orca whale watching by seattle

Wow, what a day. Our sun was back in full force today and the rough waters that we have been braving in the Strait of Juan de Fuca have given way to a lovely calm. The Orcas are still off on a whirlwind tour of the open ocean, but that did not stop us from seeing whales. Capt. Nancy, Jeanette and...Read more

Today was a great trip for all those bird lovers. We saw bald eagles in the trees, on the rocks, flying, and in their nests. On Spieden Island, just north of San Juan Island, we saw the M ouflon sheep and non indiginous deer. On the backside or north side of Spied in the Cactus Islands we saw bald...Read more

Savoring the last day of Memorial Day weekend, Capt. Craig, Tristen, and I departed Friday Harbor aboard the MV Sea Lion with a boat full of guests, excited to see orcas. Yesterday was a new moon and today we had tide fluctuation of 12 feet (a -3.22 low) so we pushed on through choppy Cattle Pass,...Read more

Here is the outstanding Elliott Bay Pipe Band performing in Friday Harbor on Memorial Day 2009. They were the prelude to another great parade and holiday on San Juan Island. From all of us here at San Juan Safaris we will... See You In The Islands! ~Tristen, Naturalist Orca Whales and Wildlife Are...Read more

J-pod off the West side of San Juan Island near Lime Kiln State Park. J-pod was fairly spread out but great to watch. We took a trip past the North side of Spieden Island and the Cactus Islands. The North side of Spieden is very different from the south side. There is more shade, less evaporation...Read more

A couple photographs from today: Ashley, Naturalist San Juan Island near Seattle: Home to the Southern Resident Killer WhalesRead more

Although summer doesn't technically start until the Summer Solstice on June 21st, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning to summer. It sure does feel like summer has reached Friday Harbor! Town was bustling today, people in tank tops, t-shirts, and shorts wandered the streets and the Farmer's...Read more

What a day for whale watching. Today was one of those days that we dream about here at San Juan Safaris. The waters were calm and the sun warmed our faces as we watched individuals from J and K Pods swim along the southern and western sides of the island. Our group of guests joined Capt. Pete,...Read more