Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T46C2 and T46B1s with a brand new calf!)
Sea Lions
Harbor Seals
Turkey Vulture
Tufted Puffin

September 27, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

What a day! Perfectly smooth conditions, partially overcast skies making for limited sun glare, and no fog in sight. We were thrilled to get out on the water and begin the search to the south.

We slowed at Castle Island to scan for wildlife and take in the sights. Belted king fishers were flitting from perch to perch, turkey vultures were circling in a kettle, a great blue heron cast a shadow on the cliffs as its immense wingspan blocked the sun, and charming harbor seals were hauled out on each coastline. From here, we ventured deeper into Juan de Fuca, passing flocks of gulls and common murres as we scanned the banks for life.

Between Hein and Salmon banks we crossed paths with a group of orcas! It was the T46B1s and T46C2, but there was a new calf amongst them! This little orange nugget was sticking close to Tread's (T46B1) side, leading us to believe it's likely her fourth calf. We'll be excitedly awaiting Bay Cetology's verdict on maternity. We witnessed the group of five actively hunt a harbor seal, and it seemed clear that this was a training opportunity for the little ones in the pod. We'd watch as the mature females demonstrated a move, and then little Tide came in and mimicked their maneuvers. Even this youngest of calves was following Tread closely during the hunt, though as it dragged on baby seemed to get a little distracted, starting to play on the periphery.

We were spoiled for time with orcas today, but eventually it came time to move on. We continued the search in waters to the south, scanning down towards Eastern and Smith Banks. We slowed at Smith and found a multitude of bird species, including grebes, cormorants, gulls, and Alcids including rhinoceros auklets, common murres, marbled murrelets and tufted puffins! The puffins we saw had nearly fully transitioned to their winter plumage, sporting a dark look and having shed the sheaths on their bills.

We made a final stop at Bird Rocks, and it was bustling with life. Harbor seals were hauled out onshore, a group of Steller sea lions dozing amongst the grass, cormorants covered the islands, gulls, black oyster catchers and more were in the mix, and bull kelp flowed in the currents. It was a wonderful finale to an epic day!

-Sam