Follow the whale trail see orcas in the wild, learn about salish sea wildlife, and enjoy the ride into the whales world the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see beautiful blackandwhite orca whales in the wild. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor low season. Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Our first whale watching tour from friday harbor is scheduled for saturday, march 4th and we cant wait to get back on the water. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see. You will enjoy the speed and thrill of the zodiac boat that flies smoother than you can imagine and if you are luck as we were, you will see orcas, dolphins, seals, and bald eagles. Experience unforgettable whale watching in the san juan islands. Washingtons san juan islands are nothing short of magical. The trip up to friday harbor is beautiful, and we saw seals and even a bald eagles nest. There are many whale watching tours available for those that dont have a boat, and for those of us that do, knowing where and when to find the whales is a real plus. Just a 90mile drive from downtown seattle, anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure no ferry required. Orcas are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean.
There is nothing quite as spectacular as the sight of a pod of orca whales along the protected coastlines of the san juan islands. The best place in the world to see orca aka killer whales, and more. See orcas in the wild, learn about salish sea wildlife, and enjoy the ride into the whales world. The most wonderful ways to whale watch in the san juan. Whale watching in the san juan islands is one of the most unique and special experiences one can have in the remote areas of washington state. On our deluxe whale watching tour we make a stop every day in friday harbor, usually from about 11.
Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner. San juan islands whale watching tours orcas, lopez, shaw. There is no central source for the public to find out exactly when. Island explorer 4 is the favorite boat for many of our guests. Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. A whale watching trip from friday harbor is the perfect choice for any vacation in the pacific northwest, and being near the seattle, washington area makes it a great day trip as well. Adventure whale watching in the san juan islands western. Since moving to the pacific northwest, ive been hoping for an orca encounter of my own, but thus far had fallen short. All marine mammals, including gray whales, are protected under the marine mammal protection act of 1972, as amended. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just. A subreddit for visitors and residents of the san juan islands, washington.
More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. There are a great variety of whales travelling the waters here in the san juan islands, both toothed and baleen. The most common way to get to friday harbor on san juan island. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. Look for orcas in the open waters and learn about the history of the nearby lighthouse at lime kiln point state park. It is always fun to report when passengers find whales from the sky as they arrive to san juan island via sea plane. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see orca whales in the wild. San juan safaris san juan island whale watching tours. The salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on a diet that is more than 85% chinookspeciessalmon. Whale watching in the san juan islands postcards to seattle. Magnificent orca or killer whales live in the san juan islands yearround, and this is the best place in the world to see them in the wild. San juan routes are challenging but the views, history and wideopen space make it worth the work.
As of 1994, the eastern north pacific stock of gray whale is no longer listed as endangered under the endangered species act of 1973. Orca whales range through the san juan islands the most between march and october and you can expect to see them on the vast majority of our tours during that time, although we do have sightings throughout the year. Its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a remarkable place to seek serenity and adventure. In the summer months, the waters around the picturesque san juan islands play home to about 90 wild orcas, and san juan excursions has managed to get the majestic mammals to appear for photo ops and autographs on about 95% of all its tours. San juan safaris, located in friday harbor on san juan island, is in the perfect location to provide you with the thrill of seeing orcas in their natural habitat. The san juan islands are worldrenowned for orca research and whale watching and there are two different types of orcas. The whale watch point guest house is a slice of heaven watch and listen to the orcas meander by, enjoy one of the best views from land of the lime kiln lighthouse, and sit back and relax gazing out to the wide open haro strait. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Most stops are part of the state san juan islands scenic byway, designated for their unique beauty and cultural significance. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching kayak. The monument protects archaeological sites of the coast salish peoples, lighthouses and relics of early european american settlers in the pacific northwest, and biodiversity of. Peak season is from mayseptember, but that shouldnt stop you from visiting during the offpeak months. Welcome to the official travel site san juan islands. The mooring lines of the san juan clipper land on the deck of the whale watching vessel.
Led by naturalist guides and captains, climb aboard a blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the pacific northwest searching for orca. Worldclass whale watching, kayaking, biking, hiking, farmtotable dining, cozy lodgings. The san juan safaris whale report brings trip reports from the salish sea. Welcome to the whale report blog san juan safaris san juan. The island has distinct personality and is the second biggest island in the san juans county. San juan safaris san juan islands 2020 all you need to. If youre not from the pacific northwest united states, have you even ever heard of friday harbor or the san juan islands. Warm summer sun reflects off of downtown skyscrapers as the crew makes final preparations to. Best orca watching vessels in the san juan islands island. Abounding with natural beauty, endless activities, and beautiful places to explore, san juan island is the perfect place to relax on a day trip or weekend gateway. Download the watching whales in the san juan islands brochure. San juan island 90 miles north of seattle is the best place for orca whale watching as we are located in the heart of salish sea. Magnificent orca or killer whales can be seen in the salish sea around the san.
Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. For the best chance to view orca whales and other sea life, plan your trip between april and september a number of tour operators are available throughout. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. Baleen whales of the san juan islands sea quest kayak. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. The flagship tour is 34 hours in length and is the best tour for those traveling with young children, elderly, and large groups. San juan safaris sees more whales than anyone departing from friday harbor near seattle. Learn about the areas vibrant ecosystem from the on board naturalist and tour a charming island town. Orcas island is fit for experienced cyclists due to narrow, hilly, winding roads, and an absence of shoulders for the most part.
View our san juan excursions rates and schedules for the san juan islands whale watching tourswildlife excursions and sea kayaking tours 2018 certificate of excellence winner san juan excursions gives 5% or more of its profits to conservation efforts and charitable organizations. Gray whale san juan island national historical park u. But, have you ever considered a trip to friday harbor in the san juan islands. From midapril until the beginning of october theres just no better place to see orca whales than the san juan islands.
Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the washington state ferry terminal in anacortes, wa. Anacortes is our flagship location where island adventures first began back in 1996. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. Join captain hobbes who grew up on the water in england and has been operating whale watch tours and passenger vessels in the san juan islands for 12 years. Mayas legacy whale watching friday harbor, san juan island. After visiting this past july, i believe friday harbor may be the most underrated destination in. Pebbled beaches, stunning sunsets and deep green forests the san juan islands are inspiration for the senses. How to get to friday harbor, washington on san juan island. Our route is designed to take us through the best kayaking the san juans has to offer. Experience the unplugged version of the san juan islands aboard the spacious island explorer 4. National monument located in the salish sea in the state of washington.
San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor low season take a scenic cruise from seattle to friday harbor, where you will embark on an exciting day of whalewatching and sea life exploration. In addition to whale watching, theres plenty to do in friday harbor and the rest of the san juan islands, including sea kayaking, hiking, and biking. The waters of washingtons san juan islands support a great diversity of wildlife and baleen whales are the largest of all marine species we see on our san juan islands kayaking tours. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington. Whether its whalewatching and sea kayaking, touring an art gallery or browsing a local farmers market, the san juan islands offer pleasing diversions for every age and interest. The guest house is beautifully and tastefully furnished. For over 20 years, san juan safaris has been offering the highest quality whale watching tours with a focus on. Get up close with the killer whales off orcas island, the largest of the san juan islands near seattle, on this guided, 3. San juan islands kayaking weekend getaway rei adventures. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. Western prince whale watching is located in scenic friday harbor on san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle. We had an amazing whale watching tour our boat captain and guide were very knowledgeable. Whale report blog whale watching san juan islands san. Whale watching san juan islands, popular tourist attractions.
The big project this year is an engine rebuild for. Theres nothing i love better than taking a ferry up through the islands. San juan island is the seasonal home to three pods of orca whales, and whale watching is among the islands most popular activities. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures. During your approximately fourhour cruise, youll travel among the spectacular natural beauty of the. Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. After visiting this past july, i believe friday harbor may be the most underrated destination in the pacific northwest. View travel videos or search for a tourism video you want to see from across san juan islands, washington. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles, and much more.
Aug 27, 2011 footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. San juan outfitters is widely considered san juan islands premier sea kayak and whale watch tour company. The western north pacific stock of gray whales has not recovered. In addition to hosting the worlds only whale museum the san juan islands are also home to washington states hidden treasure. This reputation developed from a commitment to the highest level of guest service, and our 2 exclusive sea kayak and whale watch facilities at roche harbor and friday harbor on san juan island. The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more as voted by you. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor low season take a scenic cruise from seattle to friday harbor, where you will embark on an exciting day of whale watching and sea life exploration. The waters surrounding the islands are home base to several orca family groups, most notably the salmoneating southern resident j, k and l pods as well as marin.
Visit the san juan islands in northwest washington state. Local tour companies leave from the three largest islands daily and can also be chartered. Whale watching is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and appreciate killer whales and the other marine wildlife in this region. Travel videos from the area of san juan islands, washington.
San juan islands whale watching tours are a great way to see all kinds of wildlife. In february 2008, a white killer whale was photographed 3. Be whale wise san juan islands washington visitors bureau. Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. San juan island is the center of whale watching in the pacific northwest and therefore friday harbor on san juan island is the best location for departing on a whale watch tour in washington state.
Share events, news, history, culture, imagery, and. This is enough time to explore the town, taking in the shops, artist galleries and museums that make this town the hub of activity in the san juan islands. For over 20 years, san juan safaris has been offering the highest quality whale watching tours with a focus on our guests experiences and respectful wildlife viewing. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington visitors.
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