Whale watching expeditions to see the migration of Killer Whales and Orca Whales have become one of the most popular vacation activities in the Pacific Northwest. Although whales can often be seen from the shores, Washington state is home to many private whale watching excursions along its coast. Located in the northwest corner of the state, the San Juan Islands are a gateway for most small boat whale watching expeditions in Washington.
Located more than 20 miles from Washington's mainland, the San Juan Islands are accessible only by ferry, private boats and small planes. With more than 170 islands making up the San Juan Islands area, the ferry service only stops at the four largest: Shaw, Lopez, Orcas and San Juan. Eighty of the islands are part of the San Juan Islands Refuge that is home to many amazing creatures and plants. Some of the animals include a pod of about 100 Orca whales that maintain a year-round residency in the area. The San Juan Islands are protected from the rough Pacific Ocean by the Olympic Penninsula and Vancouver Island which makes them a perfect haven. Vancouver Island and Washington state were once connected by a mountain range that is known today as the San Juan Islands.
The San Juan Islands are a whale watcher's dream vacation destination with their ever present whale population and magnificent array of wildlife. Naturally, many small and large boat operators provide whale watching expeditions that allow visitors an opportunity to see the amazing animals up close. Small boat tours offer personal service that is not usually found on large boats. Most small whale watching companies provide three to four hours of whale watching excitement with less than ten people and direct access to a captain who will educate them about what is being seen. All visitors on the smaller boat then have the chance to observe the whales without being lost in the crowd like they may be on a larger vessel. Whale watching from a small boat provides a unique experience that a larger boat cannot offer.
While some wild adventurers may want to kayak in the San Juan Islands, most tourists prefer the relative safety of a boat for the whale watching expedition. Tours are run seasonally with the high-season being April to September. Some companies open in late March and continue to offer tours through the end of October. Take the time of year into consideration when planning a whale watching trip. Also consider that some days whales are out too far in the Pacific Ocean and cannot be followed. In these cases be sure that the whale watching company will provide an alternate tour to see the seals, sea lions and sea birds that also make their homes in the San Juan Islands Refuge.
The vacation of a lifetime can be found in the amazing beauty of unspoiled land and wildlife in Washington state's San Juan Islands. The Pacific Northwest offers a rare chance to see Killer and Orca whales in their natural setting. Researching the area, the accommodations and the whale watching tour companies before arriving will make the experience all the more memorable.
Located more than 20 miles from Washington's mainland, the San Juan Islands are accessible only by ferry, private boats and small planes. With more than 170 islands making up the San Juan Islands area, the ferry service only stops at the four largest: Shaw, Lopez, Orcas and San Juan. Eighty of the islands are part of the San Juan Islands Refuge that is home to many amazing creatures and plants. Some of the animals include a pod of about 100 Orca whales that maintain a year-round residency in the area. The San Juan Islands are protected from the rough Pacific Ocean by the Olympic Penninsula and Vancouver Island which makes them a perfect haven. Vancouver Island and Washington state were once connected by a mountain range that is known today as the San Juan Islands.
The San Juan Islands are a whale watcher's dream vacation destination with their ever present whale population and magnificent array of wildlife. Naturally, many small and large boat operators provide whale watching expeditions that allow visitors an opportunity to see the amazing animals up close. Small boat tours offer personal service that is not usually found on large boats. Most small whale watching companies provide three to four hours of whale watching excitement with less than ten people and direct access to a captain who will educate them about what is being seen. All visitors on the smaller boat then have the chance to observe the whales without being lost in the crowd like they may be on a larger vessel. Whale watching from a small boat provides a unique experience that a larger boat cannot offer.
While some wild adventurers may want to kayak in the San Juan Islands, most tourists prefer the relative safety of a boat for the whale watching expedition. Tours are run seasonally with the high-season being April to September. Some companies open in late March and continue to offer tours through the end of October. Take the time of year into consideration when planning a whale watching trip. Also consider that some days whales are out too far in the Pacific Ocean and cannot be followed. In these cases be sure that the whale watching company will provide an alternate tour to see the seals, sea lions and sea birds that also make their homes in the San Juan Islands Refuge.
The vacation of a lifetime can be found in the amazing beauty of unspoiled land and wildlife in Washington state's San Juan Islands. The Pacific Northwest offers a rare chance to see Killer and Orca whales in their natural setting. Researching the area, the accommodations and the whale watching tour companies before arriving will make the experience all the more memorable.
About the Author:
Bill Carli lives and operates Carli Whale Watch Tours in the San Juan Islands where the beauty of local wildlife abounds.
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