San juan island tours from seattle evergreen escapes. The ferry docks in friday harbor, a pleasant city in which to enjoy a leisurely wander and a glimpse of local galleries. In looking at the ferry schedule, i noticed there are ferries that go to several other islands before orcas, and ferries that go directly to orcas. 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. May 04, 2017 a day watching for whales and other sea creatures around 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. Discuss san juan islands travel with tripadvisor travelers. More than 500,000 people annually go whale watching in the waters of washington and british columbia around the san juan islands. A day watching for whales and other sea creatures around the san juan islands. We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you. Gentle readersthis site is developed by orcas island studios 3603762472ask for dave, as a resource designed specifically to get an online anacortes san juan islands ferry schedule easily, current washington state ferry schedules, orcas island ferry schedule, san juan island ferry schedule, shaw and lopez island ferry schedules, sidney bc ferry schedule including san juan islands.
Anacortes is our flagship location where island adventures first began back in 1996. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. There are also private ferry services in smaller boats that come from other nearby cities, but these do not take cars. Winter 2020 sailing schedule for anacortes san juan islands.
All of the vessels on these routes do have elevator access. 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 means you can easily come or go from the anacortes ferry landing with a scenic detour through the forests and beautiful views along whidbey island. Orca whales live, play, and raise their young in the waters of the haro strait near san juan island, washington. Sea planes depart from lake union in seattle, which is a short taxi ride from most hotels, and return to seattle for dinner. Ever taken the ferry from anacortes to friday harbor in the san juan islands. Sea quest kayak tours and whale watching trips 41,388 views. Allow a comfortable 112 to 2 hours to enjoy the drive and the scenery from seattle or vancouver b. Ferry from vancouver to san juan islands vancouver. Be sure to check out what festivals or events might be happening during your visit. It is recommended that you arrive at the ferry 30 minutes early. San juan islands forum, travel discussion for san juan.
Whale watching san juan islands friday harbor whale. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. 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. Island cam for live webcam images of the ferry terminals in the san juan islands. You can use their website to find out what the current ferry schedule is. San juan safaris offers one of the bestorganized and most professional trips in san juan islands in their new, fast 55foot boat, departing from friday harbor. Accommodations, attractions, activities, whale watching, boating, kayaking, tours. The main ferries that serve the san juans are offered by the washington state department of transportation, and they embark from a mainland terminal in. Com san juan islands directory is a guide that provides everything you would want to know about all of the san juan islands. 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. There are many whale watching tours available for those that dont have a boat, and for those of us that do, knowing where and when to find the whales is a real plus.
Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island. Gentle readersthis site is developed by orcas island studios 3603762472ask for dave, as a resource designed specifically to get an online anacortes san juan islands ferry schedule easily, current washington state ferry schedules, orcas island ferry schedule, san juan island ferry schedule, shaw and lopez island ferry schedules, sidney bc ferry schedule. Mar 19, 2015 ever taken the ferry from anacortes to friday harbor in the san juan islands. Friday harbor is worth a walk and exploration before or after the cruise, if you do so from there to avoid the ferry traffic, and still go by the islands, you could start your whale watch cruise in anacortes. We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum. We will be taking a ferry driving on to orcas island on a sunday. These trips range from a half day to weekly excursions.
Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home. Current san juan islands ferry schedule san juan islands. San juan island welcome to the san juan islands web. There are a great variety of whales travelling the waters here in the. There are no bridges or walkways that connect them together, the only way to get around is by boat or by plane. Washington state ferries whale watching san juan islands.
Welcome to the washington state ferries schedule application. Located just a few hours from downtown seattle by car and ferry or an even shorter plane ride, the san juan islands are home to a thriving population of majestic orca whales. Getting to sidney bc, would require taking a bc ferry between tsawwassen ferry terminal and swartz bay ferry terminal before driving on the. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. 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 offseason. The ferry ride is beautiful and you will see many islands on the way. Ferry from vancouver to san juan islands vancouver message. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale watching is one of the most spectacular.
The bellingham cruise terminal is also home port to a number of charter businesses offering boat trips inaround the san juan islands including friday harbor. There are three pods of orcas that call the san juan islands home and they are the reason that this island has become the number one place to go whale watching. San juan excursions whale watching tours and wildlife cruises. Washington state ferries san juan safaris san juan. The calm waters near the san juan islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. You can view the current and upcoming anacortessan juan islandssidney, b. Killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas.
Winter schedule jan 5 march 28, 2020 no service available to sidney, b. Yes, the san juan islands seem like a seasonal place, but there is a population of about 16,000 people on the four main ferry served islands, lopez, orcas, shaw, and san juan islands. Orca whale watching tours reservations san juan outfitters. Take the ferry from anacortes, wa or hop aboard the whale plane. We focus on offering high quality, intimate tours, guided by dedicated local naturalists. The san juan islands national monument, established by. The 10 best hotels in san juan islands for 2020 from c. Baleen whales of the san juan islands humpback whale, gray whale, and minke whale. These are the islands that most tourists visit although there are a designated 172 islands and reefs in the san juan county. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands island adventures. Orca whale watching in the san juan islands, washington. Western prince has provided quality san juan island tours since 1986.
Ferry to orcas island san juan islands forum tripadvisor. This location allows us to access all the major waterways the whales travel, and we often view whales within. Aug 20, 2015 killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature. Whidbey island is easy to visit on the way to or from the san juan islands. Adventure whale watching in the san juan islands western. This hourlong ferry ride will keep you glued to your window or deck railing as you slip between islands. Local companies offer great kayaking or whale watching trips into the san juan islands or along whidbey. 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. In addition to our standard and large print paper schedules available at any wsf terminal or wsf vessel, we offer a variety of alternative electronic formats to meet your needs. That would be easier and cheaper than travelling to the gulf islands or the san juan islands. Washington state ferries san juan islands visitors bureau. Just a 90mile drive from downtown seattle, anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure no ferry required. Ferry service from vancouver to san juan islands vancouver.
Baleen whales completely lack teeth and filter small prey such as. A whale watching trip from friday harbor is the perfect choice for any vacation in the pacific northwest, and being near the seattle, washington area makes it a great day trip as well. There are also private ferry services in smaller boats that come from other nearby cities, but. These orcas are like family to the ones who reside on this island because they show. The waterways surrounding the san juan islands are considered the best place in the world to observe orcas killer whales in the wild, and the best location in the islands to access those waters is san juan outfitters exclusive marine adventure center at roche harbor. San juan island, located 90 miles north of seattle, is a fun and easy day trip from seattle. San juan island is the largest of the populated big three. The city of anacortes is the gateway to the san juans islands, and home to the washington state ferry terminal where ferries depart to all the major san juan islands. San juan outfitters is widely considered san juan islands premier sea kayak and whale watch tour company.
Hi sherman all whale watching in canada is set up for whale watching boat tours. 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. Friday harbor, san juan island is where the wsdot ferry goes from either anacortes, wa or sidney, bc which is on vsncouver island getting to anacortes from vancouver would be done by car plus any border wait at blaine into the states. Also, the whale watching tours that depart from vancouver almost always spend time in the gulf and san juan islands, as thats where the orcas typically feed. Here is a timelapse video from a ferry ride march 11, 2015. The most economical way to visit the different islands lopez, orcas and san juan is to travel from anacortes to the furthest westward island, san juan island, and work your way back to the mainland eastward, stopping first at orcas island and then lopez island.
Whidbey island washington alltrips san juan islands. All san juan islands ferries depart from the anacortes ferry terminal located at 2100 ferry terminal rd, anacortes, wa 98221. The islands, in this case, san juan island probably, are a fun visit but best for an overnight to really explore it, and with a vehicle. As the morning ferry glides toward friday harbor, keep an eye out for sea life and birds. Whale watch tours in the san juan islands island adventures. San juan island is in the middle of the southern resident orcas federally designated critical habitat and summer feeding and socializing grounds. General schedule information will give you an understanding of our schedule, safety procedures and tips. To get to friday harbor for whale watching most people drive from seattle to the anacortes ferry terminal and take the washington state ferry across to san juan island. Once on san juan island, fantastic walking options, birding spots, and whale watching from shore will keep you busy. There is nothing quite as spectacular as the sight of a pod of orca whales along the protected coastlines of the san juan islands.
The local communities have live music, farmers markets and other events all summer and occasionally throughout the year. The main san juan islands ferry system is run by the washington state department of transportation. Book the best san juan islands hotels on tripadvisor. San juan islands ferries provide a costeffective way to get to the islands, and you might be happy to know that most allow passengers to bring a bike, motorcycle, car, or truck along if needed. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching.