We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you. We had an amazing whale watching tour our boat captain and guide were very knowledgeable. San juan outfitters owns the exclusive kayak facilities at roche harbor, san juan island and kayak facilities in friday harbor, san juan island. Orca whale watching is a huge draw to the islands, but they have plenty more to offer visitors great food, outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. 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. 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. Magnificent orca or killer whales can be seen in the salish sea around the san juan islands year round. Port townsend theater is a rose and so is the town so they become either the loudmouth with a strained voice, or the wallflower who misses out on. There is a ledge or overhang on the west side of san juan island. 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. San juan islands whale watching attracts numerous tourists to the pacific northwest on an annual basis. How to get to friday harbor, washington on san juan island.
Exploring the san juan islands via kayak will give you access to quiet beaches, waterside campgrounds, whale watching, and so much more. As much as i love to travel, its always so nice to spend the summer in the pacific northwest. Since moving to the pacific northwest, ive been hoping for an orca encounter of my own, but thus far had fallen short. Blog and whale reports san juan cruises whale watching. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see. Boatbased whale watching tours getting out on the water with a local whale watch tour operator will give you the best chance at seeing whales in their natural. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours.
You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. 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 islands whale watching from friday harbor low. 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. Local tour companies leave from the three largest islands daily and can also be chartered. 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. This website, san juan orcas, was established to help spread awareness of the endangered southern resident orcas and to arm people with the knowledge of how to help save these amazing marine mammals from extinction.
Baleen whales completely lack teeth and filter small prey such as plankton, worms, and. The ultimate san juan islands kayaking and camping guide. 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. Whale watching, kayaking and hiking can also be arranged. Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home. The salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on a diet that is more than 85% chinookspeciessalmon. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the 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. The san juans are a world in and of themselves, rife with bald eagles, resident orca pods, harbor seals, and quaint small towns that feel like youve stepped into a picture book. 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. Dec 04, 2019 3 acres on san juan island, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom all ocean front. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington visitors.
Experience unforgettable whale watching in the san juan islands. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching. There are no bridges to the san juan islands but you will find four ferry systems that serve some of the san juan islands. When you arrive we have two office locations in friday harbor where you are welcome to drop in anytime. Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. The best place in the world to see orca aka killer whales, and more. San juan outfitters is known for its low guide to guest ratio kayak tours. For over 20 years, san juan safaris has been offering the highest quality whale watching tours with a focus on our guests experiences and respectful wildlife viewing. Orcas are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. Be whale wise san juan islands washington visitors bureau. Aug 27, 2011 footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. San juan islands whale watching tours orcas, lopez, shaw. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching.
We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum. A day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands. 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. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor low season. 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. That includes the whale tours by kayak, day kayak tours and overnight kayakcamping tours. 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. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures. 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. The srkw are here in the san juan islands mid april to about first part of october. Our first whale watching tour from friday harbor is scheduled for saturday, march 4th and we cant wait to get back on the water. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands.
Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the washington state ferry terminal in anacortes, wa. Mayas legacy whale watching friday harbor, san juan island. 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. 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. Island adventures whale watching offers free pacific northwest wildlife viewing guides on all guaranteed whale watch tours in the san juan islands.
They tend to favor the waters right off the west side of san juan island. Print a map san juan safaris san juan island whale watching. 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. Rain showers are few and far between, and we see temperatures in the 80s on a regular basis. On this san juan cycling tour you ferryhop between four islands. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner. Washington state ferries serves lopez island, shaw island, orcas island, and san juan island from terminals in anacortes, washington and sidney, british columbia. Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just. 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.
San juan outfitters is widely considered san juan islands premier sea kayak and whale watch tour company. Not only did we see several orcas, but also spotted a gray whale, a humpback whale, seals, and a cluster of stellar sea lions on a rock outcrop. In addition to hosting the worlds only whale museum the san juan islands are also home to washington states hidden treasure. The san juan islands are worldrenowned for orca research and whale watching and there are two different types of orcas. 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. Whale watching san juan islands, popular tourist attractions. San juan islands whale watching tours are a great way to see all kinds of wildlife. The island has distinct personality and is the second biggest island in the san juans county. Our experienced, passionate team of captains and naturalists love to share our vast knowledge of whales, wildlife, and their beautiful pacific northwest home with travelers from near and far. No matter where i travel to around the world, nothing compares to the beauty of these small, treefilled islands in the middle of the. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. Most premier whale watching vacation home on san juan island. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. 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.
These recordings were made by alex from netherlands on july 23, 2010 all people aboard the ship felt. San juan excursions whale watching tours and wildlife cruises. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching kayak. There is nothing quite as spectacular as the sight of a pod of orca whales along the protected coastlines of the san juan islands. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. Whale watching in the san juan islands postcards to seattle. The most common way to get to friday harbor on san juan island. These transients were the t46s and we all held our breath to see what would happen when the humpback and orcas crossed paths. 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. Whale report blog whale watching san juan islands san. Something ive always wanted to do is whale watching in the san juan islands.
Magnificent orca or killer whales can be seen in the salish sea around the san. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. To start with, the san juan islands are the best place in the usa to spot orca or killer whales and bald eagles, after alaska. For over 20 years, san juan safaris has been offering the highest quality whale watching tours with a focus on. Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. Wow, i know i sound like a broken record, but i cant believe how amazing this place is, i exclaimed again to my husband as i watched another seaplane land in the small, idyllic harbor bobbing with boats. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. San juan safaris san juan islands 2020 all you need to. 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. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale watching is one of the most spectacular.
Learn about the areas vibrant ecosystem from the on board naturalist and tour a charming island town. Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. 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. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. Oct 14, 2010 whale watching in the san juan islands. True, i hadnt arrived to san juan island by mistake in fact, it took a bit of effort to get there. 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 orcas was also established to offer help identifying individual orcas. Western prince whale watching is located in scenic friday harbor on san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle. We set sail on the 65foot odyssey and made our way out into the salish sea.
Most premier whale watching vacation home on san juan. 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. Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on. See orcas in the wild, learn about salish sea wildlife, and enjoy the ride into the whales world. This location allows us to access all the major waterways the whales travel, and we often view whales within the haro. And, like all of the destinations i travel to, i researched the island extensively. San juan islands whale watching friday harbor whale watching. Get up close with the killer whales off orcas island, the largest of the san juan islands near seattle, on this guided, 3. 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. 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. 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. The day before, we embarked on a san juan island whale watching expedition from friday harbor with san juan excursions.
Western prince has provided quality san juan island tours since 1986. Be whale wise san juan islands washington visitors. 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.
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. Whether you book a roche harbor or friday harbor whale watching tour, you are all but guaranteed to. We wondered if the humpback would get spooked or harassed. Indeed the pace of life and the pastoral setting make the san juan islands the perfect destination for beginner and intermediate cycling vacations. 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. Best whale watching tour boat on san juan island western.
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