San Juan Island has become the top whale watching destination in Washington State due to three pods of orcas that reside in the San Juan Islands during the late spring, summer and early fall.
| | Breach:
Occurs when a whale leaps out of the water, exposing two-thirds or more of its body. |
J, K and L Pods have become like family members and the pride of San Juan Island to the locals. We invite you to come see the orcas in their beautiful, natural surroundings as they breech, spy hop, tail lob and forge for food on a whale watch boat cruise. Your captain will keep a distance of 100 yards or more to ensure the comfort and protection of the orcas. Each whale watch boat offers certified naturalists to educate you on the history, life cycle, and feeding and behavioral patterns of the orcas.
There are a variety of boats to whale watch from; choose large and comfortable or s copy of reading mall and intimate. You will be able to find the best tour operator that suits your needs; depending on your age, group size and boat feature preference. Most tours last three to four hours and tourists should only go with members of the Pacific Whale Watch Operators Association to ensure ethical and legal whale watching in the San Juan Islands. You can also whale watch from the shore from numerous points on the west side of San Juan Island such as whale watch park, dead man's cove, cattle point in South Beach. Your chances of seeing the whales from the shore are considerably lower however many environmentalists advocate whale watching from the shore to leave the smallest possible environmental footprint.
Whale Watching Companies:
San Juan Excursions : Experience the thrill of seeing orca whales, harbor, seals, California & Steller sea lions, Dall's & harbor porpoise, gray & minke whales, bald eagles, cormorants, great blue herons and so much more on one of our whale watching trips.
Recommended Reading:
The Whale Museum.
This site has info on how to get to the museum located in Friday Harbor Wa, whale news and events, online store, and educational info.
Best Whale Watching Photos:
Western Prince Photo Gallery:
San Juan Island Whale Museum:
Whale Museum
Complete information about local whales and whales in general can be found at the The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, a nationally-recognized research facility.
Other Resources:
Glossary of Killer Whale terms
This site has common words and terms used by killer whale enthusiasts. Each term such as "spyhop" or "breach" is linked to a photo.
Whale Watching in the News:
Nude whale watching trip still scheduled despite protest
Despite opposition from a San Diego activist, a local nudism club plans to proceed with a nude whale-watching trip out of Oceanside Harbor. ...
Navy Sonar Tagged As Probable Cause Of Whale Stampede
The Navy had been conducting guided-missile destroyer training ... near the San Juan Islands when whales bolted in ... the sounds of mid-frequency sonar were recorded ...
Browse more...
Recreational Activities
Health, Spa, and Relaxation
Historical Activities
Workshops & Educational
Events & Entertainment
Youth and Childrens Activities
|
