Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in San Juan Islands, San Juan Islands

April 28, 2022 Leida Jutras

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. Moran State Park

3572 Olga Rd, Olga, Orcas Island, WA 98279-8556 +1 800-452-5687 http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Moran
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
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5.0 based on 582 reviews

Moran State Park

Reviewed By debsimmonds

Thus is an awesome park with great hiking options. Some trails have beautiful views of the San Juan Islands others take you through old growth forests next to streams,lakes and waterfalls. Really beautiful. Plenty of deer on the island in including an unusual pure white buck we saw on the Little Summit hike.

2. San Juan Excursions

Excellent
94%
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4%
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5.0 based on 778 reviews

San Juan Excursions

Our Guarantee: See whales or your next trip is free! Fun and educational whale watch/wildlife cruises you'll never forget! April through September from Friday Harbor in the "sunny San Juan Islands" aboard the spacious, comfortable and stable 65 foot vessel "Odyssey." Locally owned and operated with local naturalist guides. 10% AAA, military, teacher and other discounts.

3. Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

Excellent
94%
Good
5%
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5.0 based on 574 reviews

Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

The Most Loved Cetaceans of the World, Friday Harbor WA 'An Intimate and Personal Experience with your captain and the whales' 6 Passenger Limit! Observing whales in the 'WILD' in their 'Natural Environment' is one of our greatest passions and after touring with us we know it will be one of yours too. Your captain is a retired captain with 38 years experience sailing mostly oceans in Pacific and Atlantic. He is a certified Naturalist and loves to share personal stories about the whales you will be seeing.

4. Crystal Seas Kayaking - Day Tours

Excellent
96%
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5.0 based on 738 reviews

Crystal Seas Kayaking - Day Tours

Premiere Active Vacations in the San Juan Islands Since 1993 Crystal Seas Kayaking specializes in guided 3 hour, full day, sunset and multi-day kayaking and multi-sport trips in Washington's sunny San Juan Islands - mid March through mid October. The perfect adventure for singles, couples, groups, and families - no experience is necessary. We are locally owned and operated by second generation islanders on San Juan Island and proudly support local businesses, organizations, schools and small farms. Besides the incredible scenery and wildlife, our guides are a huge part of why you will love your trip. The majority of our staff are locals who majored in science or recreation and all of them have an infectious love and knowledge of the outdoors. They are all naturalists who are CPR and First Aid certified and many are also Wilderness First Responders.

5. San Juan Outfitters

Excellent
93%
Good
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3%
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5.0 based on 290 reviews

San Juan Outfitters

The San Juan Islands are considered one the best places in the world to observe Orca (Killer) Whales and other wildlife. We specialize in providing high quality whale watching, kayaking, and adventure tours for groups, families, and independent travelers. San Juan Outfitters believes that getting people out in the natural environment is the first step in developing an appreciation for the natural world. We believe people have an innate drive to be outdoors, and we enjoy the opportunity make it happen. We hope that what comes out of that appreciation are steps taken to curb individual impact and decrease one's footprint on the environment. Decreasing our individual foot-print, and preserving our natural world is our long term goal. We're starting by setting an example here on San Juan Island. Learn more about our goals to decrease our footprint by checking out our carbon neutral goals, and our view on responsible capitalism.

6. Discovery Sea Kayaks

Excellent
94%
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5.0 based on 574 reviews

Discovery Sea Kayaks

In the heart of downtown Friday Harbor, we offer a range of San Juan Islands Kayak Tours and Bike Rentals. Kayak Tours range from a half day outing to multiple days out camping on the outer islands. Our signature Full Day, Half Day and Sunset Kayak Tours travel routes best to encounter whales and marine wildlife. Our multi-day kayak tours range from 2 to 5 days with the 3-day kayak tour being our most popular. We provide all the equipment and cook every meal with fresh locally sourced foods. We are proud to employ a small group of professional guidesthat are extremely skilled kayakers and trained naturalist. Safety, Education, and Adventure are ensured with our amazing team of guides. We operate some of the smallest groups sizes to ensure each kayak tour provides a personal experience. Our downtown location is the perfect starting point for exploring the island by bike. We have the largest electric bike rental fleet on island and quality traditional bikes as well.

7. Sucia Island State Park

Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Sucia%20Island
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
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5.0 based on 78 reviews

Sucia Island State Park

Reviewed By gregorybL4462JE - Eastsound, United States

Hard to get to, but worth the trip. Fossil beds (leave them in place), tranquil camping. Superb views. Salish Sea at tis best.

8. San Juan Kayak Expeditions

Excellent
93%
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5.0 based on 330 reviews

San Juan Kayak Expeditions

Established in 1980 San Juan Kayak Expeditions is chosen by the discerning traveler. They offers authentic small group sea kayak trips and tours ranging from 3 hour tours to 5 day expeditions and customized sea kayak rentals. Sea kayak with orca whales, porpoise, sea lions, harbor seals, otters, bald eagles and more! We specialize in personalized customer service, quality gear and fun, knowledgeable guides leading small groups. Our trips attract active adults (families, friends, couples and singles) of all ages who love adventure. Join us on one of our daily 3, 4 or 6 hour trips or for a multi-day kayaking camping expedition. For those experienced in the outdoors we offer a comprehensive kayak rental service. They also will arrange custom tours for wedding parties, reunions, outdoor clubs, schools and scout troops.

9. Shark Reef Sanctuary

Shark Reef Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261 http://www.thesanjuans.com/lopez-island-places/lopez-parks-forests/shark-reef-sanctuary.shtml
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
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5.0 based on 109 reviews

Shark Reef Sanctuary

Reviewed By jbk51691

Still trying to figure out why this is named Shark Reef Sanctuary? A definite must visit. Hike down to the water and then continue to the left on the trail till it is in front of the large rock island. There were lots of seals swimming around when we arrived and then they all decided to take naps along the rocks on the island. I counted almost 50 seals!! When hiking from the parking area dont stop right when the trail ends at the water. i saw many do this and they missed the big attraction. Continue on the trail to the left otherwise why bother.

10. Buck Bay Shellfish Farm

77 Ej Young Rd, Olga, Orcas Island, WA 98279-9343 +1 360-376-5280 http://buckbayshellfishfarm.com/contact-us.html
Excellent
82%
Good
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5.0 based on 133 reviews

Buck Bay Shellfish Farm

Reviewed By Y8905VKbeckyw

It had been several years since we'd been to Buck Bay Farm, and boy, had it grown! No longer a single room and counter, there are now essentially three rooms/barns to serve you: a restaurant/bar area, a barn where you can select your own clams, oysters, etc, and the original shed with the shellfish market portion. Staff are doing a terrific job of keeping things clean and trying to ensure social distancing, quite a feat when you consider the crowds they're serving. If you stop, be sure to try their halibut ceviche (so amazing, we had to return a second day to have it), fish & chips (salmon--hubby said it was amazing), or pick up fresh shellfish for dinner. The crab we picked up--though certainly a bit tedious to clean--was well worth the effort! We'll certainly return on our next trip.

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