Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T124C, T46C2, & T49A1)
Steller Sea Lions
Harbor Seals
Bald Eagles
Harbor Porpoises

March 18, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

We headed out into some unknown weather today as we departed from Cap Sante Marina into the Salish Sea. With a warm front moving in, rain overhead and fog on the horizon we were very surprised to find the seas rather calm. Our first stop was at Castle Rock just south of Lopez Island where we found some harbor seals and a mature bald eagle. We continued west from there on our search, through a bit of fog toward the waters off of Discovery Island.

About halfway between Hein Bank and Discovery Island we came across a large gathering of sea birds being harassed by half a dozen eagles, both mature and juvenile alike. Continuing west we were soon on scene with T124C and T46C2, a couple of Bigg's orca whales we've been seeing in the Salish Sea over the years. After some time we snuck over to Discovery Island and found a rock covered end to end with Steller sea lions. Above then, two adult bald eagles were perched near the Discovery Island Lighthouse. We continued over to Alpha Islet and Griffin Island where Captain Carl found us dozens of bald eagles. We counted at least twenty eagles, but as we cruised by, more and more eagles came into view.

We left the eagle covered island and headed back over to T124c and 46C2 for a bit before branching off and joining T49A1 who was also patrolling the area. T49A1 gave us some magnificent views before we had to wave goodbye and head back to Anacortes. It was a phenomenal day at sea, packed with bird life, porpoise and whales all day.

-Tyson