Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's killer whales (T36Bs, T100s, & T137s)
Harbor seals
Bald eagles

August 9, 2026 | 10 AM and 3 PM Whale Watch

10 AM

We had ourselves a T party this morning! We began our adventure scouting north, taking a brief pause for some Steller sea lions sleeping on a navigational marker. After receiving reports of whales far to the north, we pushed past the outer islands and up to Saturna. Here, we met up with members from the T36B family as well as the T100s! T100 Hutchins swam close by her two sons, T100C Laurel and T100E Estrella. Just ahead, T36B Tattertip led the way with her 2024 calf T36B4 Auk. Off in the distance was Tattertip's 13 year old daughter, T36B2 Greenfelder, who apparently wanted some alone time. We hung with these families as they slowly cruised down the shoreline in flat calm waters. On our way back down south, we got a stunning look at the Patos Island lighthouse and discussed the photo ID process for killer whales as well as the research projects and discoveries these photo ID's have led to in the Salish Sea! -Amy

3 PM

This afternoon we pushed west across Rosario Strait and stopped briefly at Pointer Island before cruising into Thatcher pass. Plotting a course westward, we passed the Lopez, Shaw, and Orcas ferry terminals before slipping into Pole pass. Up beyond Jones Island and into Cowlitz Bay, we ran into a few Bigg's killer whales! In total, we watched members from three different matrilines, the T100s, T36Bs, and T137s. (Although the T36Bs and the T137s are technically extended family). We spent the first part of our encounter with T137A Jack, T100 Hutchins, and T100E Estrella, while spotting other family members spread out over about a mile in the distance. Then, we switched over to viewing T100C, 24 year old Laurel, who was keeping company with 13 year old T36B2 Greenfelder. After our visit with these whales, we cruised over to Speiden Island where we spotted mouflon sheep and a bald eagle resting on the open hills. Turning over to Sentinel Island, we were also able to spot a few harbor seals, including a little pup! After our wildlife stop, we pushed back through the islands and over to Guemes Channel via Wasp pass and Thatcher pass. What a phenomenal afternoon! -Amy