Weekly Whale Report: 5/11/26-5/17/26

A new calf swimming alongside T124A1, Bonapartes. Photo Credit: Naturalist Sam Wallace

Whales in Anacortes WA: Who We Saw

New calf alert! T124A1, Bonapartes, appeared Sunday with a very young calf sidled up beside her. Time will tell if this new baby is indeed Bonapartes calf, as multiple sightings are required to confirm maternity, but either way--look at all that cuteness.

But, wait--there's more!

Big Mama fluking her tail in front of Patos lighthouse. Photo credit: Naturalist Megan MacGregor

Welcome back, Big Mama! Big Mama returned this week to fanfare and celebration, marking the 29 year anniversary since her arrival to the Salish Sea--the first humpback whale to return to these waters in almost one hundred years.

Species Seen This Week

Killer Whale - Total: 49

Humpback Whale - Total: 6

Gray Whale - Total: 4

Individual Whales Seen This Week

Killer Whale:

Guests on Sunday were lucky enough to see a double breach from the 124A2s. Photo credit: Naturalist Megan MacGregor

We encountered orcas 7 times and identified 49 individuals across 7 matrilines.

These included:

• T46B1s

• T46C2

• T90s

• T123s

• T124A1 + new calf

• T124A2s

• T124A4s

Humpback Whale:

We encountered humpback whales 5 times.

These included:

• Big Mama

• Scuttle

• Yakima

Gray Whale:

We encountered one gray whale 4 times. This gray whale is an unknown individual who has been spotted milling outside of Lopez Pass.

Highlights from Anacortes Whale Watching Tours

A celebratory breach from the 124A2 matriline. Photo credit: Naturalist Megan MacGregor

In addition to whales, our guests enjoyed seeing harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, horned puffins, and tufted puffins.

A tail slap from the 124A2 matriline. Photo credit: Naturalist Megan MacGregor

Every day is different out on the Salish Sea, and you never know who you're going to see or what they're going to do!

If you want to see more photos and videos from our tours, check out our social media accounts! Find us on Instagram @outerislandx, TikTok @outerislandexcursions, and Facebook as "Outer Island Excursions".

Book your whale watch tour with Outer Island Excursions today!