Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. 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. San juan island whale watching season update the best there. 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. My bavarian cousin tanja was visiting me in america for the first time. World class whale watching, scenery, restaurants and more. May 9, 2011 bellingham, san juan islands, whale watching friday harbor, humpback whale, san juan adventure, san juan islands, whale watching, whales admin our second trip of the season started off on a discouraging note when we heard that the. Visit the san juan islands in northwest washington state. Baleen whales of the san juan islands kayaking san juan. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner.
More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. 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. 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. Most of the san juan islands whale watching tours originate out of san juan island, with friday harbor and roche harbor being the primary points of embarkation. Find driving directions from seattle, bellingham and port townsendwhidbey island, plus alternate transportation options, including via seaplane from seattle. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor low season. Killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. 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 season lasts from midapril to early october, but the best time to spot the majestic creatures is from late may through september.
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. 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. For guided kayak tours, check out members of the san juan island kayak. Since moving to the pacific northwest, ive been hoping for an orca encounter of my own, but thus far had fallen short. Friday harbor, san juan island is the most underrated destination in the pacific northwest.
Whale watch park, one of the best places in the world for trying your luck at shorebased whale watching. Best place for whale watching in the san juan islands washington. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching. 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. Most of our trips along the west side of san juan island have resulted in whale sightings, but your best and most assured way would be to go on a whale watching tour boat, of which there are many. At island adventures, our boats are part of the family and it shows. Whale watching tours in the san juan islands, washington. San juan preserve offers whalewatching hikes minus the.
Mayas legacy whale watching friday harbor, san juan island. Get up close with the killer whales off orcas island, the largest of the san juan islands near seattle, on. Enjoy our full day san juan island whale watching tours puget. Whale watching off the san juan islands life beyond borders. When the december drizzle gets you down, come on up for some fun and vitamin d. San juan island is the seasonal home to three pods of orca whales, and whale watching is among the islands most popular activities. These three orca whale families come to the san juan islands each year may through september in search of their primary food source, the. Popping head up to have a look around whale watching off san juan island at sunset whale watching san juan islands facts. The island explorer boats are not only the best designed whale watch boats in the area, they are the best maintained. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor high season. Whether you book a roche harbor or friday harbor whale watching tour, you are all but guaranteed to see orcas, especially during the peak viewing season. Nestled in the rainshadow between the olympic mountains and vancouver island, san juan island, unlike most of the pacific northwest, enjoys an average of 250 days of sunshine per year. San juan islands whale watching report 5082011 san. Then, for the rest of the week, we saw them off the west and south sides of san juan island.
Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the washington state ferry terminal in anacortes, wa. Sea quest kayak tours and whale watching trips 38,570 views. Following the whale watching cruise, step off the boat and onto san juan island for some touring on your own. 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. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching kayak.
San juan outfitters owns the exclusive kayak facilities at roche harbor, san juan island and kayak facilities in friday harbor, san juan island. 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. Meet us at our launch site at snug harbor or use our complimentary shuttle from the ferry in friday harbor. Worldclass whale watching, kayaking, biking, hiking, farmtotable dining, cozy lodgings. Aug 20, 2015 killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. How to get to friday harbor, washington on san juan island. The san juan islands are worldrenowned for orca research and whale watching and there are two different types of orcas.
Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. To achieve these noble goals, she came to visit san juan island. On wednesday we saw them just off lummi island, just a few minutes away from bellingham. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go. Peak season is from mayseptember, but that shouldnt stop you from visiting during the offpeak months. We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you.
Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. Experience unforgettable whale watching in the san juan islands. San juan island, washington state, including friday. Get up close with the killer whales off orcas island, the largest of the san juan islands near seattle, on this guided, 3. Whale watch tours in the san juan islands island adventures. Bring the whole family to this center, where kiddos are welcomed with open arms.
Going on a whale watch tour, as well as having her first oyster was on her bucket list. Baleen whales completely lack teeth and filter small prey such as. Sea kayak tours from san juan island san juan excursions. When you arrive we have two office locations in friday harbor where you are welcome to drop in anytime. San juan outfitters is known for its low guide to guest ratio kayak tours. San juan preserve offers whale watching hikes minus the crowds. We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum. Peak season is from mayseptember, but that shouldnt stop you. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. In addition to hosting the worlds only whale museum the san juan islands are also home to washington states hidden treasure. Unbeknown to many tourists, the public also has access to. Written for islanders, tourists, whalelovers, kayakers, visitors, marine biologists, sailors, and their friends.
Guaranteed whale watching tours from anacortes the worlds best opportunity to see wild orcas is right here in the san juan islands, february through november. Orcas are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. Visit the whale museum or the sculpture garden at westcott bay reserve. Land based whale watching can be a terrific way to experience the whales at little or no cost. Were enjoying a glorious late spring in the pacific northwest, and as of may 11, 2012 we are running our full day port townsend san juan island whale. Travel through beautiful countryside on your way to the anacortes ferry terminal to board a ferry to san juan island. 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. May 04, 2017 a locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor low. Whale watching in the san juan islands the mandagies. We had an amazing whale watching tour our boat captain and guide were very knowledgeable. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds.
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. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just. San juan preserve offers whalewatching hikes minus the crowds. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. Learn about the areas vibrant ecosystem from the on board naturalist and tour a charming island town. Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. So if youre looking for an amazing boating experience in friday harbor, look no further than san. Often, the answer to the question in the summer months is something like on the west side of san juan island or swimming past victoria or near the mouth of the fraser river by vancouver, bc. Book online or call us to schedule a whale watch tour. Its no fluke that our tour has been voted the best in the northwest for years. The most common way to get to friday harbor on san juan island.
An insiders view of san juan island in washington state. 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 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 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. Plan your trip san juan safaris san juan island whale. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald. Pebbled beaches, stunning sunsets and deep green forests the san juan islands are inspiration for the senses. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale watching is one of the most spectacular. 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. All of our vessels hold a higher safety rating than the wa state ferries.
San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. Written for islanders, tourists, whale lovers, kayakers, visitors, marine biologists, sailors, and their friends. Western prince whale watching is located in scenic friday harbor on san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle. Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature. Best orca watching vessels in the san juan islands island. Friday harbor whale watching san juan island near seattle. The weather looks to be a bit better this week, so we are looking forward to. 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. Please feel free to contact orcas island eclipse charters. Take a relaxing outing on the waters when you rent a vessel from san juan excursions in friday harbor. Download the watching whales in the san juan islands brochure. This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising.
There are many opportunities to spot whales throughout the san juan islands. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. 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. Landbased whale watching can be a terrific way to experience the whales at little or no cost. Rather than visiting orcas in captivity, visit the san juan islands in washington state. That includes the whale tours by kayak, day kayak tours and overnight kayakcamping tours. Anacortes is our flagship location where island adventures first began back in 1996.
Regular updates and photos from our san juan island whale watching and wildlife tours. Whale watching in the san juan islands is a unique opportunity to gain. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington. These are the second smallest baleen whale and feed on small schooling fish and invertebrates. The best place in the world to see orca aka killer whales, and more. Our first whale watching tour from friday harbor is scheduled for saturday, march 4th and we cant wait to get back on the water. Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. Best place for whale watching in the san juan islands. With your complimentary guidebook in hand, youll have about two hours to explore the quaint town of friday harbor. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. San juan islands whale watching friday harbor whale watching. Welcome to the official travel site san juan islands.
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. San juan outfitters specializes in unforgettable guided sea kayaking adventures and whale watching and wildlife tours departing from san juan island, the number one spot in north america to view orca whales. Join captain hobbes who grew up on the water in england and has been operating whale watch tours and. At island adventures, we pride ourselves on being the most experienced and dedicated whale watching company in washington state. San juan island is home to lime kiln point state park a. The park faces the islands west side waters where the whales spend time feeding and socializing during summer. 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. 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 whale watching and sea life exploration. When the ferry lands in friday harbor the first building youll see is the bright red office of the western prince right on the water. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Whale sightings this week san juan cruises bellingham. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale.
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. 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 salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on. The salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on a diet that is more than 85% chinookspeciessalmon. Whale watching on san juan island with western prince. Off season fun for families in washington getting to san juan island.
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