Magnificent orca (or killer) whales live in the San Juan Islands year-round, and this is the best place in the world to see them in the wild. You can also spot humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, Steller sea lions, and many other species of wildlife. Whale sightings are never guaranteed, but the greatest potential for spotting them is with a professional whale and wildlife tour. An added benefit to a tour is that onboard naturalists provide identification, education, and stewardship suggestions for passengers. Each company also contributes to orca and salmon recovery efforts in the Islands and the greater Salish Sea ecosystem. The shorter your stay in the Islands, the more important it is to plan ahead. Booking activities in advance will make your trip run smoothly and you'll be more likely to get your first picks!
Let us acknowledge that we reside on the ancestral lands and waters of the Coast Salish people who have called this place home since time immemorial and let us honor inherent, aboriginal, and treaty rights that have been passed down from generation to generation.
