What You Actually See from Anacortes

Bigg’s orcas

Mammal-hunting transients, and the realistic orca encounter in these waters. Smaller groups, constantly moving, and dramatic when they are hunting.

Humpbacks

The comeback story. Regularly seen from spring through autumn and especially strong in September and October, feeding in the straits. Big, and more demonstrative at the surface than the orcas often are.

Minke whales and porpoises

Minkes are common and easy to miss. Harbour and Dall’s porpoises are frequent, and Dall’s in particular will ride a bow wave.

Seals and sea lions

Constant, and part of why Bigg’s orcas are here at all — they are the prey. Watching a haul-out with that in mind changes how the day reads.

Grey whales

Spring migration, roughly March to May, through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Southern Resident orcas

Present in the region May to October, critically endangered, and legally protected by wide vessel-distance rules. Rare, distant when it happens, and not something to book expecting — the distinction is here.