Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

2 Day Itinerary

Scenic Flight/Whale Watch Cruise/Sea Kayak   (No Car Required)

Day One

Board your Kenmore Air Seaplane in Seattle on Lake Union and then get ready for one of the most beautiful flights in the world.  During your flight you will see gorgeous views of the Olympic Peninsula and Cascade Mountain Range.  Soon you will fly over evergreen islands dotting the sparkling waters of the northern Puget Sound. In Friday Harbor, you can jump onto the shuttle provided by the Best Western Friday Harbor Suites.  The Best Western is within walking distance to all of the shops in downtown Friday Harbor. Today you can spend the afternoon aboard the Western Prince or Odyssey on a whale watching tour.  Watch bald eagles catching their prey, sea lions basking in the sun and listen to gentle breaths as orca whales surface the water.

Day Two

Today you can walk downtown to the ferry landing where Crystal Seas Kayaking will have a courtesy shuttle waiting to take you to the west-side of San Juan Island for a kayaking tour. Your naturalist guide will give you a lesson in kayaking and then your group will head out on the water.  Look for seals, otters, eagles, orcas and porpoises as you paddle past pebbled coves and a picturesque light house.  After the tour ends, you will be back to Friday Harbor.  Once you have bought your souvenirs, you can take another scenic Kenmore Air Seaplane back to Seattle.

3 Day Itinerary (Car Recommended)

San Juan Island - Washington’s Natural Wonder

Day One

Drive onto the ferry as part of Washington's Scenic Byway route to Friday Harbor.  Once you are here, check in with your innkeepers at the Tucker House Inn, then you can relax or go stroll the Farmers Market to buy some local organic food to take with you as you drive around the island; finding fields of lavender at the Lavendar Farm and paths of long grass leading to the cliffs at American Camp and South Beach.  Enjoy the warmth of the sun (San Juan Island enjoys many more days of sun than rain each year) and a good book as you unwind island style!  Once you return to Friday Harbor, visit one of our amazing restaurants in downtown Friday Harbor or soak in the hot tub at the Tucker House Inn.

Day Two

Your innkeepers will make you a wonderful breakfast this morning and then send you off on your adventure with San Juan Safaris. Your captain will take you on a guided whale watch cruise through the San Juan Islands.  While cruising the islands look around for wildlife as you listen to your naturalists talk about the ecosystem and the lifecycle of the orca whales. Tonight you can dine at the Coho Restaurant where the chefs bring in fresh fruits and vegetables grown in their gardens to make your savory dinner. 

Day Three

Today you will see the west-side of the island, up close and personal with Crystal Seas Kayaking.  Your guides will lead you along the rocky coastline through kelp beds as they share stories and information about what the Native Americans called the Salish Sea. Watch for bald eagles and harbor porpoise passing quietly by or listen for the breathing sounds of the majestic orca whale. After you finish kayaking, you can return to Friday Harbor to take the ferry back to Anacortes.

4 Day Itinerary (Car Recommended)

Active at Heart

Day One

Bring your car over to Friday Harbor on the Washington State Ferry (one of the worlds best ferry rides) and then drive to the Harrison House Suites just a short distance from the ferry landing.  Once you are checked in, relax at the inn or walk around downtown Friday Harbor visiting local shops, eateries, art galleries or museums.  Everything is in walking distance to the inn.  Tonight you can enjoy a delicious seafood dinner overlooking the harbor at Downriggers.

Day Two

Wake up to an unforgettable breakfast and then walk from the Harrison House to San Juan Excursions where you can enjoy a comfortable and exciting wildlife cruise on the classic motor yacht 'Odyssey'.  Sit inside their warm cabins with large viewing windows or enjoy the fresh salty air outside on the bow, lower or upper deck.  Today we hope to see orca whales, porpoise, a wide spectrum of sea birds, seals, and sea lions.  The naturalist guides will talk about the wildlife that you see and answer any questions you have.  This evening you can enjoy at one of Friday Harbors best Italian Restaurants, Vinny's.  

Day Three

Rent bicycles from Island Bicycles or pick up a moped from Susie's Mopeds and then tour the island on wheels.  Head south towards American Camp where you can hike the grassy fields into quiet coves. Spend the evening dining on Northwest cuisine at The Backdoor Kitchen, The Place, or Coho Restaurant.

Day Four

This morning your guides will pick you up at the ferry in a free shuttle to take you on a 3-hour or day kayaking tour with Crystal Seas Kayaking. Paddle the west-side of San Juan Island searching for wildlife.  Watch for whales, seals and bald eagles as you improve your kayaking skills along this beautiful coastline. After the tour is over, you can head back to the ferry landing to catch the ferry back to the mainland.