Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Humpback Whales
Harbor Seals
Sea Lions

September 17, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

Fueled by clear skies and early morning reports, we began our journey out of Cap Sante and into Guemes Channel, pointed West. We ventured into Rosario Strait, marveling at the incredible churning currents that were visible at the water’s surface.

Our journey brought us first to Bird Rocks, where we visited with dozens of hauled out harbor seals, majestic sea lions perched on the higher rocks, and plenty of cormorants, Heerman’s gulls, and glaucous-winged gulls.

Setting out towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca, we kept our eyes searching 360 degrees until we reached our planned destination: Race Rocks! Within minutes, we realized we were surrounded by approximately a dozen humpback whales! Spending nearly an hour with these dazzling creatures, we watched with wonder as these humpbacks leapt out of the water, waved their pectoral flippers, and slapped their tails repeatedly! We admired the spunk of these younger whales, excited to be playing in the choppy water and windy strait. Numerous bait balls formed at the surface, and we watched as thousands of birds, including gulls and common murres, fought for real estate in the waves. It was truly a mesmerizing, with the acrobatic whales surprising us at every turn!

Our journey home was calm and smooth as we travelled back through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, up through Rosario strait, and eventually made our turn into Guemes Channel towards Cap Sante.

What a life-changing and majestic encounter!

-Juna