5 Best Places for Killer Whale Watching in Washington

Nature lovers can see amazing orca whales in Washington. It’s easy to take a boat ride and see these sea animals. Watching orcas swim in clear water with their black and white bodies shining in the sun is really special.

Top 5 Whale Watching Spots in Washington

Washington has many great spots to watch orcas. Here are five places where you can see these amazing animals.

The San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are the most popular place for whale watching. Many orcas come here in summer to eat salmon. Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island is called Whale Watching Park. You can see whales from the beach there. You can also take boat trips from Friday Harbor to see whales up close.

Anacortes

Anacortes is another good place to see whales. It’s on Fidalgo Island and is close to the San Juan Islands. You can take boat tours from Anacortes to see whales. The best time to see whales is from May to September. Because Anacortes is in a good spot, you can often see whales without going far.

Port Townsend

Port Townsend is at the top of the Olympic Peninsula. You can see lots of whales here. Both local orcas and visiting orcas come to this area. You can also see other sea animals. Boat trips from Port Townsend often go to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Many whales swim through this area when they are moving to new places.

Puget Sound

Puget Sound is a nice place to watch whales near Seattle. It’s not as well-known as the San Juan Islands, but many orcas and other sea animals live here. You might see whales while riding a ferry. You can also take special whale watching trips from Seattle and Edmonds.

Westport

Westport is on the Pacific coast of Washington. It’s different from other whale watching spots. You don’t see many orcas here, but you can see lots of gray whales. The best time to see gray whales is from March to May. You can take boat trips from Westport to see whales in the open ocean.

About Orcas

Orcas are also called killer whales. They’re actually big dolphins. They have black and white skin and tall fins on their backs. Orcas are very smart and hunt in clever ways.

The orcas near Washington are called Southern Resident Killer Whales. They mostly eat fish, especially Chinook salmon. In orca families, the older females are the leaders. Family is very important to orcas.

Why Washington is Good for Watching Orcas

Washington has many different kinds of land and animals. It’s also a great place to see orcas. The area has lots of water, including Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Many orcas live and eat in these waters.

There are lots of salmon in Washington’s waters. This means there’s plenty of food for the orcas. The water here is deep in some places and protected in others.

Whale Watching Tours

Embarking on a whale watching tour can be an exhilarating experience, offering an opportunity to see orcas up close and learn from seasoned experts. But how do you go about choosing the right tour?

Things to Consider When Choosing a Tour

Going on a whale watching tour is very exciting. You can see orcas up close and learn from people who know a lot about them. When you choose a tour, think about a few things. Pick a company that knows a lot about whales and follows the rules about watching them.

Think about the size of the boat. Small boats get you closer to whales, but big boats are more stable. Look for tours with guides who can teach you about whales. Try to find tours that see whales often.

What to Bring on Your Whale Watching Trip

When you go whale watching, you need to bring the right things. Bring binoculars to see the whales better. Wear warm clothes because it can be cold on the water. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect you from the sun.

Wear shoes that won’t slip on the boat. Bring a camera to take pictures of the whales. Pack some snacks and water because you might be out for a long time. If you sometimes feel sick on boats, bring medicine for that.

How to Spot an Orca: Expert tips

Spotting orcas requires patience, but a few tips can help maximize your chances:

• Watch for the Blow: Orcas need to surface to breathe, expelling a powerful ‘blow’ of air and moisture. This can be visible from a distance, so keep an eye out for it!
• Look for Birds: A flock of birds hovering in one spot could indicate a school of fish below, attracting hungry orcas.
• Scan the Horizon: Use your binoculars to slowly scan the water’s surface. Look for disturbances in the water or unusual shapes.
• Follow the Boats: If you’re out on a boat, keep an eye on other boats. They might have spotted something interesting.
• Listen for Blows and Splashes: If you’re near the water, listen for the sound of blows or large splashes. Orcas are powerful creatures, and their movements can make a lot of noise.
• Check for a Dorsal Fin: The iconic tall, triangular dorsal fin of an orca is a dead giveaway. If you see one, there’s a good chance there are more nearby.

Conclusion

Orcas are a joy to watch in their natural habitat. The sight of these intelligent creatures roaming the waters around Washington is more than a simple stroll.