Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Humpback Whales
Steller Sea Lions
Bald Eagles
Harbor Seals

October 4, 2025 | 12 PM Whale Watch

Serene. Stunning. Silky smooth conditions. Themes of today’s adventure as we cruised amongst picturesque Pacific Northwest settings. Our route took us up the eastern coastline of Guemes, past Bellingham Bay and north towards Lummi. We passed clusters of pigeon guillemots and active harbor porpoises. We also stopped to visit with some vocal Steller sea lions cuddled up on a navigational marker.

We scanned through the outer island chain, passing flocks of common murres and many active bait balls. We continued into the Strait of Georgia, where Captain Carl spotted a dorsal ridge on the horizon. It was not one, but two, humpback whales! These two seemed to be enjoying each other’s company, their mood matching the serene setting. One showed off their flukes repeatedly, allowing us to assess that it was “Octo” CRC-19145, a whale known in the Salish Sea and Mexico. The other’s ID will remain a mystery. We enjoyed a full sensory encounter with them, getting several hefty doses of whale breath drifting across the boat. It was memorable to say the least.

Our route home took us on a search along the eastern edge of the Gulf Islands, though the currents of Boiling Reef, and onwards to the Patos Lighthouse. Harbor seals were hauled out on shore along north Patos, and Stellers were hauled out on Ewing. We found several bald eagles in the tree line of Ewing as well! We slowed for an active bait ball, watching as gulls and alcids alike devoured schooling fish, it was quite the commotion.

Our search continued all the way home to Cap Sante. All-in-all, a wonderful morning spent exploring, and hardly another boat in sight!

-Sam