Anacortes Whale Watch

Highlights

Biggs killer whales (T19s, T60D, T60E, T37s)
Four humpback whales
Harbor seals
Fallow deer
Mouflon sheep

October 3, 2026 | 1 PM Whale Watch

Three groups of Bigg's killer whales and four humpback whales... does it get any better? We began our cruise jetting down Rosario Strait, curving around the corner of Lopez and stopping briefly at Colville for some seal and cormorant action. From here, we plunged west to reports around Darcy Island. Once in Canada, we got on scene with the T19s! This lovely family of three Bigg's killer whales made their way slowly north. Matriarch T19 Mooyah led the way while her two massive adult sons, T19B Galiano and T19C Spouter, brought up the rear. Most likely, they were spread out to scout for food.

Just a little ways away, we received reports of more killer whales, so we waved goodbye to Mooyah and her sons after a few good looks and turned off to investigate. A few minutes later, we found ourselves briefly on scene with the T60 brothers-- 22 year old T60D Onca and his 18 year old little brother, T60E Lynx. These two brothers have been regularly dispersing from their mom and other siblings since 2021, so it was no surprise to see them by themselves and without parental supervision. They have each others backs, and have proven to be quite the successful hunting duo through the years, so we don't have to worry about them despite their prolonged separation from the family. Onca and Lynx were in the mood to be sneaky, so we only got peak at a few surfacings, but they were beautiful nonetheless.

After getting a look at these rascal brothers, we pushed further north towards Turn point. Here, we came across a spectacular scene-- four humpback whales all traveling together and keeping each other company and the T37s rolling through the scene at that exact moment! Talk about timing!! We got a phenomenal look at T37B1 Lance and his little sister T37B3 Slice as they passed by our starboard side. As soon as these orcas had swam by, we got absolutely stunning looks at these four humpbacks as they surfaced several times and then dove. All of these whale sightings took place in the same small area of about a mile or two, and it was so fun and exciting to get to jump from group to group. It was truly whale soup!

On our return journey, we stopped by Spieden island and checked out herds of fallow deer and mouflon sheep grazing on the bluffs. From here, we cruised through Pole pass and sped east, getting some beautiful looks at the Orcas island ferry terminal and several Washington State ferries in transit. This was such a phenomenal day out on the water absolutely jam packed with whales, and one I won't soon forget!!

- Amy