Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Bigg's killer whale T-Party
Harbor seals
Steller sea lions
Turkey vulture

September 3, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

Cups and saucers were passed around this afternoon, because we had ourselves a T party! Before getting down to a group of around 13 Bigg's killer whales in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, we made a small stop at bird rocks where we spotted harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and loads of gulls and cormorants. Continuing south, we ran down towards the Olympic mountains until we saw black dorsal fins on the horizon.

After getting oriented, we identified three different families and three matriarchs on scene! Leading this massive social party were T100 Hutchins, T123 Sydney, and T46B Raksha. Stand out whales included Sydney's massive 26 year old adult son, T123A Stanley, as well as Hutchins' 24 year old boy, T100C Laurel. Honorable mentions included T46B8 Pi, who graced us with several full baby breaches and lots of splashing! Pi's older sister, T46B2 Akela, also gave us an absolutely stunning spy hop while she swam with her younger sister T46B7 Tala and her own daughter, 3 year old T46B2B Takaya.

We were also witnessing an extended family reunion, as it's assumed that Sydney and Raksha are sisters! While we learned about the inspiring story of T46 Wake, Sydney and Raksha's mother, we watched these whales frolic and splash, twirling around below the surface and socializing. It was so sweet to see these whales in such a community-oriented mood!

Below is a recap of the whales present!

T100 Hutchins

T100C Laurel

T100F Estrella

T46B Raksha

T46B2 Akela

T46B2B Takaya

T46B4 Quiver*

T46B6 Sol

T46B7 Tala

T46B8 Pi

T123 Sydney

T123A Stanley

T123C Lucky

T123 Darcy

*I'm sure Quiver was present, though the only photo I have that could be him is at an awkward angle, so I cant say for certain if he was there. He's usually not far from his momma though, so I'm sure he was hangin around!

On our way back home, we stopped at south Lopez where we spotted a turkey vulture soaring above us and three more harbor seals hauled out underneath Castle Island. After our turn into Rosario Strait, we discussed the photo ID process and how we are able to tell all these whales apart as individuals. We were then able to discuss the different personalities, family dynamics, and parenting styles of individual whales based on behavioral observations we've gathered over the years. Such a fun day!!

Amy