Dec 04, 2019 gorgeous 1400 foot shoreline on salish sea san juan island, spectacular whale watching, sandy fire pit area, fire pit not usable if there is a fire ban and we are cautious as there are tall grass fields in close proximity, unique privacy, lawn to shoreline, sunny deck. 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. We have been in business for over ten years and we boast the best ratings in the region. Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on the entire west coast, the island explorer 5. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island. I know there are many companies and types of tours what are the best ones both for seeing whales, other. Humpback whale san juan island national historical park u. J, k and l pods have become like family members and the pride of the locals. Whale watching from shore, photography by kathleen ballard southern resident killer whales by ken rea, spirit. Print a map san juan safaris san juan island whale watching. Employment opportunities san juan safaris san juan. 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.
The best places to whale watch from shore on san juan island. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching kayak. Outer island excursions offers highquality, unforgettable marine experiences in the san juan islands of washington state. For those of you who love birds, the san juan islands are a birders paradise.
There are a great variety of whales travelling the waters here in the san juan islands, both toothed and baleen. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale watching is one of the most spectacular. San juan islands officials ask visitors to stay away to. Most premier whale watching vacation home on san juan island. Newborns are to 16 ft 4 to 5 m long and grow quickly from the highly nutritious milk of their mothers. 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. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Since moving to the pacific northwest, ive been hoping for an orca encounter of my own, but thus far had fallen short. Lakedale is temporarily closed but were planning on reopening on may 5th, based on recommendations from the state.
Seattle whale watching san juan safaris san juan island. Download our whale watching wildlife cruises, friday harbor, san juan island, washington brochure, download and print our full color brochure. For the past 19 years, we have been offering whale watchingwildlife cruises in 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. 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. The whale museum, located in beautiful friday harbor, washington, opened to the public in 1979 as the first museum in the country devoted to a species living in the wild. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. Bring the whole family to this center, where kiddos are welcomed with open arms.
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. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. Download the watching whales in the san juan islands brochure. From midapril until the beginning of october theres just no better place to see orca whales than the san juan islands. The best time to see killer whales in the san juan islands. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. But at island adventures, we pride ourselves on offering more than just unforgettable whale sightings. There is no central source for the public to find out exactly when. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner. In addition to hosting the worlds only whale museum the san juan islands are also home to washington states hidden treasure. We leave from the dock closest to the whales for your best chance to see orcas. When this pod of orcas cruised by my boat i knew it was the end of the days salmon fishing.
Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. 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. The island has distinct personality and is the second biggest island in the san juans county. The calm waters of the pacific northwest offer some of the best whale watching in the world. Mayas legacy whale watching is located in friday harbor on san juan island washington, just 90 miles from seattle. A portal to pnw paradise clipper vacations magazine july 26, 2016, 6. The orcas here in the islands are quite gregarious. Stay overnight on san juan island and check out the many delicious restaurants, open air market or experience the great outdoors by bird watching, biking, beachcombing or hiking. Orca, humpback, minke, and gray whale sightings are possible at any time of year. 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. Weaning occurs between 6 and 10 months after birth.
May 04, 2017 a day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands. Whale watch point is perched high on a bluff looking out to haro strait on the coveted west side of san juan island. The salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on. The guest house is beautifully and tastefully furnished. After visiting this past july, i believe friday harbor may be the most underrated destination in the pacific northwest. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. 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. Aug 27, 2011 footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. The srkw are here in the san juan islands mid april to about first part of october.
The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see orca whales in the wild. 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. Adventure whale watching in the san juan islands western. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see beautiful blackandwhite orca whales in the wild. Two ecotypes are commonly found in the salish sea the critically endangered southern residents j, k, and l pods and transient, or biggs, orcas.
You may catch them passing by from some of the coastal locations on the whale trail. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. Puget sound whale watchers accused of loving endangered. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington. 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. Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home.
Whale watching san juan islands, popular tourist attractions. 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. Click here to download all 12 months of killer whale watching data and be sure to zoom in to see the details. 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. Kayak whale watching in the san juan islands, seattle, washington. We want to set an example for other boaters on the water ensuring the continuation of wildlife viewing for years. The island has distinct personality and is the second biggest island in the san. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington visitors. If youre curious about what to expect whale watching in the san juan islands, were here to share all the details.
Passengers not doing the whale watching tour disembarked, and some cargo was unloaded. 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. The most wonderful ways to whale watch in 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. She spent 8 yrs as a naturalist on board a whale watchingadventure boat from san juan island. 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. Most premier whale watching vacation home on san juan. You can spot these majestic marine animals from many of the shores on the western side of our island. The best place in the world to see orca aka killer whales, and more.
And with hundreds of islands in the san juans and canadian gulf islands, we are in sight of land throughout our tour. Local tour companies leave from the three largest islands daily and can also be chartered. The whale museum, located in beautiful friday harbor, washington, was opened to the public in 1979 as the first museum in the country devoted to a species livin. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles.
So if youre looking for an amazing boating experience in friday harbor, look no further than san juan. Orca whales and wildlife in the san juan islands island. 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. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the islands and go on whale watch tours in hopes of catching a glimpse of these beautiful and often playful creatures in the wild. The title of land tour guide really seems to fit her. Premier orca whale watching from anacortes in the san juan islands, wa.
Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. Its a complicated issue, and the san juan island visitors bureau is happy. We enjoyed a memorable 3 day trip to san juan island which included biking. That allows us to cover lots of ground so to speak and show you as many of the whales and other animals that call the san juan islands home as possible. The salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on a diet that is more than 85% chinookspeciessalmon. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald.
Transient orca whales pass through the islands frequently, feeding on seals, sea lions and fish. Researchers, residents and whale watchers saw nearly all of the orcas j pod, about 21 animals, off the west side of 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. In february 2008, a white killer whale was photographed 3. There is a reason so many people come from all over the world to the san juan islands north of seattle to catch a glimpse of the worlds top ocean predator.
San juan island is one of the few places in the world where you can see killer whales on a regular basis. 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. Orca whales are one of the main attractions of the san juan islands in washington. 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. Today, our museum continues to promote stewardship of whales and the. There is nothing quite as spectacular as the sight of a pod of orca whales along the protected coastlines of the san juan islands. 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. We are planning to take an orca whale watching tour and would like. The wildlife in the san juan islands is quite diverse.
Though orca whales reside in the san juan islands yearround, they range through the islands the most between may and october. Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. On our deluxe whale watching tour we make a stop every day in friday harbor, usually from about 11. 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 tour land based tour of san juan island, orca whale. San juan islands whale watching tours are a great way to see all kinds of wildlife. Stalking whales in the san juan islands everyday runaway. They do not socialize or interbreed with the southern residents either. If youre not from the pacific northwest united states, have you even ever heard of friday harbor or the san juan islands. The san juan islands are worldrenowned for orca research and whale watching and there are two different types of orcas. Be whale wise san juan islands washington visitors bureau. 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. San juan islands whale watching faq mayas legacy whale.
Jun 19, 2017 with clipper vacations, whale and other sea life encounters are just a boat ride away from downtown seattle. Whale watching in the san juan islands mayas legacy. Take a relaxing outing on the waters when you rent a vessel from san juan excursions in friday harbor. Our cruises offer a gaurantee that if you do not see whales on you cruise you can come again free of charge.
These orcas are feeding on the variety of marine mammals in the region, such as steller sea lions, harbor seals, harbor porpoise, and dall s porpoise. Wildlife of the san juan islands san juan excursions san. Yes, we love hosting private charters for company trips, wedding parties, and other group outings. 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. Theres nothing i love better than taking a ferry up through the islands. The trip up to friday harbor is beautiful, and we saw seals and even a bald eagles nest. This collection of whalefocused museums, parks and launching points run all the way down the west coast, highlighting some of the best places. 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 in the san juan islands the mandagies. That question has become more urgent in washington state, where southern resident killer whales that feed around the san juan islands in. 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. Group gauges interest in san juan islands sanctuary for retired. Get up close with the killer whales off orcas island, the largest of the san juan islands near seattle, on this guided, 3. Whale watching in the san juan islands postcards to seattle.
Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. See orcas in the wild, learn about salish sea wildlife, and enjoy the ride into the whales world. The waters around the san juan islands are inland and protected from the ocean swells of the open pacific. San juan islands san juan cruises bellingham friday. But, have you ever considered a trip to friday harbor in the san juan islands.
Read below about our vessels, our enthusiastic crew, and our high ratings. They measure up to 32 feet in length and weigh up to 11 tons. At noon time the boat docked at friday harbor, on san juan island. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Our tours explore some of the richest whale habitat on the planet. San juan island is one of the best places in the world to whale watch. She hopes to see you soon and share this amazing place. Orcas are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. Rather than visiting orcas in captivity, visit the san juan islands in washington state.
Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with 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. Her passion for the san juan islands will make you listen, laugh and learn. 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 whale watching. 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. 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. Baleen whales completely lack teeth and filter small prey such as.
We would spend a couple of hours whale watching, then return to friday harbor for a breather before going back to seattle. Take a boat ride to observe the orcas of the san juan islands and their habits all guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. If youre curious about what to expect whale watching in the san juan islands, we re here to share all the details. The best time to see killer whales in the san juan islands this is one of the most asked questions that we get. The leaders of the whale sanctuary project say a cordonedoff bay or cove somewhere in the san juan islands could be the ideal home for orcas retired from theme parks. San juan islands whale watching tours orcas, lopez, shaw. Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person.
There is a ledge or overhang on the west side of san juan island. San juan islands lime kiln point state park is a prime whale watching site with knowledgeable interpreters often on site politically, the san juan islands comprise, by definition, san juan county, washington. Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Nonprofit looks to washingtons san juan islands for. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures.
If youre hoping to go whale watching in the san juan islands, heres what you should know. Download our brochure san juan islands whale watching. They tend to favor the waters right off the west side of san juan island. This is when the salmon orcas primary prey runs are strongest. Theres been a lot of recent confusion about whale watching in the san juan islands and washington state waters. They are also referred to as biggs killer whales in honor of dr. The islands are beautiful and lend themselves to biking, hiking, birding, long walks, boating and kayaking.
The leaders of the whale sanctuary project say a cordonedoff bay or cove somewhere in the san juan islands could be the ideal home for. About san juan excursions which offers whale watching. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go. Whale watching is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and appreciate killer whales and the other marine wildlife in this region. Whale watching in the san juan islands shes cookin. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures. Humpback whale singing has been studied for decades, but scientists still understand very little about its function.
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