Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales
Humpback Whale
Harbor Seals

September 18, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

Wind was howling in from the north, but we had reports of whales in Bellingham Bay so we braved the elements. As we worked our way past Huckleberry Island and up towards Samish, we spied several harbor porpoises racing through the surf. Several tankers were anchored in Bellingham Bay, and amongst them was a little humpback exploring the shallows.

We spent a good amount of time with this younger whale, and managed to get a great look at the underside of its flukes. Due to this, and due to there not being any notable matches in Happywhale, we believe this little one may be new to science! We enjoyed the company of this rorqual as it meandered towards the Chuckanuts, and with a final flourish of its flukes we waved goodbye.

We cut south of Vendovi Island and then North of Guemes, working our way down Bellingham Channel while hugging the shoreline of Cypress Island. The currents were ripping, but we were now running with the wind, making for a pleasant ride south.

As we approached Bird Rocks, we were intercepted by multiple Steller sea lions. The water was so clear that we could track their blond bodies easily beneath the surface, watching as one-by-one they came to check us out. Suddenly, a Steller surfaced with a small dogfish in its mouth! It made quick work of its catch before diving down deep. A minute later, a large bull brought a massive skate to the surface. It spent a good five minutes ripping into its catch, sending gulls scattering as the skate frisbee whipped towards them. It was an incredible encounter, and one we were not expecting.

We did make our way to Bird Rocks next, where harbor seals, cormorants, gulls, black turnstones and more Stellers were gathered. A short cruise away, the T60 brothers (D&E) were working the Decatur shoreline. We wove through many alcids to reach them, pigeon guillemots, marbled murrelets, common murres and more in the mix. Onca and Lynx led us through Lopez Pass and into Lopez Sound, working the shorelines as they went. It was a serene encounter and a wonderful finale to a wildlife packed adventure.

-Sam