Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg’s killer whales
Humpback: Gretzky
Gray whale
Steller sea lion
Bird Rocks

June 8, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

A triple header on World Oceans Day!!!

That’s right, three unique species of cetacean encountered on this afternoon’s adventure: humpback, gray and killer whales! We left the marina to news that Bigg’s had been sighted in our backyard, a fantastic way to start the day. Sure enough, Sidney, Stanley, Lucky and Darcy were just north of Jack Island. We enjoyed an intimate encounter with this pod as they led us along the western coastline of Guemes, then across Bellingham Channel to Deepwater Bay. The rugged backdrop of the Cypress Island coastline combined with the gentle rain that was falling made for the most iconic Pacific Northwest backdrop.

Not far away, a humpback whale had been spotted by our fellow whale watchers. It turned out to be Gretzky (CRC-17702). With each deep dive this gorgeous rorqual showed off its flukes, water cascading off them, but it wasn’t until the final dive that they angled it perfectly for that ID worthy shot.

Gretzky had led us south towards Lopez Island, where captain Tyson spied another blow on the horizon. Upon investigation, it proved to be a different type of baleen whale, a gray! This individual (#2702) was busy feeding, bringing up plumes of sediment with each surfacing. We hope this visitor is finding the sustenance they need for the migration to come.

On our journey north, we slowed at Bird Rocks where double-crested cormorants were nesting, harlequin ducks were perched amongst the rock weed, gulls were gathered and a few harbor seals were swimming amidst the bull kelp. We also visited with a very showy Steller sea lion on a nearby navigational marker.

What a rich day!

-Sam