However, to really enjoy port angeles whale watching, you will want to go on a whale watching tour to venture further out into their sheltered habitats of the salish sea and the san juan islands. Magnificent orca or killer whales can be seen in the salish sea around the san juan islands year round. 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. Not only have we had members j pod, l pod, and transients around, but weve had the pleasure of two humpback whales that decided to stay in the area much longer than normally anticipated. I recently went on a whale watching trip with san juan excursions and cannot explain how perfect everything was. In planning your visit, you may want to know what is the best time of year for port angeles whale watching. New humpback whales keep springing up in the san juans. Kayak the wild shorelines of the san juan archipelago witnessing its dense and. Spring in the san juan s is one of my favorite times of year.
On our deluxe whale watching tour we make a stop every day in friday harbor, usually from about 11. That includes the whale tours by kayak, day kayak tours and overnight kayakcamping tours. 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. Guy turland is on orcas island in washington state to create an unforgettable dinner along the puget sound featuring locally sourced lamb, ling cod, apples a. These are the second smallest baleen whale and feed on small schooling fish and invertebrates.
Peak season is from mayseptember, but that shouldnt stop you from visiting during the offpeak months. Mayas legacy whale watching friday harbor, san juan island. Kayak the whale highway of san juan much better adventures. Whale watch park, one of the best places in the world for trying your luck at shorebased 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. Western prince whale watching is located in scenic friday harbor on san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle. Follow the whale trail see orcas in the wild, learn about salish sea wildlife, and enjoy the ride into the whales world 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 the mandagies. 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.
A typical route takes us along victorias scenic waterfront to oak bay and the chain islets, where we pause to watch harbour seals and seabirds. Find out more about all of the many sights near tucker house inn when you download our free vacation guide. Theres not any excursion there that interests us so we were just planning on taking a taxi into old san juan for lunch andor dinner. Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. There are lots of whale watching outfitters in the san juan islands. Located on san juan island with no more than 2,500 residents, friday harbor is accessible by floater planes and the washington state ferry. Friday harbor, the witchy setting for the 1998 film practical magic starring nicole kidman and sandra bullock, is a whale watching hot spot.
Anacortes ferry terminal parking fees may vary per season, however at the. We had an amazing whale watching tour our boat captain and guide were very knowledgeable, and we found humpbacks and orcas, as well as other wildlife. Click one of the itinerary tabs above to read the tour details and see the unique route map. In most areas of the mountain west, snowpack is at or above average for late february. For the past 19 years, we have been offering whale watchingwildlife cruises in the san juan islands. Whale watching in the san juan islands is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner. More about kayak whale watching in the san juan islands along with the acrobatic orcas, we watch whales of several other species on our san juan islands kayak tours. Boats to stay 300 yards from southern resident orca on either side. A perfect start to our 20th season at san juan excursions. When is the best time for port angeles whale watching.
His explorations eventually took him to thirtyfive countries and all fifty states. New humpback whales keep springing up in the san juans jul 29 2017 humpback whales have been stealing the show this summer, with regulars like heather, divot, split fin and big mama becoming wellknown individuals and sighted on more and more trips as the season goes on. I had the opportunity to download the 55 pictures that i took. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington. Victoria san juan cruises new 3 day2 night san juan. Manage your business remotely in times of uncertainty. All of the vessels on these routes do have elevator access. August 19, 2014 this season has been one for the books. San juan island is home to lime kiln point state park a. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. Whale watching guidelines san juan island whale watching tours. Cruise the deepblue waters from bellingham toward the san juan archipelago and keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles, and harbor seals basking in the sun on viti rocks near.
As many of you saw on instagram, adam and i spent some time on san juan island last summer. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. Southern resident orcas spotted during san juan outfitters whale watch tour humpback whale tail. San juan outfitters owns the exclusive kayak facilities at roche harbor, san juan island and kayak facilities in friday harbor, san juan island.
Just days away from the start of may, we look forward to seeing the abundant wildlife that surrounds the san juan islands. For those of you who love birds, the san juan islands are a birders paradise. The flagship tour is 34 hours in length and is the best tour for those traveling with young children, elderly, and large groups. Known for their rounded backs and deep dives, it is truly majestic to see their large tails come fully above the water line. Our first whale watching tour from friday harbor is scheduled for saturday, march 4th and we cant wait to get back on the water. For guided kayak tours, check out members of the san juan island kayak association. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. It is reported that there are about 17 minke whales that can be spotted regularly throughout the year in the waters around san juan island. Responsible wildlife watching in the san juans our guide for common san juan islands wildlife, and tips to keep them, and you, safe. A map of each san juan islands kayaking trip routes and whale watching area we explore is displayed on the unique itinerary page for that particular kayak tour. With multiple families spotted within our range, we chose a company favorite for todays adventure the t65as. About san juan excursions which offers whale watching.
Watch for the whale trail informational signage along the highway. 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. There are 172 named islands and reefs in san juan county, which makes the area a stunning place to visit. Western snowpack is in great shape, except the sierra. Download the watching whales in the san juan islands brochure. When whale sighting reports come in, we typically alter course towards whales within range of the boat. The minke whale, gray whale, humpback whale, dalls porpoise, and harbor porpoise are the five most frequently seen after the killer whale. San juan outfitters is known for its low guide to guest ratio kayak tours. Weve recently been lucky enough to have a couple of humpback whales in the area a mother and her young calf. This time of year is always so magical here in the san juan islands. San juan islands san juan cruises bellingham friday. Lopez, orcas and san juan island celebrate the holidays with village tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, visits from santa, holiday concerts and more.
Big versions of these kayak trip route maps can be seen by clicking on one of the tiny maps below. More snow may blanket the rockies, but miss the sierra. View our san juan excursions rates and schedules for the san juan islands whale watching tourswildlife excursions and sea kayaking tours 2018 certificate of excellence winner san juan excursions gives 5% or more of its profits to conservation efforts and charitable organizations. 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. In addition to beautiful scenery and interesting history, the san juan islands are home to a rich variety of wildlife. Every day is a new adventure, and with our amazing naturalists always giving their all, the memories and photos of 2014 aboard the odyssey is truly a blessing to be a part of. We had an amazing whale watching tour our boat captain and guide were very knowledgeable. Wildlife of the san juan islands san juan excursions. And as you watch for whales, you may see harbor seals or sea lions raise their heads out of the water to watch you. Rating is available when the video has been rented.
For passengers traveling in a vehicle who need access to an elevator, or who need extra space for a lift, please alert the ticket seller at the terminal prior to boarding the ferry so that. Download our whale watching wildlife cruises, friday harbor, san juan island, washington brochure, download and print our full color brochure. Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. February 22, 2010 blog, general, san juan islands bellingham herald, overnight package, san juan islands experience, seattle times, viking star, whale watching sean berry we are pleased to offer a brand new 3 day2 night san juan islands experience tour aboard the viking star this season. Kayak whale watching in the san juan islands, seattle. 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. 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.
The park faces the islands west side waters where the whales spend time feeding and socializing during summer. As an active member of the pacific whale watch association pwwa, san juan safaris follows all guidelines for respectful and safe wildlife viewing. Be whale wise san juan islands washington visitors bureau. The wildlife in the san juan islands is quite diverse. Print a map san juan safaris san juan island whale. Its full of the best recommendations for things to see and do, like visiting these san juan island lighthouses. 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. Our cruises offer a gaurantee that if you do not see whales on you cruise you can come again free of charge. San juan island is the seasonal home to three pods of orca whales, and whale watching is among the islands most popular activities. Old san juan restaurant recommendations requested san.
This past week has been spectacular for whale watching in the san juan islands. Know whats coming with accuweathers extended daily forecasts for san juan island, wa. We want to set an example for other boaters on the water ensuring the continuation of wildlife viewing for years to come. From there, we often head east to san juan island, or north along the saanich peninsula. Experience unforgettable whale watching in the san juan islands.
Responsible wildlife watching in the san juans san juan. Our goal is to give our guests an enjoyable and exciting tour, while always practicing the highest level of respect for wildlife and boating safety. Five great places to see killer whales in the wild. Visit the san juan islands for whale watching, adventure and fine dining.
Twinkling lights welcome you to the san juans this holiday season, as the islands celebrate with events all month long. While on the crisp, flat water we have the pleasure of viewing steller sea lions hauled out. My wife and i are going to be on a cruise aboard the harmony of the seas fairly soon and one of the ports will be at san juan. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just.