Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T60D, T60E, & T75Bs)
Sea Otter
Steller Sea Lions

September 20, 2025 | 10 AM and 3 PM Whale Watch

With fog thick in Rosario Strait this morning, we opted for clear skies to the north and cruised up towards Bellingham Bay. We spied pigeon guillemots with transitioning plumage, and two showy Steller sea lions on a Sinclair navigational marker. Near Point Lawrence the currents strengthened, Bonaparte’s gulls flocking amongst them amidst the fog.

Skies cleared quickly once we passed northern Rosario Strait, opening up to views of the outer island chain. It was beautiful sailing as we scanned for blows. As we neared Navy Channel, we spied two black dorsal fins! Brothers T60D&E were working their way south, surging against the surf that built with the southern winds. It is always impressive to see how big these Bigg’s males can grow to be.

Our route home took us on a totally new path! We enjoyed slow down in Pole Pass and scenic island views all the way to Thatcher Pass. The fog had mostly cleared by the time we reached Rosario, with just a patch or two here and there.

With the winds howling down south, we opted for a more sheltered inner island route this afternoon. We enjoyed scenic coastal views in Thatcher and Upright Passes before entering San Juan Channel. We made a stop at Turn Reef to hang out with a very active sea otter! This little guy was rolling in circles as he groomed his dense fur coat. It was almost dizzying watching him!

We continued south towards Cattle Pass. The currents were rocking today, and we got a taste of the wind as we visited the washing machine conditions around Whale Rocks. The Stellers were active on the rocks today, and surf crashed over the waves amidst the flocks of cormorants. It was an exciting wildlife stop, but we turned back into Cattle Pass and angled for reports filtering in from Friday Harbor.

We didn’t make it to those reports however…because some incredible guests spotted whales off our starboard side!!! Some quick ID work revealed it to be the T75Bs (their little one still looking strong!) and T65A5. These six Bigg’s killer whales were socializing and possibly finishing up a hunt. It was an incredible encounter, complete with tail slaps and much frolicking.

We did end up meeting up with the T60D&E brothers after, just in time to watch Onca and Lynx take down dinner! Their blows brilliantly illuminated in the fading sun, the brother circled and tore into what was likely a habor seal just south of Turn Island. They wowed us with a close pass before continuing their hunting amidst the reefs just south of us. What an incredible evening on the water!

-Sam