Nichole
- Sep 6

Ocean Encounters and Family Adventures Aboard the Spirit of Orca

Embark on unforgettable ocean encounters and family adventures aboard the Spirit of Orca. Join us as we explore the majestic marine life off the coast of Anacortes, Washington.

Our 2024 summer roadtrip took us to the amazing Pacific Northwest. One of my bucket list adventures was viewing orcas as they swim in the ocean. I researched extensively, reading numerous reviews and blogs that discussed various boating and tour guide choices along the Washington coast. Yet, it was the quaint town of Anacortes and a private orca viewing tour that captured my attention. So, on the third day, our trusty rental car, affectionately named the "Iron Dragon" by the girls, took us 92 miles from the Ross Lake area of the North Cascades NP to the Majestic Inn & Spa in Anacortes, Washington. Here we took in this charming ocean oasis before setting off on my bucket list ocean adventure the next morning.

Where is Anacortes?

Located on Fidalgo Island in the western part of Washington state, Anacortes is a charming town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. The town is linked to the mainland by three bridges, providing easy access to neighboring areas. Additionally, Anacortes serves as a gateway to the San Juan Islands and Sidney B.C. through the Washington State Ferry system, making it a hub for maritime adventures. With a population of just over 17,000 residents, Anacortes exudes a sense of small town tranquility. The town is home to numerous galleries, museums, and cultural events that showcase the talents of local artists and celebrate the rich history of the region. Visitors to Anacortes can immerse themselves in the town's creative spirit and learn more about its heritage through various cultural offerings.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Anacortes is a paradise waiting to be explored. The town's proximity to the ocean makes it an ideal location for a wide range of activities, including whale watching, kayaking, sailing, power boating, bird watching, and camping. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a nature lover looking to unwind, Anacortes offers something for everyone. Exploring the waters surrounding Anacortes provides a unique opportunity to witness the rich marine life that inhabits the region. From majestic whales to playful seals, the waters off the coast of Anacortes are teeming with wildlife, offering a truly unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

During our unforgettable stay at the Majestic Inn & Spa, we were truly captivated by the sheer beauty and charm of the inn. The rooms, spacious and elegantly adorned, offered a haven of comfort and ensuring a restful night's sleep that left us rejuvenated and ready to embrace our ocean adventures the next day. One of the highlights was the rooftop evening reception. As we savored delectable drinks, we were treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the sun setting over the glistening ocean waters. The sight was nothing short of mesmerizing!

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.

Spirit of Orca Whale Watching Tour

The first thing that drew my attention to the Spirit of Orcas Whale Watching Tour was the smaller, more intimate group size. I didn't want to feel crowded on a boat that disrupts the peaceful experience. I wasn't interested in struggling for a spot by the railing or feeling like just a statistic. I wanted a company that showed deep respect for the ocean and its wildlife, and one that could offer an educational aspect to our journey. Our experience with Ken exceeded my expectations. I easily made the booking through his website. Ken, a naturalist and strong advocate for ocean wildlife, was exactly as my research had indicated. In addition to his passion for the environment, I appreciated supporting a local, small business. Communication was primarily through email, with clear and simple directions provided. Locating the marina and Ken's boat was straightforward, and we were warmly greeted by Ken and his wife upon arrival.

Our Ocean Encounters and Family Adventures Aboard the Spirit of Orca

Once we boarded the Spirit of Orca and settled in, Ken welcomed and provided a brief safety talk to ensure everyone's well-being during the journey. As we set off, the anticipation of exploring the Salish Sea and the picturesque island coastlines filled us with excitement. The Salish Sea, a stunning body of water located in the Pacific Northwest, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty. As we cruised through the Salish Sea, the tranquil waters glistened under the sun, offering a peaceful setting for observing the marine life that calls this region home. The San Juan Islands, a collection of idyllic islands dotted throughout the sea, provided a captivating backdrop for our adventure. Each island we passed by revealed its unique charm, from lush forests to rugged coastlines. Best of all, our journey gave us the opportunity to witness a variety of wildlife, from Bald Eagles perched on tall branches, to playful seals basking in the sun on rocky shores, and my favorite, majestic orcas gracefully swimming along the coastline.

Sighting 1 - Majestic Bald Eagles

We were only on day 4 of our adventure through the Pacific Northwest, but we had yet spotted the elusive bald eagle! After expressing our wish to spot one to Ken, he worked his magic and made it happen! As we cruised along the forested shoreline, we were treated to our first sighting of these majestic American icons. The eagle sat gracefully amidst the lush evergreen branches, showcasing its vibrant yellow beak and striking white crown.

Bald eagles are a magnificent sight to behold. These majestic birds of prey are not only iconic symbols of strength and freedom but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. With their impressive wingspan and sharp talons, they soar through the skies, hunting for fish and small mammals with incredible precision. Washington is known for being a prime habitat for these remarkable creatures, offering them ample opportunities to thrive in their natural environment. Today, conservation efforts have helped protect and preserve the population of Bald Eagles in Washington, ensuring that future generations can continue to witness their awe-inspiring presence in the wild.

Sighting 2 - Curious Seals and Juvenile Bald Eagles

No ocean adventure would be complete without a glimpse of a seal / sea lion -- to be honest, I had never grasped the distinction until we traveled through the Pacific Northwest! Seals and sea lions are both pinnipeds, but they belong to different families. One of the main differences between the two is their ability to move on land -- seals move by flopping along the ground, while sea lions are able to rotate their hind flippers forward and walk on all fours. Sea lions have visible ear flaps, while seals have small ear holes. Seals tend to be more solitary creatures, spending most of their time in the water and coming ashore mainly to breed and molt. Sea lions, on the other hand, are more social animals, often forming groups on land and engaging in vocal communication.

As we approached another island coastline, we were greeted by small eyes peeking out from the water's surface - our first encounter with a seal! A brief glance at the shore unveiled more seals basking in the sun and curiously observing us from the water, accompanied by two bald eagles resting on a log. This amazing little island also showed us young bald eagles in different phases of growth, each characterized by their brown bodies and wings with a varying mix of brown and white feathers.

As we continued our journey around the island, we observed mature bald eagles enjoying a meal that appeared to be a seal pup. The girls were at a safe distance, so they were spared any graphic details. Nevertheless, we took the opportunity to educate them about the natural cycle of life and the interdependence of animals in the food chain. Despite the initial reaction of it being "gross", witnessing these animals in their native environment was undeniably an extraordinary experience!

Sighting 3 - Playful Orcas

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are magnificent marine mammals that belong to the dolphin family. These highly intelligent creatures are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and white coloring, as well as their sleek and powerful bodies that can reach lengths of up to 32 feet. Orcas are found in oceans all around the world, from the icy waters of the Arctic to the warm seas of the tropics. With its reputation as an outdoor paradise, Anacortes was the perfect location to check off this one off my bucket list!

The tour operators collaborate to explore different areas and exchange information about whale sightings (we had a similar encounter in Depoe Bay, Oregon). We were close by exploring an area to the north when we received a call informing us about the first orca sighting of the day! Excitement surged as we headed south towards the San Juan Channel to check it out. Ken diligently adhered to all regulations to ensure these magnificent creatures had the necessary space to swim and interact with each other. From our safe distance, we observed a pod of 5 orcas swimming along the forested shoreline. This particular pod was identified as T109A.

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 (jumping out of the water and landing with a big splash), belly flops, and tail splashing before they moved out into deeper water and played peek-a-boo with some spy-hops (staying upright in the water to look around). Words cannot express how amazing this experience was!

The Family Verdict

Anacortes is on my list of places we would love to visit again, and we would eagerly embark on another ocean adventure with Ken and the Spirit of Orca! 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 and family adventures aboard the Spirit of Orca was a bucket list adventure that I will never forget!