I am traveling to san juan islands for 3 days in early august arrive tuesdepart friday and definitely want to do a whale watching tour. We have a chance of seeing them every time we leave the dock. Peak whale watching season is may through september. 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. They even feed on sea birds, although these arent considered to be a substantial food source for them.
A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. 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. Outer island excursions offers guaranteed whale watching tours see whales or ride again free. San juan island is the seasonal home to three pods of orca whales, and whale watching is among the island s most popular activities. 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. Orcas being the hilliest the tallest peak is mount constitution at almost exactly a halfmile elevation. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. The most wonderful ways to whale watch in the san juan. 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. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. Nonprofit gauges interest in san juan islands sanctuary for retired captive orcas. Worldclass whale watching, kayaking, biking, hiking, farmtotable dining, cozy lodgings.
A day watching for whales and other sea creatures around 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. As noaa fisheries gears up for another year of patrols to protect endangered southern resident killer whales in and around washingtons san juan islands, the regional organization of commercial whale watching vessels, as well as state and county partners, have issued new guidelines to further reduce disturbance to whales from boat and vessel traffic. Your information source for the san juan islands since 1997. Wildlife of the san juan islands san juan excursions. 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. Visit the san juan islands in northwest washington state. There are a great variety of whales travelling the waters here in the san juan islands, both toothed and baleen. Tours store marine naturalists training adopt orcas whale museum history. 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.
This collection of whalefocused museums, parks and launching points run all the way down the west coast, highlighting some of the best places. The m v kestrel is a rib ridged inflatable style vessel that cruises waters around san juan island at an impressive 35 knots. We each have our favorites, mine is san juan island for its access to the water, and much more for heavier duty hiking, orcas. Address san juan safaris po box 365 2 spring street landing friday harbor, wa 98250. I recall one sailor in particular, sailing the san juan islands, who actually found himself going backwards under power due to the force of the tidal current. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. Theres been a lot of recent confusion about whale watching in the san juan islands and washington state waters. You may spot these on one of the island s web of hiking trails, many near or along the shore the same terrain that makes for somewhat easy cycling makes. San juan islands whale watching tours are a great way to see all kinds of wildlife. San juan cruises scenic whale watching tours in the san juan islands from bellingham, wa. It was the site of san juan island s famous pig war, a bloodless and shortlived conflict that erupted between british and american forces in the 19 th century like lime kiln park, the national historical park is.
We have highlytrained naturalists on board all of our trips. Whale watching is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and appreciate killer whales and the other marine wildlife in this region. Whale watching san juan island the best of the san juan. 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. Weaning occurs between 6 and 10 months after birth. 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 tallest peak in the san juan islands is located on orcas island. Humpback whale san juan island national historical park u. There is nothing quite as spectacular as the sight of a pod of orca whales along the protected coastlines of the san juan islands. Our goal is to give our guests an enjoyable and exciting tour, while always practicing the highest level of respect for wildlife and boating safety. Enjoy more time in friday harbor with an overnight. National monument located in the salish sea in the state of washington.
Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. There is no central source for the public to find out exactly when. Most premier whale watching vacation home on san juan. That includes the whale tours by kayak, day kayak tours and overnight kayakcamping tours. September is a gorgeous month for kayaking in the san juan islands as it ranks as the third driest and warmest month of the year. 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. Alongside spectacular island scenery, the areas showstopper is the worldrenowned orca whale. Just a 90mile drive from downtown seattle, anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure no ferry required. The whale museums mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the salish sea ecosystem through education and research. Videos you watch may be added to the tvs watch history and influence tv recommendations. Whale watching cruises san juan cruises bellingham. The two farthest islands west of anacortes are san juan island and orcas island.
Smoking is not permitted in the suite or on the property of whale cove. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. The san juan islands insider app helps you explore the four main islands lopez, orcas, shaw and san juan islands. I think they were transients based on their movement style. The best places to whale watch from shore on san juan island. September averages just a bit more than an inch of rain for the entire month so kayak camping expeditions are usually very comfortable. We want to set an example for other boaters on the water ensuring the continuation of wildlife viewing for years to come. West side killer whale sanctuary tour san juan outfitters. Come aboard for an adventure in the san juan islands or a. Use promo code bogo when booking online or call our. San juan island lime kiln state park friday harbor whale watching music white man dancing. 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 channel san juan safaris san juan island whale. Buy one get one half off click here to redeem a standard whale watching tour. The leaders of the whale sanctuary project say a cordonedoff bay or. A portal to pnw paradise clipper vacations magazine july 26, 2016, 6. Most importantly, government and industry are working together to protect washingtons endangered southern. This beautiful park sits at the southern tip of san juan island. San juan outfitters owns the exclusive kayak launching rights at roche harbor, san juan island and kayak launching rights in friday harbor, san juan island. Visit the whale museum and learn all about whales and the unique ecosystem that surrounds 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. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to youtube on your computer. Peak season is from mayseptember, but that shouldnt stop you from visiting during the offpeak months. We leave from the dock closest to the whales for your best chance to see orcas.
As you visit attractions, natural wonders, villages, shops, galleries and restaurants in the islands, you can gather points, and redeem them for discounts, goods and services at specific rewards locations on each island. Constitution, and you can hike to the top for a great view. Whale watch point is perched high on a bluff looking out to haro strait on the coveted west side of san juan island. In february 2008, a white killer whale was photographed 3. 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. Whale watching in the san juan islands the mandagies. A reconstructed skeleton and a scale model of the blackandwhite whale dominate the main room, an impressive sight indeed. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. Island adventures was one of the first companies to guarantee whales in the san juan islands. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching kayak. San juan island s lime kiln point state park is a prime whalewatching site with knowledgeable interpreters often on site. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just.
The guarantee isnt a standby pass and there are no blackout dates, its a free ticket for life until you see whales in the wild. That includes the whale tours by kayak, day kayak tours and overnight kayaking camping tours. The san juan islands are worldrenowned for orca research and whale watching and there are two different types of orcas. 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. 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. Discover san juan islands whale watching clipper magazine. Locals answer your faqs about the san juan islands. The san juan island archipelago consists of a staggering 172 islands, some only visible during extreme low tide look out boaters. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington. I know there are many companies and types of tours what are the best ones both for seeing whales, other. In another more recent example, i voyaged 450 miles in the company of a 42ft. We started back in 1987 as gray line cruises, operating from the semiahmoo resort in blaine, wa. 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.
Orcas island is the largest island in the group of san juan islands. San juan chamber san juan island chamber of commerce. The wildlife in the san juan islands is quite diverse. Outer island excursions whale watching san juan islands. The three largest islands are geographically unique. No, to view living whales in the san juan s contact a whale watching company. May 04, 2017 a day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands. Friday harbor, wa united states whale cove san juan. San juan cruises is a bellingham, wa based company that operates four deluxe tour vessels. 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. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington visitors. Humpback whale singing has been studied for decades, but scientists still understand very little about its function.
Anacortes is our flagship location where island adventures first began back in 1996. My birthday present from our eldest daughter was a whale watching trip in the san juan islands. The waters around the san juan islands are full of wildlife yearround and we see whales every month of the year. Our first whale watching tour from friday harbor is scheduled for saturday, march 4th and we cant wait to get back on the water. Mayas legacy whale watching friday harbor, san juan island. Local tour companies leave from the three largest islands daily and can also be chartered. 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. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. Great hall at green lake llc great hall, 7220 woodlawn ave. 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. Baleen whales of the san juan islands sea quest kayak. Pebbled beaches, stunning sunsets and deep green forests the san juan islands are inspiration for the senses.
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. Whale report blog whale watching san juan islands san. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see orca whales in the wild. Victoria star, chinook, salish express and salish sea. 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. Orcas are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. See orcas in the wild, learn about salish sea wildlife, and enjoy the ride into the whales world. Print a map san juan safaris san juan island whale watching. The san juan islands are unique and special, both for.
Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go. In 1976, the whale museum was founded to study the southern resident orcas. Magnificent orca or killer whales can be seen in the salish sea around the san.
The whale museum is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see. Aug 02, 2015 an amazing evening whale watching and spotting transient whales on the san juan islands with san juan island whale and wildlife tours. San juan islands whale watching tours orcas, lopez, shaw. San juan island the location of the wellknown town, friday harbor is a footfriendly island. Download the watching whales in the san juan islands brochure. 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. Its a complicated issue, and the san juan island visitors bureau is happy to answer questions and provide clarification. Killer whales orcas are seen throughout the year and more frequently between april october, with. Newborns are to 16 ft 4 to 5 m long and grow quickly from the highly nutritious milk of their mothers. As the general tourism activities wind down after labor day, the san juan islands become a quiet escape for savvy kayakers. These recordings were made by alex from netherlands on july 23, 2010 all people aboard the ship felt. Welcome to the official travel site san juan islands.
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. 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 bellingham, including bellingham bay and rosario strait. 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. You may catch them passing by from some of the coastal locations on the whale trail. San juan island is the secondlargest and most populous of the san juan islands in northwestern washington, united states. Since moving to the pacific northwest, ive been hoping for an orca encounter of my own, but thus far had fallen short. For the past 19 years, we have been offering whale watchingwildlife cruises in the san juan islands. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner.
The guest house is beautifully and tastefully furnished. 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. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see beautiful blackandwhite orca whales in the wild. 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.
Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. It also has great history, charming boutiques, kayak rental, whale watching, and plenty of hiking and other outdoor activities. Be whale wise san juan islands washington visitors bureau. History read about the history of the san juan island whale museum. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. 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. San juan outfitters owns the exclusive kayak facilities at roche harbor, san juan island and kayak facilities in friday harbor, san juan island. San juan islands whale watching faq mayas legacy whale. We are the leaders in guaranteeing whales in 2019, we saw whales on 532 of 540 tours. San juan island in the san juan islands whale watching. The salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on a diet that is more than 85% chinookspeciessalmon. San juan outfitters is known for its low guide to guest ratio kayak tours. The adventure tour is 3 hours long and gives you the best chances to see all that the san juans have to offer. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures.
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. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. Vr permit number pcup00160026 covid19 since march 25, 2020 san juan property management vacation rental homes have been and will remain closed to all nonessential travel through may 4th, 2020 due to the san juan county local health officer order. Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. 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. Orcas, or killer whales, are seen in the san juan islands year round. For those of you who love birds, the san juan islands are a birders paradise.
Naturalist erick wednesday, october 9, 2019 mv sea lion noon today, was another sunny, fall day in the san juan islands. Whale watching in the san juan islands mayas legacy. We are thinking of doing whale watching out of friday harbor. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching. 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. Nonprofit gauges interest in san juan islands sanctuary for retired. These are the second smallest baleen whale and feed on small schooling fish and invertebrates. Stability gained by balance cruising log of the murrelet. Whale watching in the san juan islands shes cookin. Two ecotypes are commonly found in the salish sea the critically endangered southern residents j, k, and l pods and transient, or biggs, orcas. Orcas island, lopez island, shaw island and san juan island can be reached by washington state ferries. About san juan excursions which offers whale watching.
Mayas legacy whale watching is located in friday harbor on san juan island washington, just 90 miles from seattle. Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. Meaning you can walk on interisland ferries from where you are staying and not need a car to explore san juan island, saving you transportation money. San juan island is the seasonal home to three pods of orca whales, and whale watching is among the islands most popular activities. The guide to the san juan islands a curated guide to the.
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