Orca whales range through the san juan islands the most between march and october and you can expect to see them on the vast majority of our tours during that time, although we do have sightings throughout the year. An insiders guide to seattle gray whale watching 12. Whale watching tour seattleedmonds october 17, 2016. Whale spotting along the olympic coast shorebased whale watching is safer for marine life, cheaper than taking part in a chartered waterbased tour andbest of allfrees up your afternoon to round out your adventure by taking in a few treks along the way. About orca whales san juan safaris whale watching san.
An awesome boat ride with friendly and educated hosts. Whale watching orange county book safaris with capt dave. Blue whales, humpback whales, leatherback sea turtle, common dolphin, rissos dolphin, orca killer whales. Orca whales put on a killer show in elliott bay the. Whale watching seattle or victoria eagle wing tours. Its also considered the best place to view orca whales.
We are planning a trip to seattle and vancouver in september and would, of course, love to go whalewatching. Aug 26, 20 family vacation michael jackson will you be there i do not own the music in this video. The metro area now has its firstever, halfday whale watching tour. Best time to whale watch in seattle seattle message board. Start planning for your next fishing trip with the 20192020 washington sport fishing rules pamphlet, now available from the washington department of fish and wildlife wdfw. For the best whale watching in seattle, enjoy the beauty of san juan island on a whale watching cruise from friday harbor, a quaint town on the island. The phalaropes are starting to come in for the winter season at sea, but we dont see them too often, so this was a treat on top of the rest of the amazing day. Is it possible along any of the island shorelines or onp coastline, etc.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are a fascinating, social creatures that inhabit all the worlds oceans. My dates are flexible but i would prefer to go in april. Our everett gray whale trips have been running for over a decade. Seattle new technology could help ships and ferries navigate around. Gray whales, the animal that started the whale watching phenomenon in dana point, can be seen migrating along our coast now. Washingtons 20192020 fishing regulations now available.
See orcas, humpback whales, minkes, and all the majestic wildlife in the san juan islands departing just 15 minutes north of downtown seattle. Port townsend and san juan island whale watching tour from puget sound express up to 49% off. The us whale watching industry of greater puget sound. Theres rich harmonies drawn from california pop, crunchy guitars rooted in the lineage of pacific northwest indie. From long beach to orange county, daveys locker whale watching cruises from newport harbor in newport beach has been providing whale watching cruises and whale watching tours for long beach area and orange county for over 30 years. Best time to whale watch in seattle seattle forum tripadvisor. The longest whale watching season follows the epic annual migration of humpback, southern right whales and the rare blue whale, from the foodrich southern ocean in the south west to the warm breeding grounds on the north kimberley coast. San juan excursions whale watching tours and wildlife cruises.
Whale watch tours in the san juan islands island adventures. Several whalewatching trips a day, two to two and a half hours each. And thats typically when we go to enjoy the islands. There are a number of places along the coast to catch a glimpse of whales from shore, and local tour options span guided kayak and boat trips off the san juan. Things to know puget sound express familyrun whale. At seattle orca whale watching in partnership with san juan safaris we take great pride in providing you with the best orca whale watching and wildlife tours in the pacific northwest. Thats the last time any orange county whale watching boat has seen them, he said.
Its pricier than some of the other excursions on this list, but thats because the whalewatchers shuttle to their tour by a kenmore air seaplane. With cold water and plenty of prey like salmon to feed on, puget sound is the goto place for whale watching, meaning seattleites dont have to travel far to get a glimpse of these majestic mammals that call the sound their home. Males live to be 5060 years old, and females as much as 90 years. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to see some on a whale. Travel inspired cuisine by way of the northwest, the whale wins roasts the very best from local beaches, gardens and farms in its rustic wood fired oven and serves it to share on plates large and small in a light filled, converted warehouse space.
Our team of highly qualified crew set us apart from the competition. Island adventures holds the industrys highest success rate and was the first company to guarantee whale sightings on every tour. This special limited season focuses on gray whales that migrate along the west coast, stopping to feed in local waters on their way back to alaska. This vessel has a large deck that gives you plenty of space to work your crab pots. Id like to go to seattle for several reasons but my main reason would be to whale watch. How to go whale watching in orange county share this. We boast more than 100 years of combined experience in the islands and have led excursions for hundreds of thousands of satisfied guests over 24. We are excited that you chose us and look forward to taking you out on an amazing wildlife adventure. Anaheim, the theme parks home, offers a surprisingly hip vibe in a refurbished downtown. Photo of alii nui sailing charters whale season is here. Top 5 lists are not a recommendation by etrade securities or its affiliates to buy, sell or hold any security, financial product or instrument, nor is it an endorsement of any specific security, company, fund family, product or service. Whalewatching activities can induce behavioral changes. See orcas, humpback whales, and all the majestic wildlife in.
Best of whale watching on the monterey bay as of 7. Our guides and naturalists work to create educational, fun, and engaging tours that. The testosterone profile of male humpback whales follows a predictable pattern for capital breeders, where. Looking for a whale watching or marine wildlife tour from seattle in washington state. Listen online, find out more about your favourite artists, and get music recommendations, only at. Most of the whale watch boats with these whales think they have killed or are killing a minke whale, but there isnt any evidence in the form of blood in the water or pieces of blubber floating.
This sparked a connection with the whale trail, a seattle based organization dedicated to identifying sites across the northwest where the public is most likely to view killer whales, and other marine mammals, from shore. Whale watching tours do not at this point, leave from downtown seattle. Even the few tours that dont include whales are worthwhile with beautiful. San juan island is considered the best place to view orca whales because of the large salmon population, which is their primary food source. With 3 generations of family dedication and experience, we guarantee youll see whales or your next trip is free. Whale watching on the whale trail ocean wises aquablog. We are proud members of the pacific whale watch association formerly known as whale watch operators association northwest.
This usually involves a few hours of travel from seattle. Best whale watching locations in puget sound seattle magazine. Newport landing whale watching offers whale watching cruises open to the general public viewing california grey whales, blue whales, all types of dolphins, and more. Although it wasnt high season to see orcas, we went in hopes we would. I wanted to go there because ive never been to seattle, and secondly because one of the islands is called orcas islands. Everett is the best departure in the spring its only 30 miles from seattle and the whales are often right off of the dock. Starting early summer to mid fall a wide variety of baleen whales are viewed, like the humpback, finback, minke and blue whales. Get answers ocean city maryland oc maryland vacation. Our first whale watching tour from friday harbor is scheduled for saturday, march 4th and we cant wait to get back on the water. Ap the first newborn right whale of the winter calving season has. A pod of killer whales put on a show in central puget sound on thursday. Everett whale watching deals in everett, wa groupon.
Prince of whales in telegraph cove is the best place to go for whale watching. Ive browsed the top questions and placed whale watching in the search engine. San juan island is the center of whale watching in the pacific northwest and therefore friday harbor on san juan island is the best location for departing on a whale watch tour in washington state. San juan island and orcas island, in particular, offer many options for boatbased whale watching opportunities. San juan excursions whale watching seattle seattle washington. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just. Jurys still out on whether it was a minke whale that was being. Tsk, tsk, voyaginglook north of 70 degrees in the northwest territories of canada and you will find victoria island couldnt resist as i understand it, whale watching boats out of seattle still have to travel north 60 miles or so to see any orcas, so departing from seattle doesnt really help. Types of jobs held during the whale watching season. Emergency officials and boaters worked for about an hour to free the whale that was stuck in the waters near 12th street in ocean city on. The staff did everything to make it as nice and comfortable as possible. Great for family adventures with passengers of all ages, the indoor experience is gentler while the outdoor experience can be a bit more extreme to suit your preference. Overall great time and the staff were so nice and informative. Available march through october, this fullday whale watching tour package includes a scenic 45minute seaplane flight from seattle s lake union to friday harbor marina on san juan island.
Orca whales keep on comin to the salish sea seattle. Didnt get a picture but saw part of the body and the spray. This west seattle beach is a popular spot for seals and their pups, leading to the presence of biggs or transient orcas. Otherwise, tours leave from port angeles, port townsend, anacortes, bellingham, friday harbor, victoria, and vancover bc. From all of us and the hanke family, welcome to puget sound express. Biggs orcas differ from the resident orca pods that follow the salmon chum runs, as they eat mammals. Whale watching cruises to the san juan islands draw in people from around the world. If necessary, our classic vessel sea lion can travel up to 50 miles roundtrip and our adventure vessel up to 70 miles roundtrip, we can almost always get to the whales, spend time with them and the other wildlife, and get back within that time frame. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. Coast guard inspected and certified rhib zodiac in orange county.
Another whale species you might see in the off season is the humpback whale, whose adults range in length from 40 to 50 feet and often appear from april to june. Jonah and the whale resturant, all you can eat seafoof buffet, over 75 delicious items, specializing in crab legs just steps from the boardwalk in ocean city, maryland. The bait shop is introduced in the second season as a new night club and. Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with seattles only halfday, guaranteed whale watching tour. Our independent, nonprofit newsroom produces awardwinning stories, podcasts and events. April to november juneau, alaska, is one of the most beautiful capital cities in the usa, with its quaint streets, scenic waterfront and snowcapped mountains. Thank you to all the people who made it a great experience. Whale watching season in the san juan islands is just around. Seattles own death cab for cutie to appear on the o. The reasons for orange countys lively whale scene are varied, and not always fully understood, says jessica roame, marine education. The beautiful 4 ever wild vessel offers protection from the weather while still offering an openair viewing experience. Guide to whale watching in orange county oc mom blog.
Until then, we are working through the project list and getting everything ready to go. We will be in seattle and all around the area next week. We always like to say that no two whale watching tours are the same. How to go whale watching in orange county orange county. Whale watching off orange county from newport harbororange.
Jonah and the whale seafood buffet, ocean city, maryland. The boat is old but still comfortable and further more really fast. Dana point dolphin and whale watching tickets capt. San juan island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from midapril to october. Does anyone know if this is a good time to whale watch. San juan excursions whale watching seattle seattle. Killer whales are the largest of the dolphin family, reaching a body length of 30 feet, and weighing about 9 tons. Prince of whales adventures bcs best whale watching. Nominees like san juan outfitters, island adventures whale watching, puget sound express. Last year the closest operator left from edmonds and did offer hotel pick up in seattle. Whale watching tours and wildlife cruises with san juan excursions from friday harbor on san juan island in washington state 2018 certificate of excellence winner san juan excursions gives 5% or more of its profits to conservation efforts and charitable organizations. Whale watching off orange county from newport harbor. Also whale behavior does not change based on the time of day. National oceanic and atmospheric administration, 2725 montlake blvd.
May 04, 2017 an insiders guide to seattle gray whale watching 12. Is whale watching possible minus the expensive tours. On our last trip of the week, we saw transient orca whales hunting for their lunch. Get up close with the orca whales off the san juan islands near seattle on this 4hour whale watching cruise.
The spectacular natural beauty and relaxed rural lifestyle of the san juan islands feels like a world away yet this unique whale watching seaplane flight and cruise is just a daytrip away from seattle with kenmore air. Daveys locker offers several general admission cruises daily throughout the year. The entire 10mile stretch of oc s fabulous atlantic ocean beach is free, accessible from every side street, clean, and guarded latemay to late september. Killer orca whale watching seattle to san juan islands. Sw looking for more spots on the shore that are good for whale watching. This special limited season focuses on gray whales that migrate along the west coast, stopping to. Washington states best whale watching value and best spot north of seattle to see gray whales in the wild. Humpback whale gets caught in net in ocean city waters, then freed. Hiking the whale trail a walkable guide to whale watching.
San juan island 90 miles north of seattle is the best place for orca whale watching. Mar 02, 2017 orange county whale watching is year round. Going whalewatching in september the seattle times. The first was the mainland, including seattle and everett. Best of whale watching, monterey california as of 7. Pdf testosterone trends within and across seasons in male. We cant wait to show off this amazing place to more people in the future it never disappoints. Read more about our commitment to responsible ecotourism here. Discover recipes, home ideas, style inspiration and other ideas to try. Anyone can do that by downloading the whale report app on a.
And, as you might imagine, juneau is also a thrilling place to embark on a whalewatching trip. Individual gray whale use of coastal waters off northwest washington during the feeding season 19842011. These whales are particularly acrobatic, so you might see them splashing about on the surface of the ocean in addition to coming up for air. With just a few weeks left in the prime whalewatching season, here are a few of the top orange county whale watching tours. The association has worked with scientists, noaa and industry leaders to assist in writing the whale watching guidelines and best practices. Gray whale watching near seattle, washington island adventures. It is hard to say whether the morning is better or the afternoon is better, because usually if we have whales in the area we will see them on both trips. All rights go to warner chappell and sony atv publishing. Due to coast guard regulations, guests weighing more than 250 pounds may not be accommodated on this boat.
The best time to go whale watching is during the winter months of december through february and in the spring months of march through may. I was on the last tour of the season 15th of october, we had a lot of rain but the tour still was amazing. See orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales and all the majestic wildlife in the salish sea on our tour departing from edmonds just minutes north of downtown seattle. Investing, trading and retirement etrade financial. While its possible to see whales near the waters surrounding vashon island and seattle, the northern islands that surround puget sound are most commonly counted among the best spots to watch for whales. Flights leave seattle in the morning and return in the early evening, and vary slightly depending on the time of the year. Gray whale off utsalady point on a calm and sunny day. The orcas were spotted breaching, spyhopping, slapping their tails and just generally milling about all over, all day long. Things to know from all of us and the hanke family, welcome to puget sound express. Id prefer to see orcas and i heard they might be around that area in april. Nov 27, 2018 this west seattle beach is a popular spot for seals and their pups, leading to the presence of biggs or transient orcas. According to dana wharf, one of the most popular whale watching tour companies in orange county, this has been a record season for spotting whales with more than 549 sightings of gray whales alone.
Choosing the best departure location to go whale watching can be tricky if you are not familiar with travel logistics in washington state. The greatest whale watching value in the state just 30 minutes from seattle. It looks like the way to start narrowing down whale watching trips is to decide on the departure point. Seattle whale watching deals in seattle, wa groupon. Following is some helpful information that will get you here and oriented before boarding the boat and heading out. It was an amazing experience and we saw up to 30 orcas at a time. It wouldnt be the first time transient orca whales have killed a minke in this area.