Orcas Dazzle Crowds in Rare Shore-Side Spectacle off West Seattle

SEATTLE — Residents along the West Seattle waterfront were treated to a front-row seat to nature’s power this Friday, January 16, 2026. A pod of Bigg’s killer whales turned the waters near Alki Beach into an open-air theater, performing a series of acrobatic breaches and tail slaps that left onlookers breathless.

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A Hunt in the Sound

The “show” wasn’t just for fun; it was a high-stakes hunting display. Identified by researchers as members of the T46 and T46B families, these transient orcas were seen hunting marine mammals close to the shoreline.

Key highlights of the sighting included:

• Proximity: The whales came within a few hundred yards of Constellation Park, making them easily visible without binoculars.
• Behavior: Spectacular aerial breaches and rhythmic tail slapping, a common tactic used to stun prey.
• The Ecosystem in Action: Local witnesses noted a bald eagle and several gulls hovering directly above the pod, waiting to scavenge remnants of the hunt.

Why It Matters

While the endangered Southern Resident orcas (salmon-eaters) are struggling, the Bigg’s killer whale population is thriving. Their increasing presence in Puget Sound is a direct reflection of a healthy seal and sea lion population, turning the Seattle coastline into one of the best urban whale-watching spots in the world.

How to Track Future Sightings

If you missed the action, you can stay updated via:

1. The Orca Network: Follow their social media for “land-based” sighting alerts.
2. WhaleReport App: A citizen-science tool used to report and track pod movements in real-time.