Local guide
Orca Sightings Map
Bigg's orcas have been active in Colvos Passage, Tacoma Narrows, and South Puget Sound in recent weeks. This map shows confirmed sightings from Orca Network public reports.
Where orcas have been spotted near Olalla Bay, and where to watch from shore.
Recent sightings
October 13, 2026 Bigg's orcas
Bigg's orcas reported near the Tacoma Narrows, Gig Harbor, and Commencement Bay area. Source: Orca Network live sighting thread.
October 4, 2026 T65A5 (Indy)
T65A5 in South Puget Sound. Source: Orca Network Whale Sighting Report, October 7, 2026.
October 3, 2026 T65A5 (Indy)
T65A5 traveled to South Puget Sound. Source: Orca Network Whale Sighting Report, October 7, 2026.
October 2, 2026 T65A5 (Indy)
T65A5 traveled south through Colvos Passage. T36A1s and T137s (minus T137A) were in North Puget Sound. Source: Orca Network Whale Sighting Report, October 7, 2026.
October 1, 2026 T36A1s, T65A5, T137s
T36A1s, T65A5, and T137s (minus T137A) together in Hammersley Inlet in the morning. T65A5 then traveled north through the Tacoma Narrows. T36A1s and T137s went through Pickering Passage and Case Inlet. Source: Orca Network Whale Sighting Report, October 7, 2026.
September 30, 2026 T36A1s, T65A5, T137s
T36A1s, T65A5, and T137s (minus T137A) in South Puget Sound. Source: Orca Network Whale Sighting Report, October 7, 2026.
September 28, 2026 T36A1s, T65A5, T137s
T36A1s, T65A5, and T137s (minus T137A) traveled north in Puget Sound. Source: Orca Network Whale Sighting Report, October 7, 2026.
August 2026 T77s
The T77s passed close to shore along Ruston Way Waterfront in Tacoma at sunset. Source: Orca Network reports, cited in our orca etiquette guide.
July 11, 2026 T65A5 (Indy)
T65A5 traveled southbound through Colvos Passage, with multiple breaches near Southworth and Olalla Bay Market. Spotted from shore by several observers. Source: Orca Network Whale Sighting Report, July 29, 2026.
July 2026 Bigg's orcas
Bigg's orcas active in South Puget Sound and Colvos Passage throughout July, with multiple sightings reported to Orca Network. Source: Orca Network Whale Sighting Report, July 29, 2026.
Where to watch
These are public shore spots within an easy drive of Olalla Bay. All have produced orca sightings.
Point Defiance Park, Tacoma. Viewpoints along Five Mile Drive offer views of south Vashon Island. Address: 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma.
Ruston Way Waterfront, Tacoma. Two-mile promenade along Commencement Bay. Easy parking, flat walking, benches.
Point Robinson, Vashon Island. Short ferry ride from Point Defiance. Orcas often come within 50 feet of shore. Address: 3705 SW Point Robinson Rd, Vashon.
Point No Point, Hansville. North tip of Kitsap Peninsula, facing Admiralty Inlet. Address: 9009 Point No Point Rd NE, Hansville.
Fox Island. Bridge and shorelines have hosted Bigg's groups. Check Orca Network reports before you go.
From Olalla Bay itself, the deck and dock gazebo face Colvos Passage. Check sightings in the morning. If whales were in the south Sound yesterday, spend the morning on the deck.
How to report a sighting
Every sighting you report helps researchers and the public understand where the whales are. Orca Network vets and shares sightings with scientists and educators.
Report to Orca Network by email at sightings@orcanetwork.org or by phone at (866) ORCANET. Include the time, location, direction of travel, and any photos.
For real-time sighting alerts, Orca Network offers whale sighting text alerts for $25 per 12 months. The Orca Network Community Group on Facebook also posts real-time sightings.
Watch responsibly
Read our orca etiquette guide before you go. Washington law requires vessels to stay 1,000 yards from Southern Residents and 200 yards from Bigg's. From shore, stay quiet, stay put, and let the whales come to you.
Come watch the passage
The orcas come to you. All that is missing is a morning on the deck.
Book directKeep exploring
Watching for Orcas
Which orcas travel Colvos Passage, when to watch from the deck, and the rules that protect them.
Read the guideOrca Etiquette
The law, the etiquette, and the best shore spots. How to watch orcas from land without adding to the noise.
Read the guideBest Time to See Orcas
Season by season: when the Bigg's are here, when the residents arrive, and when the gray whales pass.
Read the guide