Seattle whale watching san juan safaris san juan island. Manage your card online with a my orca login add value online, at ticket vending machines or at participating retailers register to protect your card balance. Considered one of seattles best day tours, the whale plane package includes round trip air on a kenmore air seaplane from downtown lake union, seattle to friday harbor for a san juan safaris whale watching and wildlife tour by boat. Frequently asked questions seattle orca whale watching. This symbol is intended to promote orca awareness and to encourage protection of the natural marine habitat. Two recent orca deaths spur extinction fears seattle, wa just over 10 years ago, there were nearly 100 resident orcas in the waters off of washington. Also known as killer whales, orcas are playful, intelligent and social animals. Staff onboard were really knowledgeable and the backdrop of the mountains in washington state was just spectacular. Southern resident orca whale recovery governor jay inslee. This week, washington state ferries will be the first to. You can download the app both on apple and android phones. The hope is that the app will eventually be adopted by the port of seattle and u.
Help washington state ferries track whales in puget sound with. Our everett gray whale trips have been running for over a. Orcas or killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales, dalls porpoise, harbor porpoise, nesting bald eagles, stellers sea lions, harbor seals, river otters, and an incredible bounty of birds are just some of the fascinating wildlife that we have an opportunity to observe in our beautiful region. Scan the card rack on any washington state ferry and youll find whale watch operators brochures featuring breaching orcas with promises of seeing the whales or your next trip is free.
Puget sound was an orcas playground this weekend with dozens of killer whales observed. Our 4 hour port townsend whale watching tour is the perfect trip for visitors and travelers with a busy schedule. San juan island 90 miles north of seattle is the best place for orca whale watching as we are located in the heart of salish sea. The association has worked with scientists, noaa and industry leaders to assist in writing the whale watching guidelines and best practices. Whale watching san juan islands western prince whale watching. Killer orca whale watching seattle to san juan islands. United airlines negligent for inflight sexual assault tacoma faces two legal. Adventure whale watching in the san juan islands western. An endangered female orca leaps from the water while breaching in puget sound west of seattle. On july 27, 1965, the worlds first captive orca whale arrives in elliott bay for display at the private seattle marine aquarium on pier 56. San juan excursions whale watching seattle seattle washington.
The massive whale had become entangled in fishing nets in namu bay, british columbia, on june 25, and was later purchased by aquarium owner ted griffin and towed to seattle in a floating pen. Its difficult to imagine a washington without orcas or salmon. Our interactive map showcases all of our 2019 whale sightings. Daylong whale watching tours from seattle, around whidbey island, to the iconic san juan islands. The whale museums mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the salish sea ecosystem through. Puget sound express familyrun whale watching tours. Puget sounds southern resident orcas became the focus of international attention in the summer of 2018, when their plummeting numbers and critical situation culminated in the death of a newborn calf whose mother grieved over the body for an unprecedented 17 days and 1,000 miles. As of november 2018, j pod consisted of 23 orca whales. Enjoy an orca whale aka killer whales nature tour on orcas islands all weather family style boat and renew your spirit with nature. Contact seattle orca whale watching we are located at 950 westlake ave n, seattle, wa 98109 phone.
Please refer to our map page or our killer whale watching info page to see. Sw looking for more spots on the shore that are good for whale watching. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. Whidbey island gray whale tours marchapril seattle whale watching tours maydecember port townsend 4hour whale watching tour mayoctober port townsend san juan island whale watching tour mayseptember. Spend a day with orcas, humpback, minke whales and more as you cruise through the waters of the salish sea aboard five stars sleek, 40passenger vessel on a victoria whale watching adventure. Nov 21, 2014 the orca whale s large size and strength make it among the fastest marine mammals, able to reach speeds in excess of 30 knots about 34 mph, or 56 kph. Read on to find out how you can help, and come visit us at the puget sound orcas. To whale watch, we all must make sacrifices crosscut. Washington designated the orca whale orcinus orca as the official state marine mammal in 2005 due to the research and persuasion of secondgraders from crescent harbor elementary school in oak harbor, washington. Washington ferries use new app to help struggling orca population.
Id like to go to seattle for several reasons but my main reason would be to whale watch. Southern resident killer whales were listed as endangered in 2005, and noaa. Premier orca whale watching from anacortes in the san juan islands, wa. Seattle a local nonprofit is hosting a series of public meetings about their proposed orca sanctuary in several different cities over the next few days. The public can download the whalereport app and report sightings. Whale watchers spot an orca at lime kiln state park. Orca whale watching seattle, wa by san juan safarisseattle. A tribe has a radical plan to feed them an orca surfaces off san juan island, washington.
San juan excursions whale watching seattle seattle. Best time to whale watch in seattle seattle forum tripadvisor. Puget sound whale watchers accused of loving endangered. Orca and kayaker encounter caught on drone video youtube. Whale watching tours and wildlife cruises with san juan excursions from friday harbor on san juan island in washington state 2018 certificate of excellence winner san juan excursions gives 5% or more of its profits to conservation efforts and charitable organizations. Orcas island eclipse charters 8368 orcas rd eastsound, wa.
The wa state ferry bound form san juan island departs from anacortes, wa. Southern resident orca recovery learn more, get involved. My husband an i were in the seattle area on our year long travel adventure around the usa. San juan excursions whale watching tours and wildlife cruises. Best whale watching locations in washington state island.
A ferry employee captured video of at least six orcas swimming past the 6. Our everett gray whale trips have been running for over a decade. Killer whales, also called orcas, are among puget sounds most distinctive and charismatic inhabitants. Does anyone know if this is a good time to whale watch. Namu died july 9, 1966 was the third orca killer whale ever captured.
Washington state ferry crews are now adding reports to a new app, and. We also partner with kenmore air to fly guests directly from seattle lake union to friday harbor for our whale watch and wildlife tour. These species are part of the cultural identity, fishing economy and tourism industry of our region. The best place in the world to see orca aka killer whales, and more. Washington is blessed with ridiculous natural beauty that is pretty easy to access. Orca whale watch trip from seattle seattle forum tripadvisor. We are proud members of the pacific whale watch association formerly known as whale watch operators association northwest. I am interested in doing a one day whale watch trip while visiting seattle in june 2010. The killer whale or orca orcinus orca is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. Gray whale watching near seattle, washington island adventures.
Puget sound orca pod gains a new member high country. The seattle marine aquarium originally known as the seattle public aquarium was a privately owned aquarium that was opened in 1962 and closed in 1977, and was located on pier 56 on the elliott bay waterfront in seattle, washington, usa. Island adventures saw whales on all 265 of 268 tours from anacortes in 2019. San juan island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from midapril to october. See orcas, humpback whales, minkes, and all the majestic wildlife in the san juan islands departing just 15 minutes north of downtown seattle. This pod is well known for j2granny who died in 2016, but was thought to be around 106 years old, making her the oldest known southern resident killer whale. J1ruffles died in 2010 at the age of 59, and was thought to be the oldest male within the southern resident killer whale community. This special limited season focuses on gray whales that migrate along the west coast, stopping to feed in local waters on their way back to alaska. Seattle new technology could help ships and ferries navigate around whales in washington, reducing the chances of a deadly ship strike. The organizations ur gent attention is on the population of critically endangered southern resident killer whales srkws. Orca whales range through the san juan islands the most between march and october and you can expect to see them on the vast majority of our tours during that time, although we do have sightings throughout the year.
One of the many spots on washington s whale trail, this beach along highway 101 looks out at the uninhabited destruction island and is a good place to spot orcas. Seattle whale watching guide 2019 clipper vacations. Whatever tour you choose, youll have the chance to see orcas, minke whales, harbor seals, dalls and harbor porpoise, bald eagles, ospreys, cormorants, great. When free willy ii was filmed in the san juan islands, one of our local whale watch operators played the coastal marine patrol and took the cast and crew out for a whale watch tour to see orca whales in their natural habitat. Is the victoria clipper the only trip that leaves from seattle. Everett is the best departure in the spring its only 30 miles from seattle and the whales are often right off of the dock. Orcas island eclipse charters whale and wildlife tours. The killer whales known to live in the salish sea, which includes puget sound, appear to have left the area to find more fish. Mammaleating orca whales biggs or transient orcas best time to view.
No other species, and not all orca communities, show lifetime association of mothers with. This west seattle beach is a popular spot for seals and their pups, leading to the presence of biggs or transient orcas. Killer whales beached while hunting for seals prince rupert adventure tours duration. Several orcas were spotted in puget sound early wednesday. Adopt one of the southern resident community killer whales and the proceeds will support orca education and research. Orcas were given the name killer whale by ancient sailors observations of groups of orcas hunting and preying on larger whale species. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. With their distinctive black and white patterning and huge dorsal fins, a pod of orcas powering through the waves is one of the most impressive sights in the natural world.
He was the first healthy orca to be displayed in an aquarium exhibit and was the first to perform with a human together in the water. Lots of other wildlife like bald eagles, harbor porpoises, sea lions, etc. For the best whale watching in seattle, enjoy the beauty of san juan island on a whale watching cruise from friday harbor, a quaint town on the island. Everett whale watching deals in everett, wa groupon. Photo by hobey grote thanks to kersti muul for the tip transient killer whales are in the area, southbound off fay bainbridge state park at last report. San juan island is the center of whale watching in the pacific northwest and therefore friday harbor on san juan island is the best location for departing on a whale watch tour in washington state.
Kitsap orca watch february 10 on saturday, february 8, a couple of pods of biggstransient orcas identified as t36, t36bs, and t99s came through port orchard channel and up into liberty bay thrilling locals and visitors alike out enjoying the sun breaks this weekend. Thousands of boaters share waters with killer whales in the puget sound area many with the hope. Want an amazing whale watching experience, but dont have all day to spend on the water. Hostile waters namu was ted griffins greatest prize, a live killer whale, put on display at seattle s waterfront. A young southern resident killer whale chases a chinook salmon in the salish sea near san juan island, washington, in september 2017. Whale watching tour companies seattle forum tripadvisor. Resident orcas appetite likely reason for decline of big chinook. Vessels are one of the main threats to the critically endangered southern resident orcas, both. May 09, 2009 a day of whale watching in the san juan islands 90 miles north of seattle on our new zodiac style boat, the western explorer. Sep 09, 2016 new zealand photographer sam kynmancole captured drone footage of a playful orca whale interacting with a kayaker in army bay, new zealand. Orca lift cards can be renewed online and are available in person at select locations across the region. Killer whales dont kill people and are in fact the largest member of the dolphin family. Get up close with the orca whales off the san juan islands near seattle on this 4hour whale watching cruise. This whale was seen from the ferry between bainbridge and bremerton, at the corner that turns towards seattle, washington.
Earlier this summer a juvenile humpback whale was struck by a ferry in seattles. They occupy an important niche at the top of the food web and support a multimillion dollar whalewatching industry. The greatest whale watching value in the state just 30 minutes from seattle. My dates are flexible but i would prefer to go in april. We have a trained naturalist on board and are waiting to share the adventure with you. A southern resident orca whale swims in puget sound in view of mount. What to know today about covid19 in the seattle area, washington state and the nation. Sail through breathtaking deception pass, and travel through the protected waters of the salish sea, while trained naturalists educate passengers about the remarkable ecosystem and its wildlife with a focus on whale and sealife conservation. The orca s journey from wild to captive would spark a worldwide sensation. You can purchase or refill orca cards via the mail, at many grocery stores and ticket vending machines in the area, by phone at 8889886722, or online. The san juan islands, located 140 km north of seattle in the heart of salish sea, is the most famous place for orca whale watching.
Proposed orcaprotection zone off san juan island would ban most motorized vessels. See orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales and all the majestic wildlife in the salish sea on our tour departing from edmonds just minutes north of downtown seattle. Orcas island eclipse charters 8368 orcas rd eastsound wa 98245. Western prince whale watching is located in scenic friday harbor on san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle, washington. Killer whales near puget sound, washington youtube. A unique population of orcas lives in and around the salish sea, which includes. Tourists scanning the horizon on a whale watching cruise in washington states san juan islands. We booked through a groupon we bought, and were so excited. Family activity center at the seattle aquarium to learn more. You can reach us by washington state ferry from anacortes or by air with friday harbor seaplanes from seattle.
Try whale watching from the shore at alki beach in west seattle, just a short drive or water taxi trip away from downtown. San juan excursions gives 5% or more of its profits to conservation efforts and charitable organizations. Local seattle insurance agent, orca insurance, orca agency, provides personal and commercial insurance products for auto, home, renters, business and more. Fantastic trip wasnt just about the orcas although they were brilliant. They called orcas asesina ballenas, or whale killer a term that was eventually flipped around to the easier killer whale. Sarah anne lloyd how to see whales in the san juan islands. He was the subject of much media attention, including a starring role in a movie, that changed some peoples attitudes toward orcas. Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with seattles only halfday, guaranteed whale watching tour. Biggs orcas differ from the resident orca pods that follow the salmon chum runs, as they eat mammals. Both male and female offspring remain with their mothers their entire lives.
Captive orca whale namu arrives in seattle on july 27. With 3 generations of family dedication and experience, we guarantee youll see whales or your next trip is free. Sea quest kayak trip being examined by a spyhopping killer whale near seattle, wa. Anyone can do that by downloading the whale report app on a. Whale watching in seattle orca whale watching and gray. Rare white orca among dozens of whales spotted in puget.
Orca whales usually pass through the islands in greatest numbers between midmay and midoctober when the salmon runs are strongest, although its possible to spot them through the rest of the year. Transient orcas seen feeding on gray whale south of whidbey island. The seattle aquarium and our partners are working to help protect these amazing creatures. Seattle kayaking trips seattle kayak tours to see whales. Prior to ordering may monthly passes, please consider ordering epurse value instead. Namu the orca sparked whale fever in 1965 seattle and a local band planned to cash in. Orcas, or killer whales, are the icons of washington state and british columbia, and the population known as the southern residents is endangered because of a combination of factors including. The killer whales circled for quite some time and eventually, the groups witnessed a. San juan island is considered the best place to view orca whales because of the large salmon population, which is their primary food source.
San juan islands, washington state ccb, uw, years surveyed. We also offer the orca whale adoption program through the whale museum. The beach is a popular spot for seals and their pups to rest, making it a draw for orcas as well. Seattle to san juan island day trip with whale watching often seen during the spring in the salish sea, mammaleating orcas hunt other marine animals. Whales in the three pods who have been named are available for adoption through our orca adoption program. Port townsend 4hour whale watching tour puget sound express. Read more about our commitment to responsible ecotourism here. Seattle whale watching deals in seattle, wa groupon. After about an hour on the ocean we saw a ton of whales. This area is often called the orca whale sanctuary as most hunting and playing takes place here. Nearly all killer whale sightings in the seattle region occur in just one small area along the rugged western edge of the san juan islands.
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