Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T46B1s, T46C2, T123s)
Steller Sea Lions
Harbor Seals
Bald Eagles
Brant's Geese

May 10, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

We celebrated Mother's Day with two incredible orca matriarchs and their kin. The T46B1s, T46C2, and T123s, nine Bigg’s killer whales were traveling down Rosario Strait, tightly grouped and resting. It was such a serene encounter, and so special to be witness to this family reunion. While their scientific names may not suggest it, it's thought that Sidney (T123) and her offspring are descended from Wake (T46) making Sidney the aunt to Tread (T46B1). Tread was traveling close to the newest little addition to her pod, Tashi (T46B1D) born just last year. Celebrating these matriarchs seemed the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day.

It felt like summer came early, sunny skies and relatively calm seas. We had the opportunity to explore the eastern shoreline of Guemes Island where eagles were vying for preferred perches amongst the tree line and little pigeon guillemots were crash landing just offshore. We ventured into Bellingham Bay where we passed speedy harbor porpoises and flocks of Brant’s geese. We visited a navigational marker with Steller sea lions stacked on top of one another, and watched as a fourth tried their best to find space amongst the group. We cruised past the striking Eagle Cliff with Bigg’s killer whales, an epic setting for a memorable whale encounter. We also visited the Peapods where dozens of harbor seals were hauled out and several bald eagles were feeding on whale appeared to be a Giant Pacific Octopus.

It was truly a wildlife rich afternoon spent exploring this incredibly diverse inland sea.

-Sam