Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's Killer Whales (T36Bs & T137A)
Bald Eagles
Mouflon Sheep
Harbor Seals
Steller Sea Lions
Gull chicks

August 6, 2026 | 10 AM and 3 PM Whale Watch

10 AM

We set off through the heart of the archipelago this morning, venturing west in search of whales. Harbor porpoises popped up within the currentlines as we cruised across Rosario Strait and through Thatcher Pass. A bald eagle greeted us as we slowed to cruise through Pole Pass, where we marveled at the jellies and bull kelp. Pigeon guillemots dotted the shallows as we worked our way through Spieden Channel and south through Haro Strait. As we neared Kellet Bluff, we spied blows beautifully illuminated in the morning light. The T36s were traveling with T137A in tight formation. Jack's dorsal towered above little Maple and Auk, both calves sticking closer to their moms. It was lovely to witness this extended family reunion. They led us up to Battleship Island and into Spieden Channel, where we left them to continue our wildlife search. We slowed at Speiden to visit three mouflon sheep licking salt and fresh water from the rocky shoreline; the high tide made it difficult for them to find algae to munch on. We also slowed at Pointer Island on our journey east, marveling at the many gull chicks, harbor seals, black oystercatchers and cormorants gathered at this National Wildlife Refuge. - Amy

3 PM

This afternoon we turned north and headed along the east side of Guemes Island, stopping briefly up by Sinclair to check out a few snoozing Steller sea lions. Continuing north, we cruised up to the Patos Island lighthouse and got some stunning views, then pushed towards East Point. Here, we met up with the T36Bs! This four generation family of Bigg's killer whales was in the mood to zig zag, and we watched as they split up, got back together, and split again, perhaps looking for a late lunch or early dinner. Leading the way was oldest female and great grandma T36 Flapjack. Flapjacks second confirmed daughter, T36B Tattertip, was also in the mix with her kiddos T36B1 Bhotia, T36B2 Greenfelder, and T36B4 Auk. And we can't forget about the littlest baby in the bunch, Bhotia's 2025 calf T36B1A Maple! Also joining the family was Flapjack's presumed adult grandson, T137A Jack. It's not incredibly common to see extended family hangning around, so it was great to catch up with Jack as he caught up with his grandma, aunt, and cousins. After spending as much time as we could with this group, we turned back to the south and aimed for home. Such a great day exploring the salish sea with flat calm water and stunning views! - Amy