Best place for whale watching in the san juan islands. 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. When you join san juan safaris on a whale watching tour, youll have a great chance to observe orca whales in their natural environment. Footage of my trip whale, and wildlife, watching in the san juan islands of washington state on july 17, 2011. Have a whale of a time in the san juan islands, washington. Kayak whale watching in the san juan islands, seattle, washington. San juan island is the largest of the populated big three. Anglers can book charter fishing trips out of the marina while divers will find that these chilly seas offer some of the best coldwater diving in the world. There are many opportunities to spot whales throughout the san juan islands. Rain showers are few and far between, and we see temperatures in the 80s on a regular basis. A visit to the whale museum, friday harbor, san juan. The guarantee isnt a standby pass and there are no blackout dates, its a free ticket for life until you see whales in the wild. Sea currents keep them warmer in the winter and ocean breezes keep them cooler through the summer.
During that time there are many great opportunities to see them in the waters around the islands. Today, our museum continues to promote stewardship of whales and the salish sea ecosystem through education and research. Be whale wise san juan islands washington visitors bureau. Whale watching in the san juan islands and puget sound. Click here to download all 12 months of killer whale watching data and be sure to zoom in to see. Into the whales world san juan islands washington visitors. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. San juan islands scenic byway in washington alltrips. Washington state ferry fares to the san juan islands paid at the anacortes terminal include round trip travel. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with 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.
See orcas in the wild, learn about salish sea wildlife, and enjoy the ride into the whales world. The ferry docks in friday harbor, a pleasant city in which to enjoy a leisurely wander and a glimpse of local galleries. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. Baleen whales of the san juan islands seattle washington. Orcas island washington is the largest of the san juan islands, at just over 57 square miles, with san juan island second largest, at just over 55 square miles. 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. The best time to see killer whales in the san juan islands this is one of the most asked questions that we get. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. While my dad was in town visiting me, we decided to go whale watching in the san juan islands. The orca whale, orcinus orca a familiar sight around san juan island in the summer months, mostly from may through october. 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 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. No trip to the san juan islands would be complete without getting in.
We are the leaders in guaranteeing whales in 2019, we saw whales on 532 of 540 tours. Fly back to seattle after the whale watch tour or stay the night and return the next day. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see beautiful blackandwhite orca whales in the wild. Proposed orcaprotection zone off san juan island would. 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. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. 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. San juan island is accessed via the wa state ferry that departs from anacortes, wa. Our coast guard inspected vessels travel farther and faster than other tours, allowing you the best chance to see whales and other wildlife. San juan outfitters is widely considered san juan islands premier sea kayak and whale watch tour company. 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. Our boats have lots of amenities to make your trip more comfortable, including two onboard restrooms, a large heated cabin with oversized windows, a snack bar with food for purchase, and a customdesigned interior.
More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. Magnificent orca or killer whales can be seen in the salish sea around the san juan islands year round. If youve never heard of the san juan islands in northwest washington, then you dont know of the unspoiled beauty that awaits you. The islands are surrounded by water and mountains, which makes for stunning views everywhere you look. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. Two ecotypes are commonly found in the salish sea the critically endangered southern residents j, k, and l pods and transient, or biggs, orcas. The plane arrives in time to enjoy the town for friday harbor and its many shops and restaurants. Whale watching san juan islands western prince whale. The best time to see killer whales in the san juan islands. For the best chance to view orca whales and other sea life, plan your trip between april and september a number of tour operators are available throughout. 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. Whether its whalewatching and sea kayaking, touring an art gallery or browsing a local farmers market, the san juan islands offer pleasing diversions for every age and interest. Proposed orcaprotection zone off san juan island would ban most motorized vessels originally published january, 2017 at 8.
Download the watching whales in the san juan islands brochure. In season, roughly june through september, travelers flock to the san juan islands, washington, in the hopes of spotting killer whales, gray whales, minke whales and even the occasional humpback. The island explorer was designed specifically for whale watching, as opposed to a ferry, dinner cruiser, or converted fishing boat like most of the other tour boats in the area. The very best guarantee of seeing a pod is from a boat. Print a map san juan safaris san juan island whale watching. There are 172 named islands and reefs in san juan county, however the four ferry served islands. Not only do numbers tend to be at their highest during these months, but its also the warmest time of year in these parts, which makes for a very.
Why whale watching in washington states san juan islands should be on your bucket list. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. One of my favorite places to go in the summer is the san juan islands. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. The san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to see. I am not a big fan of whale watching cruises, but it for most people it is about seeing and hearing orcas in the wild not a photograph.
A visit to the whale museum san juan islands washington visitors. San juan island with the county seat friday harbor, orcas island, lopez island and shaw island. Experience the thrill of seeing orca whales, seals, porpoises and so much more wildlife on one of our whale watching trips off the san juan islands near seattle. For reference on the water, 300 yards is about three washington state ferry lengths or. Friday harbor, wa united states whale cove san juan. As much as i love to travel, its always so nice to spend the summer in the pacific northwest.
Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home. Take your best shot at kayaking with killer whales near seattle, wa. From there you travel to san juan island and tour that lovely island before heading to hilly and majestic orcas island. The funky whale museum in friday harbor has the same quirky, historic feel of old museums back east in, say, nantucket or cape cod. 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. Whale watching in the san juan islands is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and. The best place in the world to see orca aka killer whales, and more. San juan islands lime kiln point state park is a prime whalewatching site with knowledgeable interpreters often on site politically, the san juan islands comprise, by definition, san juan county, washington.
The scenic byway starts at the anacortes ferry landing. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington visitors. Whale watching is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and appreciate killer whales and the other marine wildlife in this region. Baker will rise above the clouds before you, as you gaze over countless islands. Whale watching in the san juan islands postcards to seattle. Well finish the day with dinner on orcas island before taking the ferry back home. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington. Baleen whales completely lack teeth and filter small prey such as plankton, worms, and. Where does the san juan islands scenic byway begin and end. These glacierformed islands are an outdoor playground with some of the best weather in the state. Get a group together and join us on a private boat charter in the san juan islands. 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. 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. 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.
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. Today, the san juan islands are an important tourist destination, with sea kayaking and orca whalewatching by boat or air tours two of the primary attractions. Seaplane lands in friday harbor looking back at friday harbor. San juan island whale watching day trip from seattle, wa. You may catch them passing by from some of the coastal locations on the whale. Help support the southern resident orcas by making a. Soak in the natural beauty of the pacific northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on. Orcas has about 4500 yearround residents, as compared to about 7000 yearround residents on san juan.
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