Owner operated, 15 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the san juan islands. San juan islands washington stock photos download 780. Click the specials and combos tab above to save 10%. Help support the southern resident orcas by making a. A weekend in the san juan islands san juan islands, lopez. Big versions of these kayak trip route maps can be seen by clicking on one of the tiny maps below. These whales specialize in eating fish, particularly salmon. Aerial view of the san juan islands with shaw island and the wasp island group at sunset ibiza cala sant vicent also san vicente aerial in balearic islands. San juan whale watching in september friday harbor forum.
The san juan islands are beautiful and unique, yet 1,000 acres of federal lands managed by the bureau of land management blm still need permanent protection, including special places on san juan, orcas, and lopez islands. The entire process from the time we located the cliffside whale view was greatthe san juan property management gave recommendations and had negotiated discounts for whale watching and sent us email updates on timing to get into the place, directions with maps since cell phone service on san juan island can be hit or miss. See the best of sji with this selfguided san juan island. San juan excursion whale watching off of san juan islands. One captain said they saw a minke whale for a little bit, but thats it. If youre in the area, one of them is sure to be convenient for your own whale watching plans. The summer of 2016 is flying by squeezing in some family fun is a must and grama t found some on her sv blue pearl. 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.
Lopez, orcas and san juan island celebrate the holidays with village tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, visits from santa, holiday concerts and more. Whale report blog whale watching san juan islands san. We use cookies and other technologies to understand how you and other visitors use our site, and improve your browsing experience. 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. Whether seeking the classic burger, fries and a milkshake or a farmtotable experience, diners can find a restaurant to suit their tastes. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. Find out more about all of the many sights near tucker house inn when you download our free vacation guide. Our cruises offer a gaurantee that if you do not see whales on you cruise you can come again free of charge. San juan islands 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.
Resident whales san juan safaris san juan island whale. San juan island, wa land for sale acerage, cheap land. San juan island national historical park san juan islands. Plan your trip san juan safaris san juan island whale. Oct 07, 2018 the family was traveling toward san juan island from hein bank but was in no rush to get there. A weekend in the san juan islands tucked between canadas vancouver island and washington states northern coastline sit four of the most beautiful, secluded, and peaceful i. Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the washington state ferry terminal in anacortes, wa. San juan island is the seasonal home to three pods of orca whales, and whale watching is among the island s most popular activities. 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. This map is refreshed with the newest listings in san juan island every 15 minutes. Our coast guard inspected vessels travel farther and faster than other tours, allowing you the best chance to see whales and other wildlife. Dream vacations vacation spots seattle vacation oregon vacation family vacations oh the places youll go places to travel travel destinations lopez island. On this whale of an adventure on washingtons san juan islands, search for orca whales in their natural habitat, and visit an orca research station in a historic lighthouse.
San juan islands sculpture park san juan island all you. Aug 16, 2016 san juan excursion whale watching off of san juan islands. Shuttle buses there are two shuttle buses in friday harbor. That includes the whale tours by kayak, day kayak tours and overnight kayakcamping tours. Click one of the itinerary tabs above to read the tour details and see the unique route map. Meet whale experts to find out how orcas communicate and whats being done protect them, and adopt a whale so you can follow its journey across the ocean. This is a great place to launch a kayak and enjoy a beautiful paddle along the west side of the island. Please excuse my constant gasping, i was just so excited. Weve been going to san juan island since 1999, and we love it. Download our whale watching wildlife cruises, friday harbor, san juan island, washington brochure, download and print our full color brochure. Blog and whale reports san juan cruises whale watching. About san juan excursions which offers whale watching. Most premier whale watching vacation home on san juan island. The whale museum complete information about local whales and whales in general can be found at the the whale museum in friday harbor, a nationallyrecognized research.
Its not always the case that we get to choose which whale sighting we pursue on our daily departures from friday harbor. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just. Researchers, residents and whale watchers saw nearly all of the orcas j pod, about 21 animals, off the west side of san juan island. Yes, visit the whale museums home page for more info.
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. Best whale watching tour boat on san juan island western. During your approximately fourhour cruise, youll travel among the spectacular natural beauty of the. Best location in the san juan islands for whale watch departures. Whale watching san juan islands western prince whale watching. Here are several carfree ways to explore our byway. San juan excursions won firstplace honors for best whale watching in 2009 from cityvoters. On our deluxe whale watching tour we make a stop every day in friday harbor, usually from about 11. 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. When you join san juan safaris on a whale watching tour, youll have a great chance to observe orca whales in their natural environment. In 2014, we came here hoping to see any during our five day trip.
Kayak in the san juan islands of washington state during orca migration season. San juan outfitters owns the exclusive kayak facilities at roche harbor, san juan island and kayak facilities in friday harbor, san juan island. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. We came to friday harbor a few years ago in october, no thanks to my work schedule, and we saw everything but orca. Join captain hobbes who grew up on the water in england and has been operating whale watch tours and passenger vessels in the san juan islands for 12 years. The restaurant scene in friday harbor and all of san juan island is rich and varied. Washington san juan islands adult only austin adventures. Youll find dog parks on san juan and orcas island, and many shops in eastsound, friday harbor and lopez village have water bowls on their sidewalks. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching. 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. 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 experienced, passionate team of captains and naturalists love to share our vast knowledge of whales, wildlife, and their beautiful pacific northwest home with travelers from near and far.
Hike, bike, boat, kayak and whale watch your way around san juan and orca islands to discover a spectacular diversity of wildlife and unforgettable vistas of the sun setting over the pacific. From october 2014 to march 2015, san juan sun grown produced a. The park faces the islands west side waters where the whales spend time feeding and socializing during summer. Picture the san juan islands as natures theme park as your family hikes, bikes, boats, and kayaks, on san juan and orcas, two of the larger islands of this spectacular 100millionyearold archipelago. On june 20th, the odyssey joined up with j and the 18 members of l pod off the west side of san juan island. When you have this many on a boat meant to sleep two, you head to a dock with amenities and space. Nov 29, 2016 i drove up to san juan island in april 2016, 18 months into the lawsuit and more than a year since san juan sun grown had shut down. New calf t65a6 sure is getting the grand tour of the area. Manager responded on 10172019 stonecliff is a wonderful vacation home, and it sounds like your stay at the home perfectly encapsulated all the unique elements that make san juan island so very special. When you arrive we have two office locations in friday harbor where you are welcome to drop in anytime. San juan transit runs a seasonal shuttle bus along the san juan island and orcas island byway routes.
It has been to almost all the major straits and channels in the area since its birth. Whale watching tours in the san juan islands, washington. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. This is a great property to watch the whales go by or to launch your own private kayak. Whale watch beach retreat san juan property management, san. San juan island, wa three day weather forecast accuweather. The monument protects archaeological sites of the coast salish peoples, lighthouses and relics of early european american settlers in the pacific northwest, and biodiversity of the island life in the region. On the island s west side, about 10 miles from friday harbor or roche harbor, youll find the popular 12acre san juan county park, where you can camp on the shores of haro strait and enjoy views of the olympic peninsula and vancouver island. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. Popping head up to have a look around whale watching off san juan island at sunset whale watching san juan islands facts. All of the work leading to orca identification culminated in the now wellknown center for whale research, based on the west side of san juan island. Port angeles is located directly south of the largest whale watching fleet on the west coast of north america, in victoria bc.
The most common way to get to friday harbor on san juan island. , san juan community theatre salish sea early music festival series the drowsy chaperone, san juan community theatre san juan community theatre barbershop bonanza the bills, san juan community theatre orca sing, the whale museum rock n roll regatta. 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. Whale watching from port angeles, wa located on the olympic peninsula. Explore historic lime kiln state park by foot and bike, making sure to keep an eye out on the coastline for the telltale blow of a whale. San juan island is a slice of paradise on the washington coast waiting to be discovered. From waterfront views to farmlands to art parks, there are so many beautiful places to view and enjoy during your san juan island tour. Puerto rico and the virgin islands, true colour satellite image.
We listened to the whale watch channel 78 but it sounded like the commercial outfits werent have much luck either. Low guidetoclient ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. Interesting places on san juan island washington click on the island name below to read postings from the blogsphere about the island in question. Protect the san juan islands environment washington.
Whale watching in the san juan islands the mandagies. Enjoy the sweeping view of haro strait with vancouver island in the back drop from the outdoor hot tub or either of the expansive three decks. Download our brochure san juan islands whale watching. San juan islands san juan cruises bellingham friday.
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. During your stay at the tucker house inn in friday harbor, you will be at a prime location for touring the island and seeing all it has to offer. The most wonderful ways to whale watch in the san juan. There are many hotels, inns and bed and breakfast inns that have petfriendly accommodations in the san juan islands. Whale watch park, one of the best places in the world for trying your luck at shorebased whale watching. The southern resident killer whale population consists of three pods j, k, and l numbering approximately 80 whales. We offer whale watching and wildlife tours in the san juan islands, north of seattle.
Traveling with pets san juan islands washington visitors. Whale watching off the san juan islands life beyond borders. Travel the scenic byway with or without a car washingtons newest scenic byway includes marine highway and two beautiful islands. Find your dream home in san juan island using the tools above. Dec 04, 2019 3 acres on san juan island, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom all ocean front. National monument located in the salish sea in the state of washington. Apr 12, 2017 we both decided to take the long way around the west side of san juan island in hopes of seeing some whales, but no such luck.
We want to set an example for other boaters on the water ensuring the continuation of wildlife viewing for years to come. 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. Book your tickets online for san juan island national historical park, san juan islands. The san juan islands scenic byway was designated by washington state in april 2009 for its natural beauty and historical and cultural significance. Western prince whale watching is located in scenic friday harbor on san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle, washington. Throughout this allinclusive, custom voyage discovering north americas treasured islands, enjoy some of the best wining and dining in washington, from. Friday harbor, a historic seaport, rises from the ferry landing and public marina where it is an easy stroll to th.
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. Our first day on the island we took mayas legacy tours from mitchell bay and were treated to a super pod of every orca from the southern residents. Twinkling lights welcome you to the san juans this holiday season, as the islands celebrate with events all month long. 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 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. We had an unforgettable trip which included sitings sic for all three pods, and a huge number of whales the entire time.
Today, our museum continues to promote stewardship of whales and the salish sea ecosystem through education and research. The southern resident orcas are the most prevalently seen orcas around san juan island, and have been continually studied since 1976. Most premier whale watching vacation home on san juan. This is the only san juan island that has no ferry hassles to deal with in order to access it. San juan island is the secondlargest and most populous of the san juan islands in northwestern washington, united states. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. 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. Tour the san juan islands scenic byway aboard our local seasonal shuttle bus, by bike, moped, scootcar, taxi or rental car. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. Peak season is from mayseptember, but that shouldnt stop you from visiting during the offpeak months. With multiple families spotted within our range, we chose a company favorite for todays adventure the t65as. On the east side of san juan island is the town of friday harbor, also the san juan county seat.
September is a great time to whale watch, especially for orca. For the past 19 years, we have been offering whale watchingwildlife cruises in the san juan islands. In addition to houses in san juan island, there were also 6 condos, 1 townhouse, and 1 multifamily unit for sale in san juan island last month. We love the ferry ride, which threads through a constellation of islands collectively called the san juans, they include three other big islands orcas, lopez and shaw and dozens of small ones, and we love friday harbor, the main town on san juan island. Read about the history of the san juan island whale museum. In the past month, 11 homes have been sold in san juan island. San juan island is home to lime kiln point state park a. Due to the size and unique social characteristics of this population, they are listed as an endangered species.
President obama acted to protect these island landscapes by designating them as a national monument. Come aboard natsilane, named after an orca whale legend, a 30 albin fast express cruiser, and enjoy a comfortable heated cabin, with indoor and outdoor seating, restroom and snack bar. Get your 3day weather forecast for san juan island, wa. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington.
Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. The fight over a weed farm on san juan island features. How to get to friday harbor, washington on san juan island. Download 780 san juan islands washington stock photos for free or amazingly low rates. San juan outfitters is known for its low guide to guest ratio kayak tours. Five whale watching tour companies are situated in various islands of the san juans, prime whale feeding and habitat. Friday harbor, wa united states stonecliff san juan. 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 in the afternoon, we got off the boat to explore friday harbor for a few hours.