Weekly Whale Report: 5/18/26-5/24/26

T123, Sidney, chasing a seal. Photo credit: Naturalist Megan MacGregor

Whales in Anacortes WA: Who We Saw

Summer has officially arrived! Memorial Day weekend brought all the orcas, multiple humpbacks, and new gray whales to the Salish Sea.

Species Seen This Week

Killer Whale - Total: 137

Humpback Whale - Total: 5

Gray Whale - Total: 10

Individual Whales Seen This Week

A spyhopping Biggs orca. Photo credit: Naturalist Megan MacGregor

Killer Whale:

We encountered orcas 20 times and identified 54 individuals across 14 matrilines.

These included:

• T11A

• T19s

• T49As

• T59s

• T64Bs

• T65As

• T86As

• T86A1s

• T100s

• T123s

• T124As

• T124A1s

• T124A2s

• T124A4s

  
  

Humpback Whale:

We encountered humpback whales 7 times and of the 10 seen, we identified 4.

These included:

• 2025 unnamed calf of Potamus

• Eros

• Scuttle

• Zillion

Gray Whale:

We encountered gray whales 7 times, and of the 4 seen, we identified 2.

These included:

• Paul (unofficial name)

• KEX0084

Highlights from Anacortes Whale Watching Tours

A curious harbor seal. Photo credit: Naturalist Megan MacGregor

In addition to whales, our guests also enjoyed sightings of several other iconic Pacific Northwest species, including harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, and breeding pigeon guillemots.

A porpoising Biggs orca in front of Mount Baker. Photo credit: Megan MacGregor

On Sunday, guests also encountered a tea party--an event that occurs when three or more orca matrilines group up to travel, socialize, and hunt together. T124A1, Bonaparte, was seen traveling close to her presumed new calf.

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!