Top San Juan Islands Nature and Wildlife Tours

Get up close with the orca whales off the San Juan Islands near Seattle on this half-day whale-watching cruise. San Juan Island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from mid-April to October. It’s also considered one of the best places to view orca whales.

Get up close with the killer whales of Anacortes, the home port to the San Juan Islands, on this whale-watching cruise led by naturalist guides. Climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback, and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters—plus a wide variety of birds and more.

There are very few places in the world where you can experience the stars in the sky and illuminated water around you at the same time. Our trip starts off with a beautiful sunset paddle in Griffin Bay off of San Juan Island where we kayak among harbor seals, roosting birds, and other wildlife. Then as the night progresses, the environment around us becomes even more serene as the bioluminescent sea life comes to life. This is one of those experiences that you will truly remember forever. Please contact Outdoor Odysseys directly to complete your waivers prior to the tour. The last ferry leaves Friday Harbor at 9:50pm and our June, July, and August tours end later.

We are the only on island company offering natural history hiking tours. We also provide natural history interpretation of the local flora, fauna, and geology. Our Mission: To provide an experience rooted in nature, community, and culture that is fun, interactive, and informative. And to do so with a positive and minimal impact on the environment and communities in which we operate. 1% of all profits are given to environmental causes supporting the San Juan Islands.

Get up close with the killer whales off Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands near Seattle, on this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Eastsound. Led by naturalist guides and captains, climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters — plus a wide variety of birds and more. Sightings are guaranteed from April through early September.

This is the perfect tour for anyone looking to get out on the water for a few hours on their San Juan Island vacation. With pick-up and drop-off in downtown Friday Harbor, this family and beginner-friendly three hour tour gets you kayaking among pelagic wildlife in the shadow of Mt. Baker. After picking you up at the Friday Harbor waterfront, we'll take a short drive over to Jackson's Beach, coach you through basic paddling and safety techniques and get you out on the serene waters and tidal zone of Griffin Bay as to circumnavigate Dinner Island with views of the Olympic Mountains cresting above Cattle Pass. With morning and afternoon departure times, we think this tour is a great way to dabble in some kayaking, have some laughs, enjoy nature, and make memories with your travel companions.

Spend a picturesque six hours in and around the water on this kayaking tour, with a friendly guide to help you navigate the water and prepare your lunch on the beach. You’ll float through a wildlife habitat that’s home to the likes of seals, porpoises, and orcas. But don’t forget to look up for a chance at spotting some eagles too.

The rescue dog lounge in Bellingham offers a unique space for dog lovers to connect with adoptable pups. Visitors can spend quality time with furry friends, enjoying a relaxing atmosphere while helping rescue dogs find their forever homes. Each visit contributes to the well-being of these animals, making it a meaningful experience for all. Whether seeking companionship or just a joyful outing, the lounge welcomes everyone to come and pet the dogs, fostering real bonds between humans and their potential new best friends.

Discover the stunning coastal environment of Griffin Bay and Jakle's Lagoon before ascending the rewarding trail to Mt. Finlayson. The hike weaves through lush coastal forests and along a temperate marine lagoon, offering spectacular views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding grasslands. From the summit, experience panoramic vistas of the Salish Sea and the majestic Olympic Mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including marine mammals, shorebirds, and red fox, making this hike a comprehensive experience of San Juan Island's natural beauty.

This full day adventure includes about 4-5 hours of kayaking, high speed powerboat transport to and from the island, exploration on the beaches and a lunch break. We take a power boat to Sucia Island where we spend the day exploring the many coves and rocky shores of this spectacular state park. After a brief kayaking safety orientation, you and your guide will hop in your kayaks for a 4 to 5 hour paddle which includes a lunch stop (Lunch is not provided) and short hike at a remote beach. As we paddle around the island we stop by prime wildlife viewing locations and explore some of Sucia’s natural history. After the adventure of a lifetime we return to Orcas by power boat. One can encounter bald eagles, osprey, harlequin ducks, river otters, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise and even the occasional orca whale!

We're offering professional guiding to help parents or guardians get kids out on the water for possibly the first time in a kayak. As part of this tour the family will travel to an offshore island for an exciting hike, a lunch that we'll prepare and some time on the beach in addition to the kayaking that we'll be doing.