Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's killer whales (T65As minus A3 and A5)
Gray whale
Steller sea lions
Harbor seals
Turkey Vulture
Pigeon Guillemots
Purple Sea Star

June 26, 2026 | 10 AM Whale Watch

What a lovely day spent hanging out with two different whale species! We began our journey aiming for south Lopez, where we slowed and passed along the inside of Castle Island. Here, we spotted bull kelp blades flowing along the surface against the rocks and squads of pigeon guillemots flitting back and forth. We were also lucky enough to spot a purple sea star poking up above the surface, clinging to the rocks exposed with the low tide. A few larger critters, our harbor seals, were also enjoying the low tide, which granted them an expanded haul-out territory. We even got a look at a turkey vulture perched high on the cliffside of Castle before it took off.

Off Salmon bank, we paused at a navigational marker to visit with two Steller sea lions who were napping and taking a break from their daily hunting. Continuing on, we popped over to Cattle Pass where we spotted a large black fin on the horizon. This dorsal was easily recognizable as T65A2 Ooxjaa! At 22 years old, Ooxjaa's fin has grown to an impressive height. After spending a few surface intervals with him, we scooted offshore about a quarter mile to check in with Ooxjaa's mom, T65A Artemis, as well as his younger sisters, T65A4 Ellifrit (Elli), and T65A6 Callisto (Callie). This trio traveled slowly and tightly, twirling below the surface every now and then (evident from a few little fluke tips visible indicating a twist to the side). Artemis's other sons, T65A5 Indy and T65A3 Amira, were not present, however this was neither a shock nor a concern. Indy is rarely seen with his mother and siblings, instead opting for a life of solo adventure. Amira was last seen two days ago in Blackfish Sound (north Vancouver Island near Telegraph Cove) cruising with the T64Bs.

After our visit with the T65As, (minus A3 and A5) we turned back towards Rosario Strait. Turning up into Shoal Bight, we spotted a blow that turned out to be a gray whale! We hung with this individual for a few breath cycles, watching it actively feed in the shallow, buddy bay. Such a treat to be able to see both toothed and baleen whales on our tour today! After our visit we cruised back towards Cap Sante and recapped all of the wildlife we'd seen, highlighting how each one has a unique job in keeping the balance of the ecosystem. Another lovely day in the books!

Amy