Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T64Bs (minus B2), T65As (family reunion!), T123s)
Gray Whale
Steller Sea Lions
Harbor Seals

May 23, 2026 | 10 AM and 3 PM Whale Watch

10 AM Tour

What a morning for whales! We started the day with a report from a friend of whales in our backyard, quite literally. A group had been sighted in Guemes Channel heading east towards Fidalgo Bay. Mere minutes after leaving the marina, we met up with the T123s just south of Hat Island! This family of four Bigg’s killer whales were traveling side by side, working their way north towards Bellingham Bay. Just as we were about to depart the scene, Captain Amy sighted a gray whale feeding in the shallows of the Samish mudflats. They were showing off half their tail at the surface with every feeding dive.

We continued our search north towards Sinclair, slowing at a navigational marker to visit with some very cozy Steller sea lions. Over at the Peapods, we heard the carrying cries of black oyster catchers. They were perched in the intertidal zone amongst dozens of hauled out harbor seals.

Off the eastern coastline of Blakely Island, we found a family reunion taking place. We were thrilled to see all of the T65As back together, Indy included! The T64Bs were tucked in beside them, making nine whales in total. These two families have been close companions of late. It was a restful encounter, with the whales gently pushing against the growing ebb tide.

We took the scenic route home over the top of Cypress and down Bellingham Channel. The rugged Cypress shorelines are some of our favorites to explore. A perfect end to a whale-filled morning!

3 PM Tour

With so many whale reports in the area, we were eager to get back off the dock for our afternoon adventure. We took Guemes Channel towards Cypress Island, turning north up Bellingham Channel. There were hundreds of rhinoceros auklets gathered in the channel, almost as if they were huddled up against the growing gales. The wind was howling from the south, so we were happy the whales took us north. As we passed the Cone Islands, brothers Indy and Amir surfaced from the depths. An impressive entrance for these playful boys. They proceeded to race all over the place, tail slapping, porpoising and being incredible social. Off on the horizon, the rest of the T65As were working the shorelines with the T64Bs. The two groups met up along the eastern coastline of the southern-most Cone Island, sending harbor seals racing for land as they passed.

We continued our search into Bellingham Bay, where the T123s had been headed. We gave a thorough search, and with the help of Captain Jeff, we were able to relocate them south of Fairhaven. They were spread out, likely searching for a meal, leading us south into the growing swell and howling wind. We so appreciate the comfort of the Island Explorer 5 and her hot cocoa on days like this! But this evening’s guests were hardy, and didn’t let the chill deter them from some truly wonderful encounters.

We visited Eliza Rocks on our way out of Bellingham Bay, where harbor seals were expertly camouflaged, a black oyster catcher was sleeping and a gorgeous flock of harlequin ducks was huddled near the surf line. From here, we ventured south towards Samish Island. Spying a heart-shaped blow on the horizon, we slowed and found that the feeding gray from our morning adventure was still at it! Fluke raised with every shallow dive, it stirred up the sediment beneath the gaze of Kulshan. A great end to a wildlife rich day!

-Sam