Come out on our family friendly vessels and see orca whales, humpback whales, gray whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, bald eagles and much more. 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. Kayak whale watching in the san juan islands, seattle, washington. Orca network encourages shorebased whale watching, or watching for whales while commuting on washington state ferries. Whidbey island whale watching on whidbey island yabsta. Our cruises offer a gaurantee that if you do not see whales on you cruise you can come again free of charge. If the arctic ice continues melting and, thus, forces the polar bears to spend more time in the water, orcas could even pose a risk to them, the biggest and strongest landbased predators. Whale watching vancouver island is a onceinalifetime exerience. Golfers can head to the 9hole orcas island country golf club, 2171 orcas rd. Seattle to san juan island day trip with whale watching. Download the watching whales in the san juan islands 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.
Iceland is renowned for whale watching, and husavik is the coined the whale capital of iceland for a reason. Orcas seasons in valdes peninsula argentine patagonia. First built in 2011, perch was originally designed as a yearround family getaway and a vacation rental during the busy island summer season. We offer year round whale watching from our deer harbor marina location. The cluster of islands is considered san juan county, washington. This is a great place to launch a kayak and enjoy a beautiful paddle along the west side of the island.
These boat charter companies also offer whale watching. While other vancouver island whale watching tours are heading for shore, our experienced captains and crew are going the extra mile or 50 to show you the gray whale feeding beaches, the eagles nests, the hidden coves and all. For more information about orcas center 20162017 season events, please visit. Puget sound whale watchers accused of loving endangered. 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. Here, whale watching season spans from march through october. Orca photo gallery san juan safaris san juan island. Whatever tour you choose, youll have the chance to see orcas, minke whales, harbor seals, dalls and harbor porpoise, bald eagles, ospreys. Looking for the best whale watching on vancouver island. The orca whale pods that frequent the san juans arent as common around orcas island. Although the whale watching season has barely begun, we have already spotted plenty of whales. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated. 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. Resident killer whales that feed around the san juan islands in the.
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. Click here to download all 12 months of killer whale watching data and be sure to zoom in to see. Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go. Its going to be a whale of a show at orcas center orcas. Whale watching in the san juan islands is one of the most popular pastimes for tourists in washington state. About orcas island eclipse charters orcas island eclipse charters offers a high quality, unforgettable whale watching experience.
Orcas island business directory whale watching orcas. Their fierce predatory style won them the nickname of killer whale in spite of the fact that orcas, both in the wild and in captivity, show incredible curiosity, awareness and gentleness toward people. Deer harbor charters is the first established whale watching company on orcas island. Families especially enjoy their time aboard the comfortable, enclosed vessels.
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. Numerous businesses are ready and able to take you all over the san juan islands for the ideal whale watching experience. For more information on things to do in san juan island, download our free. Occasionally, the orcas are not around san juan island, but you can depend on this. On our whale watching and wildlife tours you may see orcas, grey whales, sea lions, porpoises, minke whales, bald eagles, and much more. Moran state park, with its 33 miles of trails, is the best known and most popular place on orcas to hike. Because our trips start in friday harbor on san juan island, where 90% of the regions whale sightings occur, and because of our boats travel at minimum 18 knots with passengers, we are usually able to get to the whales, spend time with the whales, and spend time viewing other wildlife during the 3 to 4 hour time allotted per tour. Is there a certain time of day that is best for trying to see the whales. 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. 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. Spanish whalers called orcas whale killers after observing them hunt in.
Orcas island chamber of commerce po box 252 65 north beach road eastsound, wa 98245. Dan and denise wilk have 29 years combined island residency. We are the only whale watching company on orcas island, wa to offer a guarantee of encountering whales. We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you. 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. We are so confident that we will find you whales that if you dont see a whale you can come again for free. Whale sightings are never guaranteed, but the greatest potential for spotting them is with a professional whale and wildlife tour. 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. We went whale watching today with outer island excursions and had a perfect time. Orcas island is one of many land masses within the san juan archipelago. If you plan to come to see orcas and you want to arrive at the right time, you have to read this article, to understand general aspects of the 2 orcas seasons that occur throughout peninsula valdes. Departing from pier 69 on seattles waterfront, the san juan clipper is the only whale watching vessel to depart from. Lopez island, orcas island, san juan island, friday harbor, outer islands, outside the 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. Orcas island also offers a seasonal transit shuttle on fridays, saturdays, and. Often seen during the spring in the salish sea, mammaleating orcas hunt other marine animals that feed on the herring in our waters from may to october. Orcas island san juan safaris san juan island whale. 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 eclipse charters whale watching boat, the 56foot vessel orcas express is fast allowing more time with wildlife. For over three decades we have worked hard to keep a respectful and responsible focus on our wildlife tours. Dawn to dusk golf in the san juan islands, orcas island country golf club offers daily fees, excellent club rentals, power or pull cards, practice area, lessons available. We run april through early october and we see whales throughout this season.
Anacortes is the homeport to the san juan islands and conveniently located only 90 miles north of downtown seattle. There was plenty of information to report but, frustratingly, no action on the most pressing need. Outer island excursions offer highquality, unforgettable whale watching, marine and fishing charter experiences in the san juan islands of washington state. Tickets may only be purchased on the orcas center website or by calling 3762281 ext 1 or visiting the orcas center box office during box office hours which are wednesday, thursday and friday from 122 pm. Meanwhile on vancouver island, canada, the people of tofino and ucluelet. Orcas are the top predators of the oceans and are at the top of the food chain. 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.
The goal was to design an indooroutdoor great room that provides areas for. But when it comes to marine mammals that are already struggling to survive, are the boatbased watching tours really harmless. Mammaleating orca whales biggs or transient orcas best time to view. Locals answer your frequently asked questions about the san juan islands. When free willy ii was filmed in the san juan islands, one of our local whale watch operators played the coastal marine. The vessels are well suited for a variety of groups and individuals looking for that special wildlife encounter. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just.
Buck bay shellfish farm orcas island chamber of commerce. 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. Spanish whalers called orcas whale killers after observing them hunt in packs, killing or overcoming marine mammals, including whales. 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. 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. Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles. 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. Orca dreams offers fourday allinclusive tours from our luxury island camp site in the wildlife rich area of northern vancouver island, british columbia, canada. The staff is superfriendly and knowledgeable, the tour was organized perfectly and. Our luxurious, highspeed vessels for small groups of passengers can accommodate a more personal experience with the whales and our crew. There are many opportunities to observe the orcas from the many miles of shoreline on whidbey island, the kitsap and olympic peninsulas, and the inland waters of puget sound.
Outer island expeditions fleet of kayaks and boats safely cruises at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour through frothy crests ebbing amid the striking sights and wildlife of the san juan islands. 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. May 31, 2006 whale watching trip in may 2006, near orcas island, washington. Orca photo gallery san juan safaris san juan island whale. Come out and see orca whales, gray whales, humpback whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, bald eagles and much more. Perch is located on orcas island in the san juan islands of washington.
Although orcas island wasnt actually named after these beautiful animals, the orca whale watching is an absolute must do activity when visiting. Meet the orca whale orcas are highly intelligent and social animals, traveling in groups called pods. While killer whales can be found in all the worlds oceans, they hold a special cultural significance in the pacific northwest and we are fortunate to share our local waters with more than one type of killer whale. Jun 09, 2008 an interview with beau brandow of outer island excursions on orcas island washington answering several questions about whale watching in the san juan islands. Get up close with the killer whales off orcas island, the largest of the san juan islands near seattle, on this guided, 3. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, and many other underrated species. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. Frequently asked questions san juan excursions whale and.
Whale watching trip in may 2006, near orcas island, washington. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. Hello, in a few weeks i will be visiting orcas island and would like to go on a whale watching tour. Orcas, or killer whales, are actually the largest member of the dolphin family and the top predator in the marine environment. Jim mccarter and kelley duffield spent december 2428, 1999 on this wonderfully peaceful island.
Choose from more than 194 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. Small contemporary cabin on orcas island tiny house talk. This little corner of the world is one of the best to see orcas as it is home to the southern. This is your chance to sea kayak with killer orca whales or watch them from our boat, the. Except the humans, orcas dont have any natural enemies, nowhere. Tucked into a steep rocky hillside, it overlooks east sound. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. Island adventures offers premier orca whale watching in the waters of the san juan islands, wa. Download our whale watching wildlife cruises, friday harbor, san juan island, washington brochure, download and print our full color brochure. Their fierce predatory style won them the nickname of killer whale in spite of the fact that orcas, both in the wild and in captivity, show incredible curiosity, awareness and. Ranger 85 orca whales february 16, 20 whale watching. Best time to go whale watching orcas island forum tripadvisor. Venturing as far as 50 miles into canadian waters, whalewatching excursions foster personal rapport between patrons and boatside orcas, gray whales, or humpback whales trying to learn.
We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum. Whale watching is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and. Trips from orcas ferry landing are april september and trip from rosario resort start in may september. A southern resident orca whale swims in puget sound in view of mount. Orcas island whale watching boat charters websites directory. Whaletrips orcas the best time and place to watch orcas. Killer whales, also known as orcas, are one of the most recognizable and beloved marine species on the planet. Tours on san juan island require an hour and a half ferry ride each way which can be tricky in the summer months. About orcas island eclipse charters we depart from orcas island for whale watching and light house tours.
Take your best shot at kayaking with killer whales near seattle, wa. We are able to do this because for the past 5 years weve had over a 98% sighting success. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around the corner. May 10, 2007 rosario resort on orcas island is offering summer weekends dedicated to whale watching and education in partnership with the orca network, a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting healthy and safe. Dont miss orca whale watching season with clipper vacations. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. Eagle wing tours gives you more than just a look at whales, they give you the longest and most comprehensive whale watching tours in the industry.
Inter island ferry service can take you to friday harbor in about 40 minutes be sure to check exact crossing times. 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. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. Orcas island business directory tourism orcas island. If you plan to come to see orcas and you want to arrive at the right time, you have to read this article, to understand general aspects of the 2 orcas. Around each corner expect to find a stunning view, an artists studio or other island treasure. On the islands 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. Seattle whale watching guide 2019 clipper vacations. When free willy ii was filmed in the san juan islands, one of our local whale watch operators played the coastal marine patrol and took the cast and crew out for a whale watch tour to see orca whales in their natural habitat.
Transient or biggs, killer whales aka orca whales can often be seen yearround, as well as steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald. Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature. Orca whale watching information in the san juans island. We have three departure locations on orcas island, wa. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures.