Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg’s killer whales: T123s
Steller sea lions
Harbor seals
Bald eagle nest with eaglet
Chatty black oyster catchers

June 12, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

The T123s seem to be taking a liking to Bellingham Bay this season, and we’re loving it! Sidney led her pod in two different hunts while we were with them this sunny afternoon, giving us a glimpse into the incredible coordinated hunting techniques of these apex predators. Little Darcy was sporting an intestinal necklace at the end of the first hunt, while Sidney showed off their processed prey at the end of the second. Stanley gave us a close pass that has us holding our breath in anticipation, and Lucky had our attention many times throughout the day.

We had the opportunity to search for pinnipeds between whale time. A lovely gathering of harbor seals were sunbathing on Eliza Rocks. They were being serenaded by a very vocal pair of black oyster catchers who were adjacent to a massive piece of driftwood lined with cormorants. Steller sea lions were hauled out and snoozing on a nearby navigational marker, the Steller with an apparent shark bite resting amongst them. Pelagic cormorants nested within the marker, and active pigeon guillemots flew quickly past.

At the start of our journey, we had enjoyed the scenic eastern coastline of Guemes Island, slowing to admire two mature bald eagles near an active nest. A little eaglet was perched within it, but seemed dwarfed by the impressive bundle of branches.

It was a great afternoon spent exploring the beauty of our backyard.

Sam