Chasing Blowholes: A Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Anacortes
High-speed zodiacs, up-close whale encounters, and the marine rhythms of the San Juans — a 3.5-hour trip that pairs adrenaline with stewardship.
When the zodiac’s engine settles to a steady purr and the spray cools on your cheeks, the San Juan Islands open like an old atlas—every island a chapter, every channel a route for whales. We threaded through blue-gray water, the zodiac carving a confident line between rocky points and kelp beds. Bald eagles watched from cedar spires like shipboard sentries; harbor porpoises lit the surface with nervous arcs. Then, ahead, a dark fin rose and the sea exhaled: a humpback’s blow steamed in the crisp Pacific air, sudden and astonishing. Moments like this—raw, immediate, unedited—are why people come here.
Trail Wisdom
Dress in layers and expect spray
Temperatures on the water are colder and windier than onshore—waterproof outer layers and a warm mid-layer make the trip far more comfortable.
Use motion-friendly footwear
Low-profile, non-slip shoes help keep steady during boarding and when the zodiac pitches on swells.
Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens
Binoculars let you scan distant channels; a 200–400mm lens captures close-up behaviors without approaching animals.
Listen to the naturalist
Guides know local patterns and NOAA rules—following their directions helps protect wildlife and improves sighting odds.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Cap Sante Park viewpoint for pre- or post-trip vistas of Anacortes and the channel
- •Short ferry hop to Guemes Island for quiet shoreline walks and local tidepooling
Wildlife
Humpback whales, Harbor porpoise
Conservation Note
Wildlife encounters are governed by NOAA and local best practices—operators are required to avoid harassment and maintain distances; support operators who practice responsible viewing.
Anacortes sits on Fidalgo Island and grew as a maritime hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, supporting fishing and logging tied to the region’s waterways.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory birdwatching, Emerging marine activity
Challenges: Unstable weather, Cooler sea temperatures
Spring brings feeding pulses and migrating birds; expect variable weather and brisk water that calls for solid layers.
summer
Best for: Calmer seas, Long daylight for photography
Challenges: Higher visitor numbers, Warmer onshore but cool on-water
Summer is the most comfortable and reliable season for sightings and photography, though tour slots fill quickly.
fall
Best for: Salmon migrations, Active feeding whales
Challenges: Increasing wind and rain, Shorter days
Fall concentrates feeding activity around salmon runs—excellent for wildlife, but be prepared for choppier, wetter conditions.
winter
Best for: Storm watching from shore, Lower crowds
Challenges: Cold, rough seas, Fewer scheduled tours
Winter sees fewer tours and rougher conditions; operators run trips selectively, so flexibility is key.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Blocks spray and wind—critical even on sunny days.
Warm mid-layer (fleece)Essential
Retains heat when wind and sea chill the air.
Binoculars or spotting scope
Helps identify distant wildlife and follow moving groups.
Telephoto lens (200–400mm) or zoom
Captures close-up behavior while maintaining respectful distance.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately 210 minutes (about 3.5 hours) from the Anacortes marina.
Is there an age minimum?
Yes—participants must be at least six years old; children five and under are not permitted for safety reasons.
What wildlife might we see?
Expect whales (humpback and transient orca possible), harbor porpoise, sea lions, and numerous seabirds, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Should I be worried about seasickness?
Zodiacs are fast and can be bouncy; bring motion-sickness medication if you are prone to nausea and sit mid-boat where movement is gentlest.
Are flotation suits or life jackets provided?
Operators typically provide flotation suits or life jackets as part of safety gear—confirm at booking for specifics.
Do operators follow wildlife viewing regulations?
Yes—reputable operators adhere to NOAA guidelines and local laws to avoid stressing animals and maintain safe viewing distances.
What to Pack
Warm layers, waterproof shell, binoculars, motion-sickness meds — for warmth, spray protection, better viewing, and comfort
Did You Know
The San Juan Islands were carved largely by glacial action during the last Ice Age, creating the channels and fjords that concentrate marine life today.
Quick Travel Tips
Book summer dates early; arrive 30 minutes before departure; secure loose items from spray; let your guide know about any medical concerns
Local Flavor
After the trip, stroll Anacortes’ Commercial Avenue for fresh Dungeness crab or fish-and-chips at waterfront spots, then sample a local craft beer at a downtown taproom—an easy, satisfying way to round off a wet, windy morning.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Bellingham (BLI) or Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). Typical driving time from Seattle: ~2–2.5 hours (85–95 miles). Departure: Anacortes marina/Commercial Ave. Cell service: reliable onshore, patchy in open channels. Permits: None required for visitors—operators hold necessary vessel certifications.
Sustainability Note
Operators follow NOAA viewing guidelines—do not approach or chase animals, minimize noise, and pack out all trash. Choose companies that participate in local conservation efforts.