Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home. Aug 20, 2015 killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. Home to a huge state park, several lakes and various harbors and bays, orcas island holds countless of things to do and adventures to embark on. 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. Orcas, or killer whales, as they are also known, are the main whales that populate the waters surrounding the san juan islands, though the area is also home to minke whales.
San juan island is one of the few places in the world where you can see killer whales on a regular basis. Island adventures whale watching is based out of anacortes, washington, only 90 minutes north of seattle and 90 minutes south of vancouver, bc. 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. Kayaking in deception pass state park family friendly. We will be driving to anacortes and would like to do a whale watching tour.
Voted one the most beautiful ferry rides in the world, a leisurely ride on a washington state ferry gives you a taste of the archipelagos beauty. Find san juan islands whale watching, lodging, kayaking, history. Whale watching at san juan island, wa twinsmomdiary. The orcas here in the islands are quite gregarious. San juan island is accessed via the wa state ferry that departs from anacortes, wa just 90 miles north of san juan island. Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on the entire west coast, the island explorer 5. Private charters in the san juan islands island adventures. While cruising the islands look around for wildlife as you listen to your naturalists talk about the ecosystem and the lifecycle.
As much as i love to travel, its always so nice to spend the summer in the pacific northwest. 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. Anacortes we began our journey with a search through the inner san juan islands as we tried to locate an early morning report of whales in that region. Whale watching is one of the main experiences in the san juan islands. During your approximately fourhour cruise, youll travel among the spectacular natural beauty of the. Your innkeepers will make you a wonderful breakfast this morning and then send you off on your adventure with san juan safaris. Premier orca whale watching from anacortes in the san juan islands, wa. Please check our location pages for more information for your area.
Island adventures whale watching opened its doors in 1996, but it all started in 1974 i was fishing with my dad on the west side of san juan island. Premier orca whale watching in the waters of the san juan islands, washington state. The water around the san juan islands and anacortes washington is the best place in the world to view wild orca whales. Into the whales world san juan islands washington visitors. About 95% of our kayaking tour guests use the stateowned ferry to get to our rendezvous in friday harbor. Whale watching adventures in anacortes, washiington.
Outer island excursions can start your charter from anywhere in the region including lopez, san juan, shaw, blakely, lummi island, anacortes, bellingham and most anywhere else you might be in the san juan islands. Kayak whale watching in the san juan islands, seattle, washington. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. Orcas island eclipse charters whale watching tours. The islands are beautiful and lend themselves to biking, hiking, birding, long walks, boating and kayaking. Anacortes is the gateway to kayaking in the san juan islands of washington state.
Jan 5, 2020 jun 20, 2020 leave westbound monday through friday anacortes lopez island shaw island orcas island friday harbor san juan island. Whale watch tours in the san juan islands island adventures. 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 islands visitor information and san juan islands business directory wlinks find anacortes, san juan island orcas island lodging, camping, kayak tours, boat rentals, whale watching, attractions, history, parks, real estate, map, pictures, ferry schedule, san juan islands, washington state. Go west on highway 20 for about 20 miles to anacortes following the anacortes san juan islands signs. How to get to friday harbor, washington on san juan island. Equidistant between seattle to the south and vancouver, b. Employment opportunities 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. The most common way to get to friday harbor on san juan island. When you purchase your ferry ticket in anacortes you are paying for a round trip ticket. Follow this road until you reach the washington state ferry terminal. Anacortes is the homeport of the san juan islands and is known to be the best place in the world to view orcas in the wild.
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 island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. Whale watching boats are the best way to see orca whales, other marine wildlife and sightseeing the san juan islands. Island adventures webcam is overlooking south rosario strait, gazing west toward the san juan islands from fidalgo island anacortes. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. Orcas the largest one, lopez and san juan island friday harbor. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island. Winter 2020 sailing schedule for anacortes san juan. Come aboard for an adventure in the san juan islands or a fun and relaxing evening on bellingham bay. Anacortes is the perfect departure point for guaranteed whale watching and wildlife cruises.
We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you. Fly back to seattle after the whale watch tour or stay the night and return the next day. From what i have read, it takes a while to get to san juan, and we were considering doing a whale watching tour. We are honored to be able to live and work in this wonderful community of anacortes and are happy to contribute to many programs here in. No matter where i travel to around the world, nothing compares to the beauty of these small, treefilled islands in the middle of the sparkling blue ocean. Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Heres how to plan a san juan islands weekend trip, including which islands to visit.
We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum. The sky was clear, the water calm, and not another boat in sight. The san juan islands provide one of the best opportunities for whale watching washington has to provide, offering protected waters and a huge variety of wildlife, which include our three pods of resident orca whales. Sea quest kayak tours and whale watching trips 41,388 views. The plane arrives in time to enjoy the town for friday harbor and its many shops and restaurants. Youll have the opportunity to search for orca whales and other large marine. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. These waters, located 90 miles inland from the open pacific ocean, are considered to be one of the best whale viewing territories in the world. Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. Whale rocks and long island was the place to be if you were a bald eagle, with about ten raptors present. How to get to friday harbor, washington on san juan island san. Whale watching in the san juan islands postcards to seattle. The san juan islands have become the top whale watching destination in washington state due to three pods of orcas that reside in the san juan islands during the late spring, summer and early fall. Situated in the rain shadow of the olympic mountains and protected from the weather of the pacific ocean, whale watch tours departing from anacortes experience calm water and clear skies that the whole family can enjoy.
San juan island whale watching day trip from seattle, wa. San juan islands whale watching friday harbor whale watching. Whale watching in the san juan islands from anacortes washington. One of the advantages of taking a trip out of anacortes is that you dont have to worry about the ferry schedules.
Anacortes ferry landing san juan islands washington. Knowing very little about whales or what was about to happen, i just watched quietly. The height above the water gives you a much better vantage point. In the summer months, the temperature averages between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. The ferry route has been designated a scenic byway. Best location for guests coming from tacoma and the olympic peninsula. Travel to friday harbor, san juan island from anacortes. 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.
San juan islands whale watching attracts numerous tourists to the pacific northwest on an annual basis. Rain showers are few and far between, and we see temperatures in the 80s on a regular basis. Just a 90mile drive from downtown seattle, anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure no ferry required. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. Anacortes is known to have some of the best weather in the san juan islands.
Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald. The island explorer is the perfect whale watch boat for the san juan islands. About us why choose us about our vessel download brochure contact us our locations. We took a total of 4 ferries, hopping around seattle, olympic penninsula, and the san juan islands. Go whale watching in the heart of the san juan islands. Explore the many islands of washington states san juan archipelago on this 4 day kayaking and camping adventure. Whale watching in seattle, wa and san juan islands. Anacortes san juan islands ferry schedule, san juan islands map. Even though the weather can feel warm on land, we always recommend bringing layers sweatshirts and jackets as it feels 1020 degrees cooler on the water. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands.
We enjoy easy access to the cascade mountains, san juan islands and vancouver island. Island explorer 4 and island explorer 5 feature full walk around lower decks, upper viewing decks, great sound systems, heated cabins, galley service, spacious restrooms, and the best crew in the area. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. Anacortes whale watching san juan islands san juan safaris. Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. 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. A day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands. In addition to our standard and large print paper schedules available at any wsf terminal or wsf vessel, we offer a variety of alternative electronic formats to meet your needs. The original whale watch company in the san juan islands. Anacortes whale watching san juan safaris san juan. One of my favorite places to go in the summer is the san juan islands. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Travel to friday harbor, san juan island from anacortes, washington.
Anacortes, located on fidalgo island, is 90 miles northwest of seattle and 50 miles south of vancouver, canada, is home to the washington state ferry terminal that serves as the gateway to the san juan islands. San juan island whale watching alternative travel options. 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. Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the washington state ferry terminal in anacortes, wa. This seaside town is known for its historic old town district and outdoor recreation activities. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. No matter where i travel to around the world, nothing compares to the beauty of these small, treefilled islands in the. Friday harbor hosts ferry and sea plane ports and has many accommodationeatery options. Adventure whale watching in the san juan islands western. Anacortes, located on fidalgo island, is 90 miles northwest of seattle and 50 miles south of vancouver, canada, is home to the washington state ferry terminal. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures. Click here to download all 12 months of killer whale watching data and be sure to. We just got back from washington, and we spent two night in friday harbor.
Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. Welcome to the washington state ferries schedule application. Staying nearby san juan safaris san juan island whale. Come out and see orca whales, gray whales, humpback whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, bald eagles and much more. Whether it is a school field trip, family reunion, company outing, wedding group or any other special occasion. Anacortes san juan safaris san juan island whale watching tours. Drive through anacortes and take a left at the light by safeway. The sound system allows our naturalist to turn the boat into a. Ferry rides are required to get to all of the san juan islands including orcas island and they can sometimes be very busy in the summer months with long wait times. J, k and l pods have become like family members and the pride of the locals. Whale watching and wildlife tours departing from friday harbor, wa, just 90 miles north of seattle. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. Something ive always wanted to do is whale watching in the san juan islands.
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. The ferry ride is beautiful and you will see many islands on the way. Anacortes whale watchingboatscharters, san juan islands. Your captain will take you on a guided whale watch cruise through the san juan islands. San juan excursions whale watching tours and wildlife cruises. Take i5 north to exit 230, which is just north of the city of mt.
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. Killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. To get to friday harbor for whale watching most people drive from seattle to the anacortes ferry terminal and take the washington state ferry across to san juan island. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands, washington. Island adventures is known as the areas premier whale watching company, but we also offer private charters throughout the year. Anacortes is just a ferry ride away from friday harbor, san juan island where the whales are. San juan provisions provides food service on board the ferries and inside the anacortes passenger terminal. Reservations are recommended for travel between anacortes and san juan islands.
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. Western prince whale watching san juan island boat. The ferry ride to friday harbor, san juan island is about one hour in duration. Anacortes whale watching 45 hour tours april through october. Whale watch tours from anacortes wa island adventures. We are planning a day trip from seattle midweek in august. Experience the world of whales in the san juan islands in washington state for the. Orcas island whale watching tours in the san juan islands can be arranged at lieberhaven resort to the most available boats at the time. How to make the most of a weekend on the san juan islands.
Whale watching in seattle, wa and san juan islands island. We didnt find whales, but we did find wind, eagles and steller sea lions. Washington state ferry fares to the san juan islands paid at the anacortes terminal include round trip travel. Island adventures is a homegrown, family owned company. Private charters with san juan excursions, whale watching. Please dont be scared off of the islands by the fact that you may have to use the ferry. Winter 2020 sailing schedule for anacortes san juan islands. From anacortes, you have to board a washington state ferry to one of the four ferry terminals in.
We decided to take a camping trip to moran state park on orcas island in the san juan island group. Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature. Our whale watching yacht, the odyssey, is ideal for whale watching and all types of private charters and special occasions. To get to friday harbor for whale watching many people drive from seattle to the anacortes ferry terminal and take the washington state ferry across to san juan island. Sep 21, 2015 of all the islands, orcas island or the gem of the san juan islands is considered to be the most beautiful.
The legal viewing distance applies the same to all vessels lower profile boats cannot get you any closer, so they just cant see as well as you will from the island explorer. San juan island orcas island shaw island lopez island anacortes. Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. Oct 17, 2016 we saw orcas in the wild on san juan island san juan island in washington state is home to lime kiln state park, the worlds first whale watching park.
339 1283 1250 1025 1318 1386 89 91 812 822 1325 1443 101 1418 70 929 224 716 1240 47 1587 1518 1295 3 269 297 1182 393 1016 50 208 741 279 1440 1472 916 557 1163 1092 80 100