Most people want to see the islands' main attraction -  the orca, or killer whale. Approximately 90 endangered whales comprise three "Southern Resident" pods -- J, K, and L -- that reside part of the year in the San Juans -- typically April or May through September. These magnificent mammals follow salmon runs. Easy ways to view and learn about these majestic creatures and the Islands' ecosystem include joining a  whale/wildlife cruise or a sea kayaking adventure. On land, Lime Kiln Point State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park, on the west side of San Juan Island, is perhaps the best place in the world to enjoy a chance at seeing whales from shore.  The Whale Museum on San Juan Island is an excellent stop before or after whale watching. 

On a cruise around the islands, you may see Dall's porpoise, harbor porpoises, harbor seals, orca or minke whales, sea lions, river otters, kingfishers, and many other species. Wildlife action is not limited to the seas. Bald eagles, ospreys and hawks perch in trees. Migratory birds -- trumpeter swans, oystercatchers, cormorants, Canada geese and many others -- often make extended stays on island lakes and saltwater shores. Great Blue Herons can be observed wading in these same waters throughout the year.

Deer, some extremely docile, graze in meadows, and river otters bob along banks near freshwater. Rabbits and red foxes frolic in the prairie on San Juan Island. Raccoons are cute but pesky.

Thousands of years before humans started visiting the San Juan Islands, including the Native American tribes who set up fishing camps here, animals stopped by during their yearly migrations. These feathered, furry and finned tourists continue their vacations here today. The transient and islands' indigenous species make San Juan County one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the world.