🐳 Whale Watching Magic with Outer Island Excursions: A Day with Divot, Seals & Supernatural Brooke McKinley

🌊 Join us on a whale watching tour with Outer Island Excursions near Anacortes, WA. Learn from expert naturalist Brooke McKinley, see seals and a humpback named Divot, and get tips for planning your own adventure!

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📅 About This Trip

Yesterday, Jason and I had the privilege of joining a whale watching tour with Outer Island Excursions— and it was nothing short of spectacular. Led by the dynamic duo of Captain Drew and Naturalist Brooke McKinley, this was far more than a sightseeing trip — it was an unforgettable wildlife experience filled with breathtaking views, fascinating knowledge, and up-close moments with marine life. 🐬

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🚤 The Tour: Scenic Waters and Unforgettable Wildlife

We set out with excitement, camera in hand, hearts full of hope — and we were not disappointed. The Salish Sea was alive with movement, and within a short time, we were treated to an amazing show.

We saw Stealth Seals lounging and bobbing curiously in the waves, and then the moment we were all waiting for… a Humpback Whale named Divot surfaced 🐋.

Watching Divot move through the water was humbling and awe-inspiring — the size, grace, and presence of this gentle giant left us in awe. And thanks to Captain Drew’s calm, steady navigation, we were able to maintain the perfect respectful distance while still getting incredible photos 📸.

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🧠 Naturalist Brooke McKinley: A Living Encyclopedia of the Sea

Now let’s talk about the heart and soul of the experience — Brooke McKinley. With 18 years of experience as a whale-watching naturalist, Brooke is a walking encyclopedia of the ocean 🌊. Her passion for marine life is infectious, and her ability to identify individual whales by sight was absolutely remarkable.

Every question we had, Brooke answered in depth — from whale behavior and feeding habits to the history of the whale, Divot, we were seeing. She didn’t just tell us what we were looking at — she connected us to it. 🐋💙

It felt like a private marine biology course out on the water, with Divot swimming just beyond the boat.

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📷 Fun Fact:

Brooke is also an incredibly talented photographer. You can find her stunning marine wildlife work on Facebook or Instagram @orcawhalephotography. Trust me — if you’re not already a whale nerd, you will be after scrolling through her gallery! 📸🐬

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🌟 Highly Recommended: Ask for Brooke!

If you’re thinking about taking a whale watching tour in the San Juan Islands, Outer Island Excursions is a must — and if you want to really learn something and make the most of the experience, ask for Brooke McKinley.

She brings the whales to life in a way few others can, and her knowledge and storytelling add an incredible dimension to the trip.

Jason and I left the boat not only thrilled by what we’d seen, but grateful — for the care, the education, and the sheer joy of being in such capable and passionate hands 💫.

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🧭 Plan Your Whale Watching Tour: Quick Guide

• Company: Outer Island Excursions
• Departing From: Anacortes or San Juan Islands
• What You Might See: Orcas, Humpback Whales (like Divot!), seals, porpoises, bald eagles 🦭🦅
• Ask For: Naturalist Brooke McKinley — tour guide, storyteller, marine expert, and photographer
• Photography Tip: Bring a zoom lens — or just follow Brooke on Instagram @orcawhalephotography! 📷

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📅 Best Time to Go:

May to September offers prime whale watching with warmer weather and calm seas ☀️

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🏨 Where to Stay Nearby:

• Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn — with stunning views of the ferry and harbor
• San Juan Island lodging options — if you’re departing directly from Friday Harbor 🛏️

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💬 Final Thought:

There are good tours… and then there are tours that stay with you forever.
This was one of the latter.

Thank you, Captain Drew and Brooke, for giving us a memory we’ll treasure for years to come 💙🐋