The san juan islands are worldrenowned for orca research and whale watching and there are two different types of orcas. Common questions about whale watching in the san juan islands and greater. Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. Today, the san juan islands are an important tourist destination, with sea kayaking and orca whale watching by boat or air tours two of the primary attractions. There are 172 named islands and reefs in san juan county, but only four of them are accessible by ferry. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington visitors. Whale watching tours depart daily from orcas and san juan island allowing an opportunity for viewing the whales in the wild. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. Although they cant guarantee themmany boast a 90% viewing rate during the peak season of may through septemberthe captains are in constant.
Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Get up close with the killer whales off orcas island, the largest of the san juan islands near seattle, on this guided, 3. Find your own rocky bluff, explore beaches and tide pools, watch for whales, or picnic and play in the nearby meadows. A number of charter boat companies run whale watching cruises and you can find such charters at various. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. Unless otherwise noted, photographs on this site are ed by the owner and may be used only with permission. 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. There was an onboard naturalist aka marine life expert who knew about all the animals who lived in the san juan islands. Whale watching in washington state orca whale watching in. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner.
Whether youre visiting the pacific northwest or are a local if youve ever wanted to go whale watching in the san juan islands, washington, we have a treat for you. The san juan islands are part of the whale trail, a string of whaleplentiful sites in the pacific northwest. Book your san juan island orca whale watching tour with mayas legacy. San juan island whale watching season update the best there. Cruise the pristine waters and narrow passageways aboard the chinook, view orca whales and other wildlife, talk with our knowledgeable captain and crew about the biology and geology of the area, and enjoy two nights in the town of friday harbor, the heart of the san juan islands. The day began early since we had to catch a ferry from the city to take us up to the san juan islands. The victoria clipper ferry does daytrips to friday harbor and back, searching the sea for whales and other marine life around the san juan islands in the afternoon, we got off the boat to explore friday harbor for a few hours.
They tend to favor the waters right off the west side of san juan island. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. The island has distinct personality and is the second biggest island in the san juans county. San juan island whale watching can be done via boat or kayak or with a visit to lime kiln state park, the best place in the world to see orcas from land. Come aboard for an adventure in the san juan islands or a fun and relaxing evening on bellingham bay. 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. At island adventures, we pride ourselves on being the most experienced and dedicated whale watching company in washington state. 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. Good morning considering a trip out to the san juan islands sometime in the future and beginning initial prep phases very intrigued by the kayak whale tours and was wondering if there is a time of year where there are more whales ala maui and. For those of you who love birds, the san juan islands are a birders paradise. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands.
May 04, 2017 a day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands. Washington state ferry fares to the san juan islands paid at the anacortes terminal include round trip travel. 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. Whale watching san juan islands what is the best way to. Those of us who live here in the san juans know that the opportunity to see whales exists pretty much all year round, but there are definite seasons when the whales are more likely to be about. Stay overnight on san juan island and check out the many delicious restaurants, open air market or experience the great outdoors by. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island. Regular updates and photos from our san juan island whale watching and wildlife tours. With about 16,000 residents in all of san juan county, its a scenic rural experience in a maritime setting.
Whale watching in the san juan islands washington includes. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. San juan outfitters is known for its low guide to guest ratio kayak tours. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. 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. There is a ledge or overhang on the west side of san juan island.
We are the only company on the olympic peninsula that offers a daylong tour combining whale watching with a port of call on san juan island. The best time to see killer whales in the san juan islands western. The san juan islands are one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world. In recent years we have seen these whales more often than southern resident orcas, usually in the san juan islands or haro strait, but occasionally in waters close to. From midapril until the beginning of october theres just no better place to see orca whales than the san juan islands. That includes the whale tours by kayak, day kayak tours and overnight kayakcamping tours. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see beautiful blackandwhite orca whales in the wild.
The southern resident community of killer whales are generally in the waters surrounding san juan island june through september. This daylong whale watching cruise in the san juan islands is also the official ferry route between port townsend and friday harbor. San juan islands lime kiln point state park is a prime whale watching site with knowledgeable interpreters often on site. See orcas in the wild on a small group whale watching tour with mayas legacy whale watching at friday harbor, san juan island, 90 miles north of seattle. 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. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just. Whale watch with friends and family with san juan island outfitters. The salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on a diet that is more than 85% chinookspeciessalmon. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor low. An amazing evening whale watching and spotting transient whales on the san juan islands with san juan island whale and wildlife tours. Orcas are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching.
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. The 3 day san juan island kayak camping tour is perfect for those wanting to spend more time exploring the san juan islands. Skip the ferry and combine the convenience of a scenic flight from bellingham to san juan island for a whale watch or sea kayak tour. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures. When free willy ii was filmed in the san juan islands, one of our local whale watch operators played the coastal marine patrol and took the cast and crew out. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching. Since moving to the pacific northwest, ive been hoping for an orca encounter of my own, but thus far had fallen short. Three days offer the perfect amount of time to explore the islands and spend time paddling prime whale watching territory. Two ecotypes are commonly found in the salish sea the critically endangered southern residents j, k, and l pods and transient, or biggs, orcas. Our vessels are moored in eastsound on orcas island, but if you want to skip the ferry ride we can pick you up from lopez island, san juan island, lummi island and the bellingham area. Because our trips start in friday harbor on san juan island, where 90% of the regions whale sightings occur, and because of our boats travel at minimum 18 knots with passengers, we are usually able to get to the whales, spend time with the whales, and spend time viewing other wildlife during the 3 to 4 hour time allotted per tour.
Aug 27, 2011 footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Rather than visiting orcas in captivity, visit the san juan islands in washington state. Every once in a while, here in the san juan islands, we get an abundance of whales. We have the highest orca whale sighting ratings in the san juans throughout the spring and summer, and we pride ourselves in finding the whales when others cant.
When is the best whale watching season in seattle, washington. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. We are planning to take an orca whale watching tour and would like. San juan island is home to lime kiln point state park a. A day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands. Outer island excursions offers salmon and bottom fishing charters throughout the san juan islands. Today, we had 24 transient orcas and two humpback whales in the area.
Orca whale watching, porpoises, seals, minke whales, and bald eagles. The most wonderful ways to whale watch in the san juan. Orca whales usually pass through the islands in greatest numbers between midmay and midoctober when the salmon runs are strongest, although its possible to spot them through the rest of the year. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands, washington. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor high season take a scenic cruise from seattle to friday harbor, where you will embark on an exciting day of whalewatching and sea life exploration. These killer whales are the most researched marine mammals in the world, and whale watch naturalists know the whales individual nicknames and. Whale watching in the san juan islands the mandagies. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see orca whales in the wild. Whale watching san juan islands western prince whale watching. This is our most popular multiday kayaking tour option.
Whale watching in the san juan islands is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and appreciate killer whales and the other marine wildlife. Book an orca whale watching tour from friday harbor, san. Book your orca whale watching tour with mayas legacy whale watching, departing daily from san juan island, just 90 miles from seattle. Whale watching tour at friday harbor in san juan islands. She hopes to see you soon and share this amazing place. 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. 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 marine mammaleating transient orcas. Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home.
Whale watch park, one of the best places in the world for trying your luck at shorebased whale. United states best whale watching tour, san juan islands my husband and i are visiting the san juan islands in july 2011. 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. Whale watch park, one of the best places in the world for trying your luck at shorebased whale watching. Bellingham is a short 15 minute flight from san juan island, which is the best location in the pacific northwest to search for orca whales. Best places for whale watching when to go whale watching. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go.
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. On the san juan islands, whale watching season lasts from spring to fall. This special limited season focuses on gray whales. The park faces the islands west side waters where the whales spend time feeding and socializing during summer. The san juan islands topography is varied with hills, valleys, shoreline. We were watching a group of transients known as the t123s, when. During this time, it becomes possible to see both resident pods and visiting transient orcas in search of food. Whale watching in washington state orca whale watching. Our vessels are the fastest in the san juans so we can travel throughout the san juan islands, into the gulf islands of canadian waters, and visit whales wherever they go no.
She spent 8 yrs as a naturalist on board a whale watchingadventure boat from san juan island. On our deluxe whale watching tour we make a stop every day in friday harbor, usually from about 11. After a few hours of exploring friday harbor, we got back on the boat to search for whales in the puget sounds. Western prince whale watching is located in scenic friday harbor on san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle, washington. The title of land tour guide really seems to fit her. The san juan islands draws more whale watchers, but the orca whales are seen all along the coast of washington as well as in and around the san juan islands and the puget sound, part of the salish sea. Were proud to announce island adventures first ever multiday safari in the san juan islands.
These killer whales are the most researched marine mammals in the world, and whale watch naturalists know the whales individual nicknames and family histories back to the early 1970s. Pacific whale watch association pwwa members on both sides of the. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. Answers to your san juan island whale watching tour questions.
Magnificent orca or killer whales live in the san juan islands yearround, and this is. Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Come aboard for an adventure in the san juan islands or. Baleen whales completely lack teeth and filter small prey such as plankton, worms, and. San juan island is the seasonal home to three pods of orca whales, and whale watching is among the islands most popular activities. Check out the whale watching in santa barbara, a place where you can see whales nearly all year long. Located roughly 60 miles north of seattle in the puget sound, the san juans are a hidden treasure that all should experience. Whale watching san juan islands, popular tourist attractions.
This time period historically corresponds with the greatest prey abundance for both ecotypes in the san juan islands. Wildlife of the san juan islands san juan excursions. Join us monday, may 18th through wednesday, may 20th, 2020 for an allinclusive cruise with stops on lopez and san juan islands and packed with whales, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. The san juans as theyre referred to is an archipelago in the northwest corner of washington state between the u.
Return to simply san juan from whale watching san juan islands. While my dad was in town visiting me, we decided to go whale watching in the san juan islands. You can witness humpbacks, minkes, and gray whales, along with groups of sea lions, from the deck of a whalewatching cruise. San juan islands san juan cruises bellingham friday. While orcas can be spotted in our waters year round, whale watchers consider peak season to be may through september, with july as the high month. In addition to hosting the worlds only whale museum the san juan islands are also home to washington states hidden treasure.
You may catch them passing by from some of the coastal locations on the whale. Washington states san juan islands, celebrated for the spectacular wildlifeviewing opportunities they afford. Bellingham whale watching san juan safaris san juan. 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. When is a good time to see orcas in the san juan islands. Visit the san juan islands for whale watching, adventure and fine dining. The tour land based tour of san juan island, orca whale. They even feed on sea birds, although these arent considered to be a substantial food source for them. Whale watching beginning of april san juan islands tripadvisor. The srkw are here in the san juan islands mid april to about first part of october. Feb 23, 2015 whale watching in the san juan islands. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington. Optimal whale watching time of year san juan islands. Peak season is from mayseptember, but that shouldnt stop you from visiting during the offpeak months.
San juan outfitters owns the exclusive kayak facilities at roche harbor, san juan island and kayak facilities in friday harbor, san juan island. If you are interested in finding out more about whale watching and what it entails, feel. Our first whale watching tour from friday harbor is scheduled for saturday, march 4th and we cant wait to get back on the water. The san juan islands are home to three resident pods of orcas whales. Her passion for the san juan islands will make you listen, laugh and learn. This tour is not only cheap, but its a top bucketlist item because it actually lets you kayak with orcas. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale watching is one of the most spectacular. The san juan islands offer beauty, pleasure and adventure for area residents and tourists alike.
Orcas island fishing charter l anacortes orca whale watching. We offer small group whale watching tours and private charters on the newest boats, departing daily from the dock closest to the whales for your best chance to see orcas. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. Outer island excursions offer highquality, unforgettable whale watching, marine and fishing charter experiences in the san juan islands of washington state. Learn about the areas vibrant ecosystem from the on board naturalist and tour a charming island town. San juan safaris will do everything in their power to share a variety of wildlife with you. 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.
Although there are a number of whale watch companies on san juan island, it isnt. The wildlife in the san juan islands is quite diverse. The san juan islands, located 140 km north of seattle in the heart of salish sea, is the most famous place for orca whale watching. Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on the entire west coast, the island explorer 5. There are a great variety of whales travelling the waters here in the san juan islands, both toothed and baleen.
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