Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T65 and T63)
Steller Sea Lions
Harbor Seals
Mouflon Sheep
Bald Eagles

April 15, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

The legends are back! Chainsaw (T63) and his mother Whidbey (T65) were working their way north up Haro Strait when we caught up with them today. These two Bigg’s killer whales are the eldest in a family of fierce hunters, with Whidbey’s estimated minimum age at 58 and Chainsaw’s at 48! Whidbey has raised a trio of accomplished kids, her daughters Artemis (T65A) and Chunk (T65B) now leading pods of their own. Anytime we get to visit members of this matrilineal tree it’s a treat, but it feels extra special to see T65 & T63 since they tend to spend the least amount of time within the Salish Sea. We left this orca duo as they were passing Gooch Island. Our encounter with them ended with the most moody backdrop. Picture layered forest-covered islands, swirling clouds with sun rays shining through them and light rain showers. Like something out of a movie.

Our cruise to and from Haro Strait was dotted with fun wildlife encounters. We stopped at Pointer Island to admire foraging black oyster catchers, flocks of Brant’s, double crested, and pelagic cormorants, glaucous winged gulls, and a charming haul out of harbor seals. In Pole Pass, we spied a great blue heron and pigeon guillemots. At Spieden Island, we marveled at a couple dozen Steller bulls who were hauled out and snoozing or actively thermoregulating in the water. We also spotted mouflon sheep amongst the wildflowers and several bald eagles. In Northern San Juan Channel, Captain Carl pointed out many harbor porpoises, and when crossing Rosario Strait we encountered pairs of rhinoceros auklets.

The wind may have been chilly, but the wildlife was marvelous and the scenery was truly breathtaking. A great day spent exploring the Salish Sea!

-Sam