Choosing a Whale Watching Tour Company in Washington
January 3rd, 2010 by Bill Carli, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
The San Juan Islands, a group of over 170 islands located in the Pacific Northwest off the northwest coast of Washington state, are home to many whale watching expeditions. A pod of almost 100 Orca whales make their home, year-round, in the area and are reported to be as interested in the whale watchers as the tourists are in them. With so many companies claiming to be the best whale watching tour in the San Juan Islands, it is difficult to figure out which company will provide the best experience. The helpful tips below will help when choosing a whale watching trip in the San Juan Islands.
San Juan Island and Orca Island, two of the four main islands within the San Juan Island Refuge, are the major ports for whale watching tour companies. There is plenty of lodging for tourists on both islands to make getting to the docks easier and hassle-free. By staying on the island that the tour departs from getting to and from the boat will be the least memorable part of the day.
The Orca whales who make their home in the San Juan Islands Refuge are most visible from early spring through early fall. Most whale watching tour companies offer expeditions from April through September, however, some offer tours beginning in late March and last until November. Although off-peak opportunities to whale watch are limited, they are available with some investigation into the companies available. Time of day that the excursions are run and the duration of each whale watching trip can usually be found on a company’s Website.
Choosing a whale watching trip in the San Juan Islands should also take into consideration the size of the boat being used. Smaller boats tend to take less passengers per tour which gives each person aboard ample opportunity to see and experience the Orca and Killer whales up close. Larger boats are typically more crowded and offer a less personal experience. Whale watching from a small boat vs. a larger boat will give passengers the ability to go out farther in the ocean to see the whales. Smaller boats are also able to navigate among the many small islands that make up the San Juan Islands Refuge. Captains of the smaller vessels are often very knowledgeable about the other wildlife and fauna that are in the area and are able to share this information with the intimate number of passengers aboard.
Each family or couple has certain non-negotiable things that they want to experience during their whale watching trip in the San Juan Islands. By doing some homework and asking for the opinions of local Bed & Breakfast or hotel owners, making the decision about which whale watching tour company to book an expedition with will be made easier. A whale watching trip can the be adventure of lifetime, so be sure to enjoy the chosen tour and take plenty of pictures.
For more information about whale watching in the San Juan Islands, the Pacific Northwest’s premier whale watching destination, visit Carli Whale Watch.
