This location allows us to access all the major waterways the whales travel, and we often view whales within the haro. Local tour companies leave from the three largest islands daily and can also be chartered. Whether you are looking for a chartered boat for some saltwater sport fishing, a whalewatching tour guide to show you the many orcas, eagles, seals, and other ocean wildlife that inhabit the puget sound area, or a bicycling outfitter on san juan island, orcas island, or lopez island to get you started, gowashington is your source for san juan islands guides and outfitters. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching. 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.
This san juan islands trip is also the official ferry route between port townsend and friday harbor. Orcas are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. 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 the island life in the region. These are the second smallest baleen whale and feed on small schooling fish and invertebrates.
Be whale wise san juan islands washington visitors bureau. Read about the history of the san juan island whale museum. Fly into deer harbor, wa dhbdeer harbor seaplane base airport or westsound, wa wsx airport, and then pamper yourself by staying at one of 7 san juan islands luxury hotels. With multiple families spotted within our range, we chose a company favorite for todays adventure the t65as. Lime kiln point state park is the perfect place for whale watching, while pelindaba lavender farm will set you up with a lifetime supply of the fragrant purple plant. San juan islands whale watching tours are a great way to see all kinds of wildlife. K pod has 19 individuals, and l pod, the largest of the southern resident pods, has 43. The san juan islands of washington state are nestled between the three great cities of seattle, vancouver b.
Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on. Shaw island is the smallest of the four san juan islands served by the washington state ferries. Oct 14, 2010 whale watching in the san juan islands. Oct 07, 2018 on august 12th, we encountered a humpback whale heading down san juan channel but soon after, we got a report of transients coming up san juan channel. Guides and outfitters san juan islands, washington. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. Come aboard natsilane, named after an orca whale legend, a 30 albin fast express cruiser, and enjoy a comfortable heated cabin, with indoor and outdoor seating, restroom and snack bar. In addition to hosting the worlds only whale museum the san juan islands are also home to washington states hidden treasure. Best whale watching tour boat on san juan island western. These three orca whale families come to the san juan islands each year may through september in search of their primary food source, the chinook. Although some businesses close or are open fewer hours, more and more businesses are staying open yearround, and there is plenty to do in the offseason. San juan outfitters is known for its low guide to guest ratio kayak tours. A day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands.
Random facts about the san juan islands mikes road trip. Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. With guidance on visiting the whale museum on san juan island, camping in moran state park, and biking the 30mile loop on lopez island, moon san juan islands gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience. 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. Trip members should be capable of ocean kayaking for up to 6 hours per day, in calm to moderately rough seas and weather conditions. 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.
San juan outfitters owns the exclusive kayak facilities at roche harbor, san juan island and kayak facilities in friday harbor, san juan island. Mayas legacy whale watching friday harbor, san juan island. Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. In the afternoon, we got off the boat to explore friday harbor for a few hours. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. The j pod, which currently has about 25 individuals, is frequently seen along the western shore of the island and is the only pod that makes occasional appearances throughout the winter. San juan transit 3603788887 hourly scheduled shuttles friday harbor to roche harbor. We wondered if the humpback would get spooked or harassed. San juan excursions whale watching tours and wildlife cruises. The best place in the world to see orca aka killer whales, and more. These three orca whale families come to the san juan islands each year may through september in search of their primary food source, the chinook salmon king. So this is where the resident orcas come every year to find their favorite fish. Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home.
Traveling here from seattle or vancouver, canada, takes roughly 3 to 4 hours. National monument located in the salish sea in the state of washington. Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature. Print a map san juan safaris san juan island whale watching. During the summer time, weekends swell with other residents and the occasional tourist. Since moving to the pacific northwest, ive been hoping for an orca encounter of my own, but thus far had fallen short. 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.
Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see beautiful blackandwhite orca whales in the wild. On august 12th, we encountered a humpback whale heading down san juan channel but soon after, we got a report of transients coming up san juan channel. Seattle whale watching to the san juan islands duration. Two ecotypes are commonly found in the salish sea the critically endangered southern residents j, k, and l pods and transient, or biggs, orcas. Baleen whales completely lack teeth and filter small prey such as plankton, worms, and. 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.
For specific information on san juan, contact the san juan island chamber of commerce, 5 spring st. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. The san juan islands offer a unique opportunity during may through september to see orcas in the wild. To help make the most of your time on san juan island, we have produced a helpful map with information about our whale watch tours as well as points of interest around friday harbor and san juan island. Pebbled beaches, stunning sunsets and deep green forests the san juan islands are inspiration for the senses. The whale museum complete information about local whales and whales in general can be found at the the whale museum in friday harbor, a nationallyrecognized research. San juan islands lime kiln point state park is a prime whalewatching site with knowledgeable interpreters often on site politically, the san juan islands comprise, by definition, san juan county, washington. We are the only company on the olympic peninsula that. San juan islands whale watching tours orcas, lopez, shaw.
San juan islands lime kiln point state park is a prime whale watching site with knowledgeable interpreters often on site. 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. Crystal seas kayaking 3 hour sea kayak tour in the san. Worldclass whale watching, kayaking, biking, hiking, farmtotable dining, cozy lodgings. Welcome to the whale report blog san juan safaris san juan. There is nothing quite as spectacular as the sight of a pod of orca whales along the protected coastlines of the san juan islands. San juan outfitters is widely considered san juan islands premier sea kayak and whale watch tour company. Visit the san juan islands in northwest washington state. 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. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands.
San juan islands womens kayaking weekend rei adventures. Of the 172 named islands, three of themlopez, orcas and san juanhave lodging, attractions and amenities for visitors. San juan islands water taxi between san juan islands, victoria and anacortes. Today, the san juan islands are an important tourist destination, with sea kayaking and orca whalewatching by boat or air tours two of the primary attractions. Whale watching san juan islands, popular tourist attractions. Use our easy lodging search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Drive to anacortes, washington, and ride the anacortesfriday ferry to friday harbor on san juan island. Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the washington state ferry terminal in anacortes, wa. San juan island is a scenic scape that proudly features beaches, orca pods and one of the countrys largest lavender farms. History read about the history of the san juan island whale museum. You can also get from seatac airport or downtown seattle to the san juan islands ferry terminal in anacortes on the airporter shuttle tel.
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. 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. Western prince whale watching is located in scenic friday harbor on san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale watching is one of the most spectacular. San juan safaris offers one of the bestorganized and most professional trips in san juan islands in their new, fast 55foot boat, departing from friday harbor. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum. How to get to friday harbor, washington on san juan island. 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. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures. Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on the entire west coast, the island explorer 5. Tours store marine naturalists training adopt orcas whale museum history.
There are a great variety of whales travelling the waters here in the. 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. 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. That includes the whale tours by kayak, day kayak tours and overnight kayakcamping tours. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. 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.
Yes, visit the whale museums home page for more info. Welcome to the official travel site san juan islands. Whale watching in the san juan islands in addition to hosting the worlds only whale museum the san juan islands are also home to washington states hidden treasure. During your visit, you might want to enjoy the biking and whale watching which san juan islands is known for.
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. Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. With expert writers, firstrate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, moon handbooks. When you arrive we have two office locations in friday harbor where you are welcome to drop in anytime. These recordings were made by alex from netherlands on july 23, 2010 all people aboard the ship felt the same when the family group of orkas swim to the. It is reported that there are about 17 minke whales that can be spotted regularly throughout the year in the waters around san juan island. Western prince has provided quality san juan island tours since 1986. 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. The waterways surrounding the san juan islands are considered the best place in the world to observe orcas killer whales in the wild, and the best location in the islands to access those waters is san juan outfitters exclusive marine adventure center at roche harbor. Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. It is always fun to report when passengers find whales from the sky as they arrive to san juan island via sea plane. Its not always the case that we get to choose which whale sighting we pursue on our daily departures from friday harbor. Named as one of the 10 best whale watching destinations in the world, the san juan islands are known around the globe as the place to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Yes, the san juan islands seem like a seasonal place, but there is a population of about 16,000 people on the four main ferryserved islands, lopez, orcas, shaw, and san juan islands.
The area where we paddle is deep nutrient rich water. Port townsend san juan island whale watching tour puget. The island has distinct personality and is the second biggest island in the san juans county. 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. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. 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. We started our trip at 7am, and returned to downtown seattle at 7pm the same day. Adventure whale watching in the san juan islands western. Searchable listings of san juan islands rv parks and campgrounds. These recordings were made by alex from netherlands on july 23, 2010 all people aboard the ship felt. Whale watching from shore, photography by kathleen ballard southern resident killer whales by ken rea, spirit. No, to view living whales in the san juans contact a whale watching company. During your approximately fourhour cruise, youll travel among the spectacular natural beauty of the. These transients were the t46s and we all held our breath to see what would happen when the humpback and orcas crossed paths.
Residents of the san juan islands form three large family groups, or pods. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. A subreddit for visitors and residents of the san juan islands, washington. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. The most common way to get to friday harbor on san juan island. We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you. The monument was created from existing federal land by president barack. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. Whale report blog whale watching san juan islands san. Share events, news, history, culture, imagery, and anything else pertinent to the beautiful islands.
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