Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T19s)
Steller Sea Lions
Harbor Seals
Mouflon Sheep
Bald Eagles

March 26, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

We spent this gorgeous sunny spring day with Bigg’s killer whales and the fauna of Spieden Island. The T19 family was cruising north up San Juan Channel, spread out and presumably keeping an eye out for predation opportunities. The towering dorsal fins of Galiano and his brother Spouter were hard to miss as they gracefully cut through the emerald waters swirling around them. Little Nootka blended in with the rocky backdrop of eastern San Juan, but she came to check in on Spouter near the end of the encounter.

The whales had led us north towards Spieden Island, so we couldn’t resist a visit. Springtime on Spieden is one of the most exciting times to visit, as little Mouflon sheep bounce across the grasslands and vibrant wildflowers dot the hillsides. In spring, the Steller sea lions make Green Point their frequent haul out site, but today a lone California sea lion was blending in with the Stellers twice its size! We spied a gathering of Fallow deer amongst all the mouflon sheep, and many bald eagles flew overhead or perched amongst the greenery.

Our journey to and from San Juan Channel had us cruising through the heart of the islands, such a stunning setting for today’s adventure.

We took Thatcher to Upright Channel on our cruise west, and Wasp to Cayou to Thatcher on our journey east. We made time to visit Pointer Island too! Dozens of harbor seals were hauled out and thermoregulating while flocks of glaucous winged gulls perched amongst the lush spring grass.

All-in-all, a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!

- Sam