Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Biggs killer whales (T19s)
Steller sea lions
Harbor seals
Bald eagles
Harbor porpoise

October 10, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

Truly such a splendid day out on the water. We began our quest for whales cruising down Rosario Strait. Outside of Guemes Channel, we were surrounded by foraging harbor porpoise darting this way and that. A little further south at Bird Rocks, we spotted harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and lots of cormorants. Turning around south Lopez, we skirted between Castle and Colville Island and then pushed out west towards Salmon Bank. Coming out of Cattle Pass right around the time we slowed down to investigate Salmon Bank was a lovely family of Bigg's killer whales known as the T19s.

We scooted over towards San Juan Island and met up with the mother son duo, T19 Mooyah and T19C Spouter. These two swam side by side, giving us a really great example of the strength of mother-kin relationships in Bigg's culture, particularly mothers and sons. By contrast Spouter's big brother, T19B Galiano, swam along a bit further inshore, perhaps enjoying some alone time away from his family.

At about 65 years old, Mooyah is one of our oldest matriarchs and it's such a privilege to be able to spend time with her. Her two sons, 31 year old Galiano and 25 year old Spouter, are also some of the largest males of the population. All together, this makes for an incredibly impressive family. While on scene we discussed family dynamics, Bigg's social culture, and ID history and research.

After our visit with Mooyah and her two not-so-small sons, we briefly stopped by Whale Rocks to check out some Steller sea lions. Then, we cruised back by Castle Island and were lucky enough to spot two bald eagles (we heard them before we saw them-- gotta love their iconic chatter!) perched on the cliffside. After our visit here, we slipped back into Rosario Strait and up towards Guemes channel. While cruising home, we talked more about how to ID a killer whale, what dynamics might shift when older matriarchs pass away, and father figures (or lack-there-of) in Bigg's families. Such a 10/10 day!!

- Amy