You can watch the Orca killer whales off the San Juan Islands north of Seattle between Washington state and Vancouver Island without having to travel all the way to Alaska. Many whale watching excursions are available in this popular vacation area with an abundance of outdoor activities.

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 Peninsula 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.

What better way to experience the beauty of the San Juan Islands than by whale watching from a small boat. This whale watcher’s paradise off the coast of Washington state boasts a year round presence of whales and other curious sea creatures. Small boat tours are able to offer their personalized, three to four hour expeditions to only a handful of guests at a time. Equal opportunity to see and photograph the whales, an opportunity to interact with the boat’s captain and an intimate setting aboard the small boat are all added perks. This makes them vastly different from the larger whale watching boats with tens of guests who must maneuver their way to the railing to see the whales.

When planning a vacation to the San Juan Islands for whale watching, take into consideration that most tours are seasonally operated and run from late spring through early fall. April through September are the most common months for expeditions, but some open as early as March and close for the season at the end of October. Although most tour operators will search tirelessly to provide whale sighting opportunities, there may be days when the whales are too far out. In cases such as this, the other amazing wildlife of the San Juan Islands will be explored. Sea lions, seals and a variety of sea birds also call the refuge home. If adventure is an important part of the vacation plans, consider kayaking off the San Juan Islands for whale watching opportunities instead.

Whale watchers will find that the San Juan Islands offer an unparalleled experience for seeing Orca killer whales in the wild. With careful preparation and research, a trip to these islands gems in the Pacific Northwest very well may be the highlight of a lifetime. The natural beauty and unspoiled of the San Juan Islands Refuge is truly a sight to behold.

The author lives and operates Captain Carli’s Whale Watching Tours in the San Juan Islands where the beauty of local wildlife abounds.

YouTube: San Juan Islands Scenic Byway – Part 1

YouTube: San Juan Islands Scenic Byway – Part 2

YouTube: San Juan Islands Scenic Byway – Part 3

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