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. Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the washington state ferry terminal in anacortes, wa. Sep 21, 2015 of all the islands, orcas island or the gem of the san juan islands is considered to be the most beautiful. Your captain will take you on a guided whale watch cruise through the san juan islands. Island explorer 4 and island explorer 5 feature full walk around lower decks, upper viewing decks, great sound systems, heated cabins, galley service, spacious restrooms, and the best crew in the area. How to make the most of a weekend on the san juan islands. How to get to friday harbor, washington on san juan island. During your approximately fourhour cruise, youll travel among the spectacular natural beauty of the.
Whale watch tours from anacortes wa island adventures. Travel to friday harbor, san juan island from anacortes, washington. One of my favorite places to go in the summer is the san juan islands. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands, washington. San juan island whale watching alternative travel options. Western prince whale watching san juan island boat. Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Go west on highway 20 for about 20 miles to anacortes following the anacortes san juan islands signs. Please dont be scared off of the islands by the fact that you may have to use the ferry. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. Adventure whale watching in the san juan islands western. One of the advantages of taking a trip out of anacortes is that you dont have to worry about the ferry schedules.
Anacortes is just a ferry ride away from friday harbor, san juan island where the whales are. Come out and see orca whales, gray whales, humpback whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, bald eagles and much more. Oct 17, 2016 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. Island adventures is a homegrown, family owned company. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island. Ferry rides are required to get to all of the san juan islands including orcas island and they can sometimes be very busy in the summer months with long wait times. This seaside town is known for its historic old town district and outdoor recreation activities. The plane arrives in time to enjoy the town for friday harbor and its many shops and restaurants. Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. Sea quest kayak tours and whale watching trips 41,388 views. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching. In the summer months, the temperature averages between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. 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 adventures. We didnt find whales, but we did find wind, eagles and steller sea lions. Anacortes, located on fidalgo island, is 90 miles northwest of seattle and 50 miles south of vancouver, canada, is home to the washington state ferry terminal that serves as the gateway to the san juan islands. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. Heres how to plan a san juan islands weekend trip, including which islands to visit. The original whale watch company in the san juan islands. San juan excursions whale watching tours and wildlife cruises. Whale watching adventures in anacortes, washiington.
Private charters with san juan excursions, whale watching. San juan provisions provides food service on board the ferries and inside the anacortes passenger terminal. We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you. About 95% of our kayaking tour guests use the stateowned ferry to get to our rendezvous in friday harbor. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. Anacortes san juan islands ferry schedule, san juan islands map. Anacortes san juan safaris san juan island whale watching tours. Anacortes is known to have some of the best weather in the san juan islands. Voted one the most beautiful ferry rides in the world, a leisurely ride on a washington state ferry gives you a taste of the archipelagos beauty. We are honored to be able to live and work in this wonderful community of anacortes and are happy to contribute to many programs here in. Whale watching in the san juan islands postcards to seattle. The ferry ride is beautiful and you will see many islands on the way.
We enjoy easy access to the cascade mountains, san juan islands and vancouver island. Winter 2020 sailing schedule for anacortes san juan islands. San juan island is one of the few places in the world where you can see killer whales on a regular basis. We will be driving to anacortes and would like to do a whale watching tour. Click here to download all 12 months of killer whale watching data and be sure to. Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. How to get to friday harbor, washington on san juan island san. We took a total of 4 ferries, hopping around seattle, olympic penninsula, and the san juan islands. Jan 5, 2020 jun 20, 2020 leave westbound monday through friday anacortes lopez island shaw island orcas island friday harbor san juan island. No matter where i travel to around the world, nothing compares to the beauty of these small, treefilled islands in 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. San juan island orcas island shaw island lopez island anacortes. We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum. The islands are beautiful and lend themselves to biking, hiking, birding, long walks, boating and kayaking. Equidistant between seattle to the south and vancouver, b. Rain showers are few and far between, and we see temperatures in the 80s on a regular basis. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. Youll have the opportunity to search for orca whales and other large marine.
Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home. Anacortes whale watching 45 hour tours april through october. 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. 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. Welcome to the washington state ferries schedule application. Follow this road until you reach the washington state ferry terminal.
Outer island excursions can start your charter from anywhere in the region including lopez, san juan, shaw, blakely, lummi island, anacortes, bellingham and most anywhere else you might be in the san juan islands. To get to friday harbor for whale watching many people drive from seattle to the anacortes ferry terminal and take the washington state ferry across to san juan island. Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. The ferry route has been designated a scenic byway. 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. Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature. 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. Go whale watching in the heart of the san juan islands. To get to friday harbor for whale watching most people drive from seattle to the anacortes ferry terminal and take the washington state ferry across to san juan island. Situated in the rain shadow of the olympic mountains and protected from the weather of the pacific ocean, whale watch tours departing from anacortes experience calm water and clear skies that the whole family can enjoy. Whale watch tours in the san juan islands island adventures. Anacortes whale watching san juan islands san juan safaris. Take i5 north to exit 230, which is just north of the city of mt. Island adventures webcam is overlooking south rosario strait, gazing west toward the san juan islands from fidalgo island anacortes.
Our whale watching yacht, the odyssey, is ideal for whale watching and all types of private charters and special occasions. Island adventures is known as the areas premier whale watching company, but we also offer private charters throughout the year. Staying nearby san juan safaris san juan island whale. Orcas the largest one, lopez and san juan island friday harbor. Premier orca whale watching from anacortes in the san juan islands, wa. 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. As much as i love to travel, its always so nice to spend the summer in the pacific northwest. Whale watching and wildlife tours departing from friday harbor, wa, just 90 miles north of seattle. Orcas island whale watching tours in the san juan islands can be arranged at lieberhaven resort to the most available boats at the time. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. 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. Killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. The legal viewing distance applies the same to all vessels lower profile boats cannot get you any closer, so they just cant see as well as you will from the island explorer. A day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands.
From anacortes, you have to board a washington state ferry to one of the four ferry terminals in. Anacortes is the gateway to kayaking in the san juan islands of washington state. Just a 90mile drive from downtown seattle, anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure no ferry required. Whether it is a school field trip, family reunion, company outing, wedding group or any other special occasion. Kayaking in deception pass state park family friendly. Premier orca whale watching in the waters of the san juan islands, washington state.
Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. The island explorer is the perfect whale watch boat for the san juan islands. When you purchase your ferry ticket in anacortes you are paying for a round trip ticket. The orcas here in the islands are quite gregarious. Island adventures whale watching is based out of anacortes, washington, only 90 minutes north of seattle and 90 minutes south of vancouver, bc. The ferry ride to friday harbor, san juan island is about one hour in duration. Island adventures whale watching opened its doors in 1996, but it all started in 1974 i was fishing with my dad on the west side of san juan island. Whale watching boats are the best way to see orca whales, other marine wildlife and sightseeing the san juan islands.
The height above the water gives you a much better vantage point. Your innkeepers will make you a wonderful breakfast this morning and then send you off on your adventure with san juan safaris. J, k and l pods have become like family members and the pride of the locals. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. Private charters in the san juan islands island adventures. Aug 20, 2015 killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. Washington state ferry fares to the san juan islands paid at the anacortes terminal include round trip travel. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures.
The san juan islands provide one of the best opportunities for whale watching washington has to provide, offering protected waters and a huge variety of wildlife, which include our three pods of resident orca whales. Best location for guests coming from tacoma and the olympic peninsula. Anacortes we began our journey with a search through the inner san juan islands as we tried to locate an early morning report of whales in that region. Whale watching in seattle, wa and san juan islands island. Whale watching is one of the main experiences in the san juan islands. Find san juan islands whale watching, lodging, kayaking, history. Something ive always wanted to do is whale watching in the san juan islands. 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. Whale watching at san juan island, wa twinsmomdiary. About us why choose us about our vessel download brochure contact us our locations.
The water around the san juan islands and anacortes washington is the best place in the world to view wild orca whales. San juan island is accessed via the wa state ferry that departs from anacortes, wa just 90 miles north of san juan island. 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. San juan islands whale watching attracts numerous tourists to the pacific northwest on an annual basis. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald. Kayak whale watching in the san juan islands, seattle, washington. From what i have read, it takes a while to get to san juan, and we were considering doing a whale watching tour. Anacortes whale watchingboatscharters, san juan islands.
Please check our location pages for more information for your area. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. Whale watching in seattle, wa and san juan islands. Anacortes is the homeport of the san juan islands and is known to be the best place in the world to view orcas in the wild. Anacortes ferry landing san juan islands washington. Reservations are recommended for travel between anacortes and san juan islands. The sound system allows our naturalist to turn the boat into a. 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. We just got back from washington, and we spent two night in friday harbor. San juan islands visitor information and san juan islands business directory wlinks find anacortes, san juan island orcas island lodging, camping, kayak tours, boat rentals, whale watching, attractions, history, parks, real estate, map, pictures, ferry schedule, san juan islands, washington state. The most common way to get to friday harbor on san juan island. Whale rocks and long island was the place to be if you were a bald eagle, with about ten raptors present.
While cruising the islands look around for wildlife as you listen to your naturalists talk about the ecosystem and the lifecycle. Come aboard for an adventure in the san juan islands or a fun and relaxing evening on bellingham bay. 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. In addition to our standard and large print paper schedules available at any wsf terminal or wsf vessel, we offer a variety of alternative electronic formats to meet your needs. Orcas, or killer whales, as they are also known, are the main whales that populate the waters surrounding the san juan islands, though the area is also home to minke whales. Friday harbor hosts ferry and sea plane ports and has many accommodationeatery options. 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 island whale watching day trip from seattle, wa.
Employment opportunities san juan safaris san juan. Fly back to seattle after the whale watch tour or stay the night and return the next day. Anacortes whale watching san juan safaris san juan. Even though the weather can feel warm on land, we always recommend bringing layers sweatshirts and jackets as it feels 1020 degrees cooler on the water.
These waters, located 90 miles inland from the open pacific ocean, are considered to be one of the best whale viewing territories in the world. The sky was clear, the water calm, and not another boat in sight. Anacortes, located on fidalgo island, is 90 miles northwest of seattle and 50 miles south of vancouver, canada, is home to the washington state ferry terminal. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Drive through anacortes and take a left at the light by safeway. 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. Whale watching in the san juan islands from anacortes washington.
Anacortes is the perfect departure point for guaranteed whale watching and wildlife cruises. San juan islands whale watching friday harbor whale watching. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. We decided to take a camping trip to moran state park on orcas island in the san juan island group. Travel to friday harbor, san juan island from anacortes. Winter 2020 sailing schedule for anacortes san juan. Experience the world of whales in the san juan islands in washington state for the. Orcas island eclipse charters whale watching tours. Explore the many islands of washington states san juan archipelago on this 4 day kayaking and camping adventure. Knowing very little about whales or what was about to happen, i just watched quietly. Home to a huge state park, several lakes and various harbors and bays, orcas island holds countless of things to do and adventures to embark on. We are planning a day trip from seattle midweek in august.
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