Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg’s killer whales: T65As (minus A5) & T64Bs (minus B2)
Steller sea lions
Raptors feeding on sea lion carcass
Mouflon sheep

May 29, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

Bigg's killer whales, scavenging raptors and Steller sea lions were highlights of our adventure today!

We met up with the T65As (no T65A5) and T64Bs (no T64B2) south of D'Arcy Island. The pods were grouped up and traveling south towards the roiling Strait of Juan de Fuca. Seeing these beautiful dolphins push through the swell, sea spray flying off their dorsal fins, was incredible. The two towering fins of Ooxjaa and Amir were notable, also notable was the absent of little brother Indy, who may be off on his next solo adventure.

We scanned the shoreline of Spieden on our return trip, spying a cluster of raptor activity just above the intertidal zone. They were feasting on the carcass of a Steller bull who had passed away several days prior. Watching turkey vultures and bald eagles fill the role of clean-up-crew was certainly a memorable sight. Just above them in the grasslands, mouflon sheep were grazing on what little green grass remained on the drying slopes.

Sunny skies and a bit of breeze persisted throughout our trip today. We battled some swell while crossing Rosario Strait. Calmer seas and reports of whales drew us through the heart of the San Juans via Thatcher, Cayou and Wasp Passes on the cruise west, and Wasp and Peavine passes on the way home. We slowed for a visit with some happy, living Steller sea lions just outside of Peavine Pass. They were sunbathing on a navigational marker beneath the backdrop of Eagle Cliff and Kulshan.

- Sam