I know there are many companies and types of tours what are the best ones both for seeing whales, other. Theres also a whale gallery, museum, and gift shop. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. 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. Lopez island san juan safaris san juan island whale. We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum.
Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. About orca whales san juan safaris san juan island. 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 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. She hopes to see you soon and share this amazing place. We have a chance of seeing them every time we leave the dock. Judge strikes down ballot measure on whale watching.
Jobinternshipvolunteer opportunities the whale museum. Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Or go straight to the source, visiting working farms, a vineyard or the farmers market. 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. 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. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching. The whale museum here is home to everything orca, including the skeleton of the young orca sooke, who died in 2012 but lives in on in the museums reverent exhibit.
Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures. Its a complicated issue, and the san juan island visitors bureau is happy to answer questions and provide clarification. 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. They tend to favor the waters right off the west side of san juan island. The waters around the san juan islands are full of wildlife yearround and we see whales every month of the year. Other captive orcas historical chronology a whale of a. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. 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. The tour land based tour of san juan island, orca whale. We are members of the pacific whale watch association which helped to develop the current standards for whale watching in the region. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching.
Most importantly, government and industry are working together to protect washingtons endangered southern. Stalking whales in the san juan islands everyday runaway. Deep discounts and guaranteed whales in washington important covid19 update. And, like all of the destinations i travel to, i researched the island extensively. This is the third whale watch boat tim has crewed on as a naturalist in the san juan islands. 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. 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. The wildlife in the san juan islands is quite diverse. San juan islands san juan cruises bellingham friday. 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. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner. Agriculture has always been integral to the san juan islands, and on lopez visitors can feast upon that heritage with farmtotable dining at local eateries.
Whale watching in the san juan islands shes cookin. If you dont see any whales on your trip to san juan, dont fretfriday harbor has a pretty good consolation prize for you. Whale watching in the san juan islands whale watching kayak. Whale watching san juan islands washington tripadvisor. Orcas killer whales united states center for whale. The mooring lines of the san juan clipper land on the deck of the whale watching vessel. Whale watching in the san juan islands mayas legacy. Dec 04, 2019 3 acres on san juan island, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom all ocean front.
More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. We had an amazing whale watching tour our boat captain and guide were very knowledgeable. 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. Warm summer sun reflects off of downtown skyscrapers as the crew makes final preparations to. While cruising the islands look around for wildlife as you listen to your naturalists talk about the ecosystem and the lifecycle. Though orca whales reside in the san juan islands yearround, they range through the islands the most between may and october. Take a relaxing outing on the waters when you rent a vessel from san juan excursions in friday harbor. In the winter months he splits his time between south florida and costal mexico. The san juan islands are worldrenowned for orca research and whale watching and there are two different types of orcas. Whale watching in the san juan islands the mandagies. 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. Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. Seattle whale watching tours in san juan islands, friday.
Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. San juan excursions whale watching tours san juan excursions is family owned and operated by second generation islanders who love sharing the best of the san juan islands with visitors. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. We would spend a couple of hours whale watching, then return to friday harbor for a breather before going back to seattle. Videos you watch may be added to the tvs watch history and influence tv recommendations. 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. 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. The best places to whale watch from shore on san juan island. One of my favorite places to go in the summer is the san juan islands. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go.
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. Bring the whole family to this center, where kiddos are welcomed with open arms. 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. 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.
Washington state ferries serves lopez island, shaw island, orcas island, and san juan island from terminals in anacortes, washington and sidney, british columbia. The title of land tour guide really seems to fit her. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands and the olympic peninsula at the best rate in the industry. Visit the whale museum and learn all about whales and the unique ecosystem that surrounds 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. A glamping experience in the san juan islands in this case moran state park in orcas island has a minimum stay of two nights and in june can cost approx. On our deluxe whale watching tour we make a stop every day in friday harbor, usually from about 11. So if youre looking for an amazing boating experience in friday harbor, look no further than san juan. 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. Your innkeepers will make you a wonderful breakfast this morning and then send you off on your adventure with san juan safaris. True, i hadnt arrived to san juan island by mistake in fact, it took a bit of effort to get there. 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. Local tour companies leave from the three largest islands daily and can also be chartered. Today, our museum continues to promote stewardship of whales and the salish sea ecosystem through education and research. In the afternoon, we got off the boat to explore friday harbor for a few hours. Orcas are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. There is nothing quite as spectacular as the sight of a pod of orca whales along the protected coastlines of the san juan islands. We leave from the dock closest to the whales for your best chance to see orcas.
Aug 27, 2011 footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. 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. She spent 8 yrs as a naturalist on board a whale watchingadventure boat from san juan island. The salmoneating southern resident killer whales srkw primarily feed on a diet that is more than 85% chinookspeciessalmon. Employment opportunities san juan safaris san juan. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to youtube on your computer. When victoria clipper invited me to go on a tour with them, i jumped at the chance. Help support the southern resident orcas by making a. There are no bridges to the san juan islands but you will find four ferry systems that serve some of the san juan islands. San juan islands whale watching tours are a great way to see all kinds of wildlife.
Whale watching cruises san juan cruises bellingham. 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. Her passion for the san juan islands will make you listen, laugh and learn. Most of our trips along the west side of san juan island have resulted in whale sightings, but your best and most assured way would be to go on a whale watching tour boat, of which there are many. Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on the entire west coast, the island. San juan island s 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. 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.
Our first whale watching tour from friday harbor is scheduled for saturday, march 4th and we cant wait to get back on the water. San juan island is one of the few places in the world where you can see killer whales on a regular basis. Orca whales are one of the main attractions of the san juan islands in washington. 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. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island. Your captain will take you on a guided whale watch cruise through the san juan islands. Males live to be 5060 years old, and females as much as 90 years. The best time to see killer whales in the san juan islands. We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you. Researchers, residents and whale watchers saw nearly all of the orcas j pod, about 21 animals, off the west side of san juan island. Best place for whale watching in the san juan islands washington. 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.
Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. Whale watching san juan islands, popular tourist attractions. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. The center for whale research cwr is dedicated to the study and conservation of the southern resident killer whale orca population in the pacific northwest. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. The islands are beautiful and lend themselves to biking, hiking, birding, long walks, boating and kayaking.
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. The srkw are here in the san juan islands mid april to about first part of october. San juan cruises scenic whale watching tours in the san juan islands from bellingham, wa. Whale watch tour companies have knocked a proposed orca protection initiative off the november ballot in san juan county, washington. J, k and l pods have become like family members and the pride of the locals. May 04, 2017 a day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands.
Killer whales are the largest of the dolphin family, reaching a body length of 30 feet, and weighing about 9 tons. Postreproductive killer whale grandmothers improve the survival of their grandoffspring. Whale watching in the san juan islands postcards to seattle. If youre hoping to go whale watching in the san juan islands, heres what you should know. Passengers not doing the whale watching tour disembarked, and some cargo was unloaded. The latest scientific paper from the center for whale research has just been published in pnas. 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. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale watching is one of the most spectacular. The most wonderful ways to whale watch in the san juan.
San juan islands whale watching faq mayas legacy whale. Adventure whale watching in the san juan islands western. Whale watching san juan islands popular tourist attractions. 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 female, who seemed to be chasing something, headed straight for the boat. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. At noon time the boat docked at friday harbor, on san juan island. 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. Mayas legacy whale watching is located in friday harbor on san juan island washington, just 90 miles from seattle. 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. The best time to see killer whales in the san juan islands this is one of the most asked questions that we get.
Theres been a lot of recent confusion about whale watching in the san juan islands and washington state waters. Continue reading judge strikes down ballot measure on whale watching distance rules in san juan county. The orcas here in the islands are quite gregarious. Something ive always wanted to do is whale watching in the 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. Nonprofit looks to san juan islands for retired captive. I was ready to cross more one item off my bucket list. After a month of searching, they found a mature male and female orca in haro strait, off san juan island. Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on the entire west coast, the island explorer 5.
Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. For those of you who love birds, the san juan islands are a birders paradise. Wildlife of the san juan islands san juan excursions san. Smoking is not permitted in the suite or on the property of whale cove. Seattle whale watching to the san juan islands duration. Friday harbor, wa united states whale cove san juan. Tim has been living and working on san juan island for more than ten summers.
There are a great variety of whales travelling the waters here in the. Most premier whale watching vacation home on san juan island. We started our trip at 7am, and returned to downtown seattle at 7pm the same day. San juan islands whale watching tours orcas, lopez, shaw. 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. Baleen whales completely lack teeth and filter small prey such as plankton, worms, and. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale.
Friday harbor, san juan island, washington, usa the whale museum is seeking a person to fulfill the role of museum curator exhibit hall and facility. Most premier whale watching vacation home on san juan. The ballot measure would have asked voters to greatly increase the standoff distance between boats and endangered killer whales. In february 2008, a white killer whale was photographed 3. 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. The best place in the world to see orca aka killer whales, and more. Orcas, also known as killer whales, are a fascinating, social creatures that inhabit all the worlds oceans. Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home. Killer whales orcas are seen throughout the year and more frequently between april october, with. About san juan excursions which offers whale watching.
246 538 33 795 1565 198 1454 417 1030 867 84 1547 1046 370 615 1241 1197 1425 989 1389 326 194 1575 1253 1495 1407 77 1135 40 86 129 22 1363 1291 222 406 1354