Top San Juan Islands On the Water

Get up close with the orca whales off the San Juan Islands near Seattle on this 4-hour whale-watching cruise. San Juan Island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from mid-April to October. It’s also considered the best place to view orca whales.

Get up close with the killer whales off Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands near Seattle, on this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Eastsound. 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, humpback and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters — plus a wide variety of birds and more. Sightings are guaranteed from April through early September.

See Whidbey Island in Washington from a fresh perspective with a small-group kayaking tour in Deception Pass State Park. Meet your guide at a departure point and climb into a sea kayak to explore the calm waters of Bowman Bay. Learn the basics of paddling and admire views of wildlife, Fidalgo Island, and more. All gear including life jackets is provided.

Observe Pacific Northwest whales in their natural environment on a 3.5-hour tour from Seattle. You have the chance to get up close to orcas, humpbacks, and minkes. Learn about the marine life from your on board guide.  In the event that you don’t see any whales during your excursion, enjoy a second journey on the boat free of charge.

Spend your day kayaking in prime marine wildlife habitat along the Haro Strait, bordering the west side of San Juan Island and Vancouver Island. Traverse the waters of migrating salmon and keep your eyes peeled for eagles, seals, porpoises, and other wildlife that follow our keystone species of the Pacific Northwest: Orcas. You'll stop for a break where your guide will prepare lunch on the beach while you enjoy a view of the Olympic Mountains and explore the driftwood beaches of Limekiln State Park.

Explore Washington state’s San Juan Islands Monument on this sea kayak tour starting in Anacortes. Join a small group to paddle past the stunning scenery of uninhabited islands including Burrows Island. There is also an opportunity to spot local wildlife such as harbor seals, porpoises, several fish species, and sometimes even orcas.

Try your hand at sailing with this three-hour experience from Orcas Island. An experienced US Coast Guard-licensed captain/instructor will teach you and your group of up to six people all about sailing, from terminology to how to navigate. You'll also have plenty of time to get hands-on experience as you help guide your vessel through Obstruction Pass.

Take an adventure on San Juan Island through Griffin Bay. Jump in a kayak and follow the instructor through the calm waters to see what Dinner Island has to offer. Look out for harbor seals, river otters, and tons of seabirds in their natural habitat. As you paddle, marvel at the site of glacier-covered Mt. Baker and the dazzling Olympic Mountain range.

A full-catered trip, this multi-day tour takes you to experience kayaking and camping in the San Juan Islands, specifically Cypress Island. This island is a gem within the San Juan archipelago, boasting protected conservation and natural areas that teem with wildlife. Explore miles of trails leading to viewpoints and secluded coves with pebble beaches. Enjoy having exclusive access to this hidden paradise during this tour.

Bear Paw is an amazing luxury yacht to discover the San Juan Islands. A 1 night tour or extend your stay, every trip is different and unique. This is a personalized experience with a Chef on board to accommodate your dietary needs in a casual setting. Vessel is equipped with a two-man elevator to accommodate guests with mobility limitations. All three staterooms are king sized and they are are similar in layout. Comfort is the key and you have a local crew to show you what the islands are all about.