Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's killer whales (T123s)
Humpback whale (CRC-17702 Gretzky)
Steller sea lions
Nesting cormorants & gulls plus harlequin ducks

June 18, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

A double header today with orcas and humpbacks!

We pushed into a breeze coming down from the Strait of Georgia as we made our way towards Bellingham Bay. Reports of killer whales up this direction made us eager to explore, and it wasn't long before our sharpe eyed guests sighted inky fins on the horizon. The T123s were once again working their favorite lines in the bay, scouting for harbor seals and porpoises. T123C Lucky wowed us with a close pass as she made her way back to the rest of the family, and soon enough the four orcas were grouped up and traveling side by side. They led us past Eliza Island and to the southern point of Lummi Island where we waved goodbye.

Near Sinclair, we stopped to say hello to a trio of Steller sea lions resting on a navigational marker, a single pelagic cormorant nest constructed above them. We pushed south towards calmer waters, marveling at how much the islands buffered against the northern winds. It was practically glassy at Bird Rocks, where we slowed to visit with nesting gulls, cormorants, and a small group of harlequin ducks.

As we neared Lawson Reef, we kept an eye out for blows. A whale had been reported in the region, and sure enough, our incredible guests once again pulled through! With a shout and a point towards the Deception Pass bridge, we were soon on scene with CRC-17702 Gretzky the humpback whale, who was making big loops over Lawson Reef. Gretzky showed off just enough tail for a proper ID, and then meandered towards the growing rip caused by the now flooding tide.

A double header! Time spent with Bigg’s and humpbacks sounds like the perfect afternoon to us.

- Sam