Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's killer whales (T46Bs, T77D, T75Bs, & T123s)
Steller sea lions
Harbor seals
Bald eagles

June 28, 2026 | 10 AM and 3 PM Whale Watch

10 AM

Such a lovely morning with two orca families! We started out cruising north up the east side of Guemes looking for an early morning report. Stopping at the northern end of Sinclair we got a great look at a few snoozing sea lions, one stretching into an impressive yoga pose. After visiting with these guys we turned back south down Rosario Strait. pausing at Bird Rocks, we spotted harbor seals and lots of birds (no surprise there) perched on the rocks. A little further south, we met up with the T46Bs! This lovely family is led by T64B Raksha. Traveling with her were her kiddos, T46B2 Akela, T46B3 Sedna, T46B4 Quiver, T46B6 Sol, T46B7 Tala, and T46B8 Pi, born just a few months ago! Also in this troop were Akela and Sedna's calves, T46B2B Takaya and T46B3A Monroe. While visiting with this pod, we discussed their family legacy and the story and impact of T46 Wake, Raksha's mother.

After lots of fantastic looks at this large family, we scooted back up north to meet up with a second group, the T75Bs! T77D Alcyon, a cousin of this family, also scooted along in the mix. These whales were in the mood to go fast and we got to see some awesome porpoising behavior as they hit the gas pedal. Such a cool behavior to get to witness! After visiting with these whales we turned off and headed for home. Such a fantastic start to the day visiting with these two amazing pods and so much other wildlife too!

3 PM

This afternoon we started off with some epic eagle action as several mature individuals and one juvenile dove to scoop up small fish against the shoreline of Guemes. Up ahead, a splash caught our attention, so we cruised up to the southern point of Lummi Island where we met up with the T75Bs once again! This time, T75B Pebbles had found another family to hang with, and we soon realized we also had the T123s on scene. In glassy condiions, we were lucky enough to sit in on a proper T party as these two families socialized. We saw back to back breaches from the ever energetic T123D Darcy, tail slaps, pec waves, and even a mini spy hop! Because these whales were also stationary, we got to put our hydrophone in the water and listen to them chat-- something we rarely get to do!!! We got to listen in as these whales squeaked and whistled. So. So. So. Cool!!! After our visit with this T party we cruised around Lummi Rocks then over to Sinclair to visit with some snoozing sea lions. One individual in the water tried maybe ten times to jump up onto the navigational marker to nap with his buddies and each time he missed the landing. Persistence paid off though, and they finally made it up as we were slowly moving on. Good job buddy!

Luckily, we also had a second family of Bigg's in the area, and hopped over to the T46Bs just a little ways to the west. T46B Raksha led the way with her family. This three generation pod is made up of nine members right now, but will most likely shrink when Raksha's second and third oldest daughters T46B2 Akela and T46B3 Sedna separate to form their own respective pods. Both females each have one calf of their own, and with Raksha's youngest two, 2 year old T46B7 Tala and newborn T46B8 Pi, there are lots of little ones in this family!

Taking a small break from this family, we split off to Peapod rocks where we spotted a mature bald eagle resting on the day marker as well as a few harbor seals hauled out on the small rocky islands. Scooting back over for one last look, we waved goodbye to Raksha and her crew before heading back to the marina. Such a spectacular afternoon!!

Amy