What to do and see in San Juan Island, Washington (WA): The Best Nature & Wildlife Tours

May 16, 2022 Lean Nau

An island vacation on San Juan Island in…Washington? San Juan might not be a tropical retreat, but this scenic scape proudly features beaches, orca pods and one of the country’s largest lavender farms. Lime Kiln Point State Park is the perfect place for whale watching, while Pelindaba Lavender Farm will set you up with a lifetime supply of the fragrant purple plant. The bustling Friday Harbor is a jackpot of restaurants and shops, plus unique attractions like the 19-acre sculpture garden at Westcott Bay Reserve.
Restaurants in San Juan Island

1. Western Prince Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

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5.0 based on 1,111 reviews

Western Prince Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

Just 90 miles north of Seattle, Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington. Owner Operated, Experienced Local Naturalist Guides, Small Groups, Two Great Boats. Choose from the fast and comfortable 46' Western Prince II (limited to 32 passengers or less, with seating for 41) or, for the more adventurous, the Expedition Style 40' Western Explorer II (limited to 25 passengers or less).

2. Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

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5.0 based on 1,490 reviews

Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching provides small group whale watching & wildlife tours from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, the best location to experience Orca whales in the wild. We also offer private charter whale watch & wildlife tours for small groups and larger parties. Recreational, engaging and informative, we offer memorable experiences with a passionate crew , custom-built whale watching boats, and small groups of passengers. We offer two convenient departure locations on San Juan Island. Our whale watching & wildlife tours depart year-round from downtown Friday Harbor, next to the ferry landing, and Snug Harbor Resort, on the west side of San Juan Island.

3. Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

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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 Kayak Expeditions

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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.

6. All Aboard Sailing

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5.0 based on 195 reviews

All Aboard Sailing

Of things to do in Friday Harbor All Aboard Sailing offers a unique experience - to charter a traditional wood boat and day sail with whales. Daily close to nature encounters can include watching and listening to the sounds of Orcas, Humpback whales, Minke whales, Sealions, Seals, Eagles and Diving Seabirds. We sail the coastline of the islands exploring the forested shoreline and narrow passes. S/V Peniel is a beautifully restored 1956 42' pilot house sloop of yellow cedar on steam bent oak. Very spacious we sail with up to 6 passengers plus Captain David Howitt and his wife naturalist and photographer Barbara Howitt. Take the helm or sit back on the bean bag chairs on the foredeck. Barbecued steelhead salmon and veggies for supper. Please visit our web site and check our Blog posts to learn more about our sails. To book we answer emails almost always on the same day and enjoy communicating with our guests.

7. Pacific Catalyst

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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Pacific Catalyst

Unique small ship cruises in the sheltered inside passage of SE Alaska, British Columbia, and the San Juan Islands of Washington as well as the Sea of Cortez, Baja California aboard the historic wooden vessels M/V Catalyst & M/V Westward. A larger cruise ship alternative...a smaller, more intimate, cruising experience.

8. Sea Quest Expeditions

Excellent
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4.5 based on 712 reviews

Sea Quest Expeditions

Join our biologist guides in the premiere orca whale waters! Our specialty is finding killer whales while kayaking. Our routes are carefully designed to maximize your chances for an amazing encounter! You may also see sea lions, porpoises, otters, eagles and much more. Our 40 years of working as biologists and educators in the San Juan Islands makes us the top experts! Stable, safe and fun for all ages! Sea Quest accommodates everyone from beginners to experts and custom tours to fit your needs. Families will appreciate our family tours – age 5 & up – with 3-person kayaks to seat kids between two adults. Sea Quest provides professional leadership, small group size, and a perfect safety record after 30+ years. Day-trips explore spectacular locations like Lime Kiln Whale Watch Park. Our 2, 3 & 5-day camping trips navigate to the remote outer islands. We were chosen for National Geographic's “10 Best Trips in the World for 2011” and USA Today's “World's Top 10 Adventure Bargains.”

9. San Juan Islands Tourism Bureau

Excellent
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

San Juan Islands Tourism Bureau

Welcome to the official travel site for the San Juan Islands in Washington State. Join us for world-class wildlife watching, local food, and stunning sunsets.

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