Two ecotypes are commonly found in the salish sea the critically endangered southern residents j, k, and l pods and transient, or biggs, orcas. 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. 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. Welcome to the official travel site san juan islands. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just.
Get up close with the killer whales off orcas island, the largest of the san juan islands near seattle, on this guided, 3. San juan island, washington state, including friday. Since moving to the pacific northwest, ive been hoping for an orca encounter of my own, but thus far had fallen short. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor low season. 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. The 100millionyearold san juan islands feature some of the most spectacular scenery in the pacific northwest. 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. Be whale wise san juan islands washington visitors bureau. Sometimes that might be out towards eastern vancouver island, or down to the very south end of the san juan islands.
And, like all of the destinations i travel to, i researched the island extensively. 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. Blog and whale reports san juan cruises whale watching. Whale watch tours in the san juan islands island adventures. 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. 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. Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. That includes the whale tours by kayak, day kayak tours and overnight kayakcamping tours. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Home to a huge state park, several lakes and various harbors and. May 04, 2017 a day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. Western prince whale watching is located in scenic friday harbor on san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle.
Aug 27, 2011 footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching kayak. 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. Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature.
Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. Worldclass whale watching, kayaking, biking, hiking, farmtotable dining, cozy lodgings. 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. There are a great variety of whales travelling the waters here in the. For more information on things to do in san juan island, download our. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands, washington. Of all the islands, orcas island or the gem of the san juan islands is considered to be the most beautiful. Because our trips start in friday harbor on san juan island, where 90% of the regions whale sightings occur, and because of our boats travel at minimum 18 knots with passengers, we are usually able to get to the whales, spend time with the whales, and spend time viewing other wildlife during the 3 to 4 hour time allotted per tour.
Here, whale watching season spans from march through october, when. Whale watching june 18 july 9 july 9, 2009 uncategorized bellingham, friday harbor, orca whales, san juan islands, victoria, whale watching admin we seem to have hit the peak season for orca whale watching over the past two weeks, with frequent sightings of all 3 local pods j, k and l pods. 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. San juan islands whale watching from friday harbor low.
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. 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. 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. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington. In addition to hosting the worlds only whale museum the san juan islands are also home to. 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. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands.
To start with, the san juan islands are the best place in the usa to spot orca or killer whales and. Admire the expansive views of unparalleled beauty on your way to san juan island. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. Seattle whale watching to the san juan islands duration. Orcas are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. Orca whales range through the san juan islands the most. The salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on a diet that is more than 85% chinookspeciessalmon. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner. San juan outfitters is widely considered san juan islands premier sea kayak and whale watch tour company.
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. 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. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. After dragging myself away from the piles of books, i headed out with my family to explore more of san juan island.
Experience unforgettable whale watching in the san juan islands. With 12 marine naturalists on board, all your questions will be answered, and you will walk away with knowledge about the local wildlife, ecology, and geology of the san juans. San juan islands whale watching tours are a great way to see all kinds of wildlife. This reputation developed from a commitment to the highest level of guest. Peak season is from mayseptember, but that shouldnt stop you from visiting during the offpeak months. Our rental cabins are conveniently located close to eastsound village and the ferry terminal our accommodations also provide excellent access to hiking on mt. Landbased whale watching can be a terrific way to experience the whales at little or no cost. Local tour companies leave from the three largest islands daily and can also be chartered. 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 waters of washingtons san juan islands support a great. J14 born 1974 and brand new baby j43, nestled between mom and j30, j14s 12 yearold son. San juan islands whale watching friday harbor whale watching. 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. Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the washington state ferry terminal in anacortes, wa.
Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. A whale watching trip from friday harbor is the perfect. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. The best place in the world to see orca aka killer whales, and more. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. The season lasts from midapril to early october, but the best time to spot the majestic creatures is from late may through september. This deal cannot be combined with promotion codes or other discounts and is valid on whale watching tours only. On our deluxe whale watching tour we make a stop every day in friday harbor, usually from about 11. San juan outfitters owns the exclusive kayak facilities at roche harbor, san juan island and kayak facilities in friday harbor, san juan island. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale watching is one of the most spectacular. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go.
San juan island is the center of whale watching in the. The san juan islands are worldrenowned for orca research and whale watching and there are two different types of orcas. San juan islands whale watching by clipper vacations issuu. Whale watching june 18 july 9 july 9, 2009 uncategorized bellingham, friday harbor, orca whales, san juan islands, victoria, whale watching admin we seem to have hit the peak. 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 most common way to get to friday harbor on san juan island. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching. San juan safaris, located in friday harbor on san juan island, is in the perfect location. Magnificent orca or killer whales can be seen in the salish sea around the san juan islands year round.
Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching. Jan 30, 2017 after dragging myself away from the piles of books, i headed out with my family to explore more of san juan island. San juan outfitters is known for its low guide to guest ratio kayak tours. During your approximately fourhour cruise, youll travel among the spectacular natural beauty of the. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. 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 off season. Feb 16, 2016 the 100millionyearold san juan islands feature some of the most spectacular scenery in the pacific northwest.
San juan island is the seasonal home to three pods of orca whales, and whale watching is among the island s most popular activities. 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. This archipelago of more than 400 islands includes. 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. By midmorning, you will arrive at the islands, where you will embark for the highlight of your day, a whale watching cruise. The san juan islands of washington are the best place in the world to view. Visit the san juan islands in northwest washington state.
The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see beautiful blackandwhite orca whales in the wild. 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. Begin your journey in seattle, where youll board the ferry for a puget sound cruise. We made stops in the historic town of roche harbor to explore the san juan islands sculpture park, a 20acre outdoor sculpture gallery, and at english camp, one of the two military establishments set up in the 1800s during the islands pig war. 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. Whale watching in the san juan islands is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge. 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 mooring lines of the san juan clipper land on the deck of the whale watching vessel. 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. 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. You may catch them passing by from some of the coastal locations on the whale. 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. We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you.
Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the washington state ferry terminal in. 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. Download the watching whales in the san juan islands brochure. Warm summer sun reflects off of downtown skyscrapers as the crew makes final. 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. San juan islands whale watching tours orcas, lopez, shaw. True, i hadnt arrived to san juan island by mistake in fact, it took a bit of effort to get there. 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.