What to do and see in San Juan Islands, San Juan Islands: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

July 29, 2021 Almeta Stockton

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
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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. Shearwater Kayak Tours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 544 reviews

Shearwater Kayak Tours

Explore the San Juan Islands by kayak with Shearwater! Guided tours in stable, 2-person kayaks. Seals, bald eagles, otters, & porpoise are common wildlife sightings. Morning, afternoon, & evening 3-hr tours; or pack a lunch and join a Paddle & Picnic trip. Custom group tours can be tailored to your needs. Special tours include: spring wildflowers moonlight, and bioluminescent kayaking. Call now for info and reservations!

3. San Juan Adventures

Excellent
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

San Juan Adventures

I'm Corey and I have a passion for setting pots at the bottom of the sea bed and catching Shrimp and Crab. I want to share the experience from start to finish of catch Shrimp and Crab. With my unique charter you are guaranteed dinner! Heck, we will even cook it for you ! I grew up on the water of the san Juan Islands and want to share my passion with everyone that comes on board .

4. Deer Harbor Charters

Excellent
91%
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5.0 based on 305 reviews

Deer Harbor Charters

Join us for a fun and exciting tour today! Our mission at Deer Harbor Charters is to educate and inform our guests about the current changes in our marine ecosystem, while maintaining respectful and responsible behavior around our local wildlife. We are proud to work with our local researchers to ensure our footprint remains as small as possible. Locally family owned business founded in 1988, we are in our third decade of providing high quality, responsible Whale & Wildlife tours and we are excited to show our guests our amazing "backyard"! We operating Whale & Wildlife Tours, Day Sailing, Sunset Cruises and more from three departure locations on Orcas Island, WA - Deer Harbor Marina, Rosario Resort & Orcas Ferry Landing. We are the first established Wildlife Tours company on Orcas Island, and we are very proud to offer entertaining & responsible marine tours for guests, our friends and neighbors for the last 32 years. We look forward to seeing you soon!

5. Western Prince Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

Excellent
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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).

6. Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

Excellent
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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.

7. Orcas Island Eclipse Charters

Excellent
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5.0 based on 230 reviews

Orcas Island Eclipse Charters

We depart from Orcas Island for Whale Watching and Light House tours. Come out on our family friendly vessels and see orca whales, humpback whales, gray whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, bald eagles and much more! We serve small or large groups as well as host weddings and parties. We pride ourselves, on our well maintained vessel and our educational environmental awareness program. Shuttles directly from ferry landing are available upon request.

8. San Juan Excursions

Excellent
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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.

9. San Juan Safaris

Excellent
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5.0 based on 628 reviews

San Juan Safaris

The waters surrounding San Juan Island are the #1 place in North America to see wild orca whales. San Juan Safaris, located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, is in the perfect location to provide you with the thrill of seeing orcas in their natural habitat. For over 20 years, San Juan Safaris has been offering the highest quality whale watching tours with a focus on our guests’ experiences and respectful wildlife viewing. Experience orcas, seals, sea lions, eagles, and more from the comfort of our safe, fast, and US Coast Guard approved vessels. With four vessels and multiple daily departure times, there’s sure to be a tour that’s right for you. Our seasoned Captains will keep you safe while aboard our vessels and position the boat in prime locations for whale and wildlife viewing. All of our tours are staffed by seasoned Captains and passionate Marine Naturalists who will teach you about the wildlife, ecology, and geology of the Salish Sea. We encourage you to ask questions and love to share stories about orcas and the local area. Choose from two vessel tours: M/V Sea Lion: The Sea Lion is our flagship vessel, built specifically for whale watching & wildlife viewing. 55 feet, comfortable, stable, great for passengers of all ages and mobility levels. Restroom on board, 360* viewing deck, heated inside cabin. Great for families and groups. M/V Kestrel: The Kestrel is our new high-speed adventure vessel-- perfect for anyone looking for an exciting excursion! Fast, safe, and comfortable. 360* viewing deck, all-weather exposure suits keep you warm and dry, plus on board marine bathroom. Fun and fast! This tour is great for passengers 8 years and older. Our brand new Whale Watch Headquarters is located just feet from the ferry terminal in Friday Harbor, and steps from local restaurants and shops. Stop by and say “hello” to learn more about our tours and the best spots on San Juan Island to explore. Visit our retail and gift shop for the latest in northwest guide style. Don’t forget to stop by our new Ridetide Café for coffee, sandwiches, desserts, and more!

10. San Juan Outfitters

Excellent
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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.

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