Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales
Blue Herons
Sea Lion

September 4, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

Fog blanketed Guemes Channel and Rosario Strait as we left the marina this morning. To skirt as much of it as possible, we started up the eastern coastline of Guemes Island and worked our way west to Toehead. As we neared Toehead Island, we entered dense fog with next to no visibility. It was a beautiful, if not slightly eerie experience, but fortunately it cleared more and more as we worked our way across Rosario to Peavine Pass.

We slowed in Peavine, listening to the calls of belted kingfishers as we cruised. Continuing on through Pole Pass, we watched two great blue herons engage in a dispute while a fluffy belted kingfisher watched from atop a bird carving. We pushed onwards into Canadian waters, making it just north of Moresby before meeting up with a beautiful pod of Bigg’s killer whales.

The T49As were just initiating a hunt as we arrived, perfect timing. We watched as the pod worked in perfect coordination to subdue a harbor seal. Meanwhile, a frantic California sea lion surfaced off our bow, doing his best to get as far away from the Bigg’s as possible.

The pod finished their hunt, a slick of oil forming at the surface, gulls swooping down to pick up scraps, while a sweet scent hung in the air. With that, we turned for home, enjoying the coastal views of the inner islands on our ride back to Cap Sante.

-Sam