Although orcas island wasnt actually named after these beautiful animals, the orca whale watching is an absolute must do activity when visiting. Departing from pier 69 on seattles waterfront, the san juan clipper is the only. If you take the tortuga island day cruise during the whale season, theres a good chance you may see some in august and september. Constitution, this venerable park has delighted locals and visitors on orcas island for decades. Whale watching in the san juan islands the mandagies. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner. The orca whale pods that frequent the san juans arent as common around orcas island.
Follow the whale trail orcas island lopez island san juan island. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go. Orcas island, wa five ladies and their island retreat. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. Daniel wilk was born and raised in the pacific northwest. Finally we had the great opportunity to spend time with a transient killer whale matriline, the t11s. Kicking off the 2017 whale watching season orca spirit. They typically spend four to seven months of the year in the salish sea.
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. Orcas island historical museum 2020 all you need to know. Seattle whale watching guide 2019 clipper vacations. Come out and see orca whales, gray whales, humpback whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, bald eagles and much more. This little corner of the world is one of the best to see orcas as it is home to the southern resident killer whales, population around 85. Take in the sights of rottnest island and experience the ultimate. Known as the gem of the san juans, orcas is a lush island of rolling hills and tall forests that draw bicyclists and hikers alike. Sardine jetty is located within the fishing boat harbour opposite the fremantle ferris wheel. Orcas island whale watching boat charters websites directory. Locals answer your frequently asked questions about the san juan islands. Our luxurious, highspeed vessels for small groups of passengers can accommodate a more personal experience with the whales and our crew.
The smithsonian magazine names port angeles, washington as one of the countrys top whalewatching destinations. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Get a a list of orcas island whale watching charter boats, along with whale watching information, including a list of lodgings, boat and kayaking information, rentals and tours, stores, restaurants, real estate, tourist attractions, m aps, and current weather forecasts, by visiting our homepage. The orcas island chamber of commerce represents the islands businesses and organizations, as well as providing visitor information about. Led by naturalist guides and captains, climb aboard a blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the pacific northwest searching for orca. When is the best time for port angeles whale watching. The whaleplanner march a whale watching infographic whaletrips. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. Blue whale watching tours whale watch western australia. Largest of the san juan archipelago, and reached by a lifeinspiring ferry ride, the island s rustic farm houses and sheep pastures fade quickly to classic northwest woodland, embraced by a temperate climate. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. Dont miss orca whale watching season with clipper vacations. We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you. Download our whale watching wildlife cruises, friday harbor, san juan island, washington brochure, download and print our full color brochure.
The whale watching boat is equipped for everyones comfort with 46 highback seats and tables inside, full length viewing deck upstairs with 24 outside seats. Dan and denise wilk have 29 years combined island residency. Orcas island is one of many land masses within the san juan archipelago. 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. We typically see members of our three resident orca whale pods family groups of whales the most in june, july, august and the first half of september and we typically see transient orca whales in april, may and the latter half of. There was plenty of information to report but, frustratingly, no action on the most pressing need. August visit nice little museum with lots of interesting artifacts, photos and history. Whale watching in the san juan islands is one of the most popular pastimes for tourists in washington state. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated. For more information on things to do in san juan island, download our free. Boatbased whale watching tours getting out on the water with a local whale watch tour operator will give you the best chance at seeing whales in their natural habitat. Hiking the whale trail a walkable guide to whale watching. Orcas island eclipse charters whale watching boat, the 56foot vessel orcas express is fast allowing more time with wildlife. We called the department of fish and wildlife who said the bear probably swam to the island and that they have been seen on the outer islands before.
Sometimes that might be out towards eastern vancouver island, or down to the very south end of the san juan islands, or even north to the canadian gulf islands. Our main objective in founding this center is to create an educational space where visitors and residents of the island can glean knowledge of our diverse ecosystem here in the san juan islands, washington and surrounding areas. Orcas island business directory whale watching orcas. Apr 07, 2017 with 2 little orcas on the move scarlet and sonic this family group is a busy one. We run april through early october and we see whales throughout this season. The cluster of islands is considered san juan county, washington. We are hoping to visit in mid september and would like some advice on which island to choose.
Orcas island is a popular destination for both day trips and extended vacations. The afternoon tour is great because you dont have to get up early, and you end your day with whales and some pretty incredible lighting for photographs. 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. Salmoneating orca whales southern resident orcas best time to view. Orcas online is an internet service provider and creative content and website development agency as well as a hosting company. San juan island and orcas island, in particular, offer many options for boatbased whale watching opportunities. Orcas online also provides technical support for networks and computers as well as assistance with tablets. Another good place to see whales are in the gulf of nicoya. Orcas island san juan safaris san juan island whale. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures. The deer harbor area of orcas island enjoys some of the nicest weather these banana belt san juan islands offerlots of sun and little rainfall. Although they cant guarantee themmany boast a 90% viewing rate during the peak season of may through septemberthe captains are in constant communication with their spotting network in order to do their best at finding.
Welcome the first gray whales of the season on vancouver island or try your luck with the blue whales of chile. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. Seattle, wa may 8, 2017 orca whale watching season has arrived in the pacific northwest, and there is no better way to view these magnificent mammals than on a clipper vacations seattle to san juan islands whale watching and sealife search day trip. Visit moran state park with miles of woodland and lakeside hiking trails, numerous campgrounds with swimming and boating opportunities, and fabulous views from mt. Numerous businesses are ready and able to take you all over the san juan islands for the ideal whale watching experience. 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. Off the rugged, northern coast of washington state, it lies smack dab in the northwest mystic. Here, whale watching season spans from march through october. On the app, you can create a new report, select the species, add a photo and any other helpful information. Find your own rocky bluff, explore beaches and tide pools, watch for whales, or picnic and play in the nearby meadows. Select an option below to see stepbystep directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in rome2rios travel planner. While its possible to see whales near the waters surrounding vashon island and seattle, the northern islands that surround puget sound are most commonly counted among the best spots to watch for whales.
Home to a diverse landscape of mountains, wooded countryside, pastoral valleys, scenic ridges, beautiful parks, lakes, and spectacular vistas. The best time to see killer whales in the san juan islands this is one of the most asked questions that we get. Wollard, this cedar building has been designed to resemble a wooden barn and reflects the importance the fletchers attach to the remarkably fine workmanship that is the outstanding feature of turtleback farm inn. Orcas island, the largest island in the san juan islands, is located off the northern coast of washington state. We would ideally like to be able to whale watch from the island on a hike, from the beach or from our accommodation without the need to go on a boat trip. Get up close with the killer whales off orcas island, the largest of the san juan islands near seattle, on this guided, 3. Select an option below to see stepbystep directions and to compare ticket. Abundant seals, eagles, and other marine wildlife are seen on day tours or camping trips from 2, 3 or 5 days to the smaller islands. Anyone can do that by downloading the whale report app on a smart phone. Orcas island also offers a seasonal transit shuttle on fridays, saturdays, and. Frequently asked questions san juan excursions whale and. Orcas island chamber of commerce po box 252 65 north beach road eastsound, wa 98245. Better than expected my husband and i wandered in to the museum while we were exploring the little town of. A separate building set in the apple orchard looking east to mt.
Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature. With 2 little orcas on the move scarlet and sonic this family group is a busy one. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. Buck bay shellfish farm orcas island chamber of commerce. T011 wakana and t011a rainy are a mother and son duo who frequent the waters around southern vancouver island.
Sep 21, 2015 although orcas island wasnt actually named after these beautiful animals, the orca whale watching is an absolute must do activity when visiting. Apr 29, 2019 another good place to see whales are in the gulf of nicoya. 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. Our network covers orcas island, blakely island, waldron island, and several of the lower canadian gulf islands. Our first whale watching tour from friday harbor is scheduled for saturday, march 4th and we cant wait to get back on the water. Go sea kayaking with biologist guides in the prime orca whale watching waters. We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum. Interisland ferry service can take you to friday harbor in about 40 minutes be sure to check exact crossing times. Our cruises offer a gaurantee that if you do not see whales on you cruise you can come again free of charge.
Maggies manor, san juan islands vacation rentals on orcas island. Tours on san juan island require an hour and a half ferry ride each way which can be tricky in the summer months. Sunny deer harbor is a hub of san juan islands marine activity, with fishing, whalewatching for orca and minke whales, sea kayaking, boat rentals and sailing charters available, as well as. One of the largest populations of black bears lives a short distance away on vancouver island. Outer island excursions offer highquality, unforgettable whale watching, marine and fishing charter experiences in the san juan islands of washington state. Whale watching san juan vs orcas island san juan islands. Around each corner expect to find a stunning view, an artists studio or other island treasure. Meanwhile on vancouver island, canada, the people of tofino and ucluelet. Choose from more than 194 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. After a brief stop in beautiful friday harbor, we cruise into the open waters of the salish sea to search for our blackandwhite orca locals. Occasionally, the orcas are not around san juan island, but you can depend on this. Seattle to san juan island day trip with whale watching unlike mammaleating orcas, salmoneating orcas have a smaller and more defined traveling range. Ranger 85 orca whales february 16, 20 whale watching.
Orcas or killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales, dalls porpoise, harbor porpoise, nesting bald eagles, stellers sea lions, harbor seals, river otters, and an incredible bounty of birds are just some of the fascinating wildlife that we have an opportunity to observe in our beautiful region. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. Jim mccarter and kelley duffield spent december 2428, 1999 on this wonderfully peaceful island. Anacortes is the homeport to the san juan islands and conveniently located only 90 miles north of downtown seattle. Though not as good as uvita, it is possible to see humpback whales from manuel antonio during july december. Download the watching whales in the san juan islands brochure. The best time to see killer whales in the san juan islands. The annual visitor guide and business directory is a comprehensive guide to orcas island, including hiking, whale watching, kayaking, and lots of other great things to do. Orchard house turtleback farm inn orcas island bed.
25 105 1588 1397 1170 965 861 1506 1160 1084 689 1617 1512 777 1274 644 981 1228 652 1617 1321 294 29 480 420 829 173 1143 152 935 508 1245 547 928 893 484 728