Top Things to do in San Juan Islands
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Top 8 Tours in San Juan Islands, San Juan Islands
Start your Pacific Northwest vacation in style, with a seaplane or ferry ride to the San Juan Islands from Seattle. It’s the ultimate way to take in the beauty of this region that Mother Nature has so abundantly blessed. You have a choice of three alluring islands – Lopez, the most rural, a mix of rolling farmland and beaches; Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands and replete with verdant mountains and placid lakes; and San Juan Island, where vibrant Friday Harbor welcomes ferry and seaplane guests and offers an array of charming accommodations and gourmet eateries.
Whether it’s whale-watching and sea kayaking, touring an art gallery or browsing a local farmers’ market, the San Juan Islands offer pleasing diversions for every age and interest. For the best chance to view orca whales and other sea life, plan your trip between April and September – a number of tour operators are available throughout the islands. Rev up your energy level with biking tours through rolling meadows and farmland, go birding on San Juan Island, hike the region’s modest mountains – offering outstanding vistas from the top – or go charter fishing for the day. Other favorites include hiking to Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island, taking a scenic flight over the area, attending an outdoor summer concert in the park and horseback riding.
Restaurants in San Juan Islands
1. Outdoor Rock Climbing Beginner or Intermediate at Mt Erie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Never gone rock climbing outdoors or indoors, then this is for you! Learn the basics and after this adventurous course, you will be able to pass any gym’s belayer test. Mankind's underdeveloped climbing skills and inability to digest tin cans are two ways in which evolution left humans inferior to goats. Level the playing field, learn climbing basics, such as rope skills and belaying, during an introductory climbing course. Washington's terrain makes the state a climber's paradise and the perfect place for a rock climbing hobby and there is no better time to start than the present. We have three locations in Washington State for you to choose from, Mt. Erie in Anacortes, Little Si or Mt. Washington near Seattle, or the crags near Bellingham. There is something here for everyone, routes can be as easy as climbing a playground or for those who want to push their limits we have something in mind for you too.
Inclusions: Environmental Management Tax, Local taxes, Professional guide
Exclusions: Entrance fees, some places we climb at might require a Washington State Park car parking pass called a discover pass, $10 for the day, Transportation to/from attractions, Gratuities (recommended for local guides)
Reviewed By 100hails
Breathtaking views and deception pass was gorgeous too, Our guide (Isaac) was was amazing. He patiently answered all our many questions, and even serenaded us with some amazing bird calls. He graced us with his witty jokes and was kind enough to get a picture with us so we can cherish these memories forever. We will definitely have to come back sometime for an autograph! XOXO
2. Private Three-hour day sailing tour in the San Juan Islands, from Orcas Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Let's go sailing on a classic wooden sailboat from the 1940's. Lots of room in the cockpit. Sailing is easy here in the summer. Good place to learn to sail. Beautiful little islands and channels, and interesting wildlife. Boat is steady but fast.
Inclusions: sailing instruction, not a certified class
Exclusions: Gratuities, bring whatever you want to eat and drink
Reviewed By SusanE934
The captain was very friendly and gave us all a turn at the helm. Saw seals and eagles and lots of beautiful scenery. The boat is a classic (old) wooden boat. There were four of us, so a private charter worked well.
3. 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
We are the only kayak tour company that is currently able to lead trips to Burrows Island. You will be exploring unique shorelines that few visitors to the islands are able to experience. Save time, and save money! The experience does not require the hassles of taking a ferry to San Juan Island. Anacortes, located on Fidalgo Island has two bridges connecting us to the mainland. Because you are able to drive directly to us your time on the water is maximized. Many tour companies on other islands include a lengthy shuttle ride as a part of their trip thereby reducing the actual time spent kayaking and encountering wildlife. Single kayaks are available for participants for an additional $25pp. Must be 18 years or older. (Must be requested in advance and is subject to availability.) Professionally trained guides will see to the details and ensure your comfort.
Inclusions: Includes all sea kayaking equipment, life jackets, and safety gear., All Fees and Taxes, Professionally trained guide
Exclusions: Please bring enough water to keep you comfortable., Snacks, Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen), Personal clothing for the weather. (We do have some loaner jackets and sweaters), $25pp for additional participants
Reviewed By aileenr2014
It was a great experience to kayak with Anacortes Kayak Tours. Jake our guide was professional and made the trip enjoyable. We will definitely, consider the 3 hr tour next summer.
4. Small-Group Orcas Island Historic Yachting Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Welcome Aboard the High Seas! We are currently offering two departures daily (12:00 PM & 3:00 PM). This is a 2-hour cruise. Guests will relax in comfort and safety aboard a beautifully restored 1935 John Alden motor yacht once owned by Hollywood royalty. Our cruise will last approximately two hours from departure to return. Along our route we will pass Orcas Island, Shaw Island, Crane Island and Pole Pass. Throughout the cruise the Captain will be explaining the tales and lore behind many of these unique and culturally historic areas. You are welcome to sit back, relax and marvel in the majestic tranquility of the San Juan waterways. This is very unique way to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest Islands. A truly memorable experience, and with any luck we may spot orcas, humpbacks, minkes and occasionally even gray whales. So, bring your camera and enjoy your trip! This is a shared cruise and guest seating is limited to 6 passengers total.
Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Restroom on board
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
5. Whale Watching from Friday Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 531 reviews
The best orca whale watching is from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, just an easy day trip adventure from downtown Seattle. The San Juan Islands are considered the "jewel" of the Pacific Northwest, located in the Puget Sound.
Inclusions: Whale Watching Cruise, Local taxes
Exclusions: Transport to/from Friday Harbor from Seattle, Gratuities, Port Fee (USD1.00 per person)
Reviewed By 635allanw
We took the Kestrel Zodiac tour on September 9 and it was excellent. Both our naturalist (Erick) and our captain (Brian) were very knowledgeable and informative. It was a beautiful day out on the water, with a long trip down through Deception Pass to the Salish Sea. We observed a pod of 5 or 6 Transient Orcas hunt, play and lazily move north. We also were able to see Stellar Sea Lions and Harbor Seals as we made our way back north to Friday Harbor. Erick and Brian were knowledgeable, courteous, friendly and generally lots of fun to be with that day. I would HIGHLY recommend San Juan Safaris and our crew. We'll be back ourselves next time we're in Seattle!
6. Anacortes Whale Watching
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 310 reviews
No ferry required! Small group whale watching tours on the some of the fastest boats in the region with GUARANTEED WHALES. See whales with us or come again for FREE.
Inclusions: Professional guide, High Speed Vessels, 3-4 hour tour, 8.3% Washington State sales tax and applicable fees.
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Onthego1950
We had a wonderful tour seeing a pod of transient Orcas, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, and other wildlife. Our Co-captains did a nice job providing lots of good information, especially with regard to the Orcas. I like the way all the boats respected the whales keeping a respectable distance, but one that allows for good viewing.
7. San Juan Islands Seaplane Tour from Lake Washington
The San Juan Islands Scenic tour is a 2 hour flight departing Lake Washington from two locations: • Carillon Point Marina in Kirkland • Wiley Post base in Renton This tour showcases the Seattle area, Puget Sound, Straits of Juan De Fuca, and the many Islands of the San Juan chain presented by Seattle’s premier float-plane charter flight and scenic tour company. Locally owned and operated, we are dedicated to providing unsurpassed aerial views of the Emerald City and panoramic Northwest vistas. Your pilot will give a personal narration and all the clients are issued noise canceling aviation headsets. The sensational experience of taking off and landing on the water combined with the amazing views of Seattle, the Pacific Northwest wilderness, and Puget Sound come together to create the memory of a lifetime.
Inclusions: Noise cancelling headsets, Pilot narration, Small group tour
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By hennyontherocksc
The pilot was very friendly and professional and seemed very knowledgeable about the areas around Seattle. He shared pertinent information with me in regards to the aircraft and I would highly recommend.
8. The Orcas Project Wine Tasting
Our hosts! Cole: A native of Orcas Island. Cole brings Sommelier experience having worked at restaurants including RN74 Seattle and Michael Mina at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas. Clarissa: A longtime resident of Orcas, she and her husband own a farm in Olga. She loves cooking and preserving. She has worked in distribution and was the wine buyer at Roses Bakery in Eastsound. Regan: A man of many talents he is the owner of several Island businesses. Regan grew up spending summers working on the island. He has also managed at Quinns in Seattle and was the Food and Beverage Director for Rosario Resort. Shea: Also an Orcas Island native he grew up and graduated high school in the same class as Cole. After 18 years in SoCal he moved his family back to Orcas in 2019. Shea is an active realtor and golfer.O
Inclusions: Wine Flight, Cheese Board
Exclusions:
Reviewed By BriannaPNW
I can't visit Orcas Island without stopping here and picking out a new favorite bottle of something. The staff/owners are lovely, knowledgeable, and approachable, whether you want their finest $12 bottle or their funkiest, price-is-no-object, never-heard-of-this-grape-before varietal. This is the wine store I judge all other wine stores by (and they have a great beer selection too!).
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