Join our adventure travel family for an unforgettable whale watching in Washington experience aboard the Spirit of Orca! This is your chance to witness orcas up close in their natural environment. I’ve always dreamed of seeing these magnificent whales, and watching them breach and glide alongside the boat was an experience beyond words. The thrill of seeing these majestic creatures in the wild, surrounded by the stunning Pacific Northwest landscape, made for memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, whale watching in Washington is truly something you won’t want to miss.
Whale Watching in Washington:
Why Anacortes, Washington?
Nestled on Fidalgo Island in western Washington, Anacortes is a picturesque town known for its natural beauty and small-town charm. Connected to the mainland by three bridges, it also serves as a gateway to the San Juan Islands and Sidney, B.C., via the Washington State Ferry system. With a population of just over 17,000, Anacortes offers a peaceful atmosphere along with vibrant cultural attractions, including galleries, museums, and local events.
Outdoor lovers will find plenty to enjoy, from whale watching and kayaking to sailing, birding, and camping. The surrounding waters are rich with marine life, offering unforgettable encounters with whales, seals, and more—making Anacortes a perfect destination for both adventure and relaxation.
Overall, Anacortes is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, Anacortes has something for everyone to enjoy.
We stayed at the Majestic Inn & Spa. The spacious, beautifully decorated rooms offered ultimate comfort and a restful night’s sleep. A highlight was the rooftop evening reception, where we enjoyed delicious drinks while watching a stunning sunset over the ocean—a truly mesmerizing experience.
Whale Watching in Washington:
Picking The Spirit Of Orca Tour
What drew me to the Spirit of Orcas Whale Watching Tour was the smaller, more intimate group size—I wanted a peaceful, uncrowded experience with a company that respects the ocean and its wildlife. Booking through Ken’s website was easy, and he exceeded all expectations. As a naturalist and advocate for marine life, Ken brought passion and knowledge to the tour. I also appreciated supporting a local small business. Communication was clear, and finding the marina and boat was simple. We were warmly welcomed by Ken and his wife, setting the tone for a fantastic experience.
Whale Watching in Washington:
Getting Started on the Tour
After boarding the Spirit of Orca, Ken welcomed us with a brief safety talk. As we set off, excitement grew to explore the Salish Sea, a breathtaking Pacific Northwest waterway known for its rich biodiversity. The sunlit, tranquil waters created the perfect setting to observe marine life in its natural habitat. Cruising past the San Juan Islands, we were treated to stunning views of lush forests and rugged coastlines. Each island had its own unique charm, adding to the peaceful beauty of the journey. The entire experience offered a serene and unforgettable glimpse into this incredible marine environment.
Whale Watching in Washington:
Sighting #1 - Bald Eagles
After we told Ken we hoped to see a bald eagle, he made it happen! Cruising along the forested shore, we spotted one perched in the evergreens, its white crown and yellow beak shining through the branches.
Bald eagles are stunning birds—symbols of strength and freedom. With wide wingspans and sharp talons, they glide through the skies, hunting fish and small animals with precision. Washington is a key habitat for them, offering plenty of space to thrive. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population is growing, ensuring these majestic birds remain a part of the wild for generations to come.
Whale Watching in Washington:
Sighting #2 - Seals & Juvenile Bald Eagles
No ocean adventure feels complete without spotting a seal or sea lion. And honestly, I hadn’t known the difference until visiting the Pacific Northwest! Both are pinnipeds, but sea lions have visible ear flaps and can walk on land using their flippers, while seals flop along and have small ear holes. Sea lions are social and vocal; seals are more solitary, spending most of their time in the water.
As we neared another island, curious seal eyes peeked above the water, quietly watching us. It was our first close encounter, and the moment felt magical. On the rocky shore, more seals basked in the sun, occasionally glancing our way. Nearby, two bald eagles perched on a driftwood log, adding to the stunning scene. To our surprise, we also spotted juvenile bald eagles, their mottled brown-and-white feathers marking different stages of growth. Seeing multiple generations of eagles alongside the seals was incredible. The island felt like a living postcard—wild, peaceful, and full of unforgettable moments.
Whale Watching in Washington:
Sighting #3 - Orcas
Orcas, or killer whales, are stunning marine mammals in the dolphin family. With their striking black-and-white coloring and sleek bodies, they can grow up to 32 feet long. Found in oceans worldwide, from the Arctic to the tropics, Anacortes was the perfect spot to check this off my bucket list!
Tour operators collaborate to track and share whale sightings (we had a similar experience in Depoe Bay, Oregon). While exploring to the north, we got a call about an orca sighting and headed south to the San Juan Channel. Ken made sure we kept a safe distance as we observed a pod of 5 orcas, identified as T109A, swimming along the shoreline.
One of the most fascinating aspects of orcas is their complex social structure. They live in tight-knit family groups called pods, led by a matriarch who plays a crucial role in guiding the pod’s behavior and decision-making. Within these pods, orcas communicate through a sophisticated system of clicks, whistles, and calls, allowing them to coordinate hunting strategies and maintain social bonds. They are skilled hunters, using their intelligence and teamwork to catch prey effectively. Despite their reputation as apex predators, orcas are also playful animals, often engaging in acrobatic displays and social interactions that showcase their agility and intelligence.
We observed a particularly playful young orca breaching, belly flops, and tail splashing before they moved out into deeper water and played peek-a-boo with some spy-hops. Words cannot express how amazing this experience was!
The Family Verdict
Anacortes is on my list of places we would love to visit again! We would bring more layers for the girls, as they did get a little chilly when the boat reached higher speeds. However, even Spider Monkey, who typically does not love anything boat-related (unless it is a giant cruise boat), had an fantastic time. For me, our ocean encounters were a bucket list adventure that I will never forget!
Make sure to check out our adventures in nearby Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Mount Saint Helens Ape Cave Lava Tubes. Also, follow along on our road trip through the Pacific Northwest!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
Basics:
Outdoors:
- Pocket Binoculars
- Travel Umbrella
- Adult Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Kid’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Water Bladder Cleaning Tablets
- Microfiber Towels
- Women’s All Around Jacket
- Women’s Water-Resistant Hiking Pants, These and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Pants and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Women’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Women’s Hiking Socks
- Women’s Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Quick Dry Pants
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shorts
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Kid’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Kid’s Hiking Socks and These
- Kids Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Rain Pants
- Foldable Kid’s Hat
- Men’s Rain Jacket
