gone, but it was refreshing to see clearly enough that Kulshan was once again our reference point throughout today’s adventure.

Our exploration brought us north up Rosario Strait to the Peapods. We slowed at this National Wildlife Refuge to visit with dozens of harbor seals sheltering on shore and a lone bald eagle perched within the grass. As we rounded Point Lawrence, we admired the steep cliffs and flocks of gulls working the current lines. We kept the search going all the way to Patos Island, where we met up with the T75Bs!

This beautiful pod of five Bigg’s killer whales were moving north with the flood tide, alternating between spreading out to scout for prey and meeting back up to travel as a family. Their littlest member, T75B4 was bounding out of the water with every surfacing, an embodiment of childlike energy. We were able to enjoy some line ups with orcas in the foreground and Kulshan in the background during this serene encounter.

On our cruise home, we spied an eagle at Ewing Island and Steller sea lions on a navigational marker near Sinclair Island. The Stellers were vying for space on the marker, always an interesting dynamic to witness. It was smooth sailing home from there, following the eastern coastline of Guemes down to Fidalgo Bay on our route home to Cap Sante.

-Sam