Kayak to see Orcas: Logistics from Seattlle?
 

Hi,

From Seattle, what are the logistics for doing a kayak tour to see orcas off San Juan Islands? Is it do-able as a day trip or a multi-day trip is required? Thinking of goiing the first week of August -- require advanced booking? How expensive?

Other options? Orcas watching by boat? From where? Any other places to see orcas?

Sorry, I haven't done any research, and thought I want to see orcas the weekend after my business trip in Seattle.

Thanks for all suggestions and links!

BTW, is Orcas Island different from San Juan Island??

Sorry, for my total ignorance. It just dawned on me that perhaps I should stay the weekend to see the orcas. I need to book my Seattle ticket soon, so appreciate your help!

BTW, can you still see orcas in August?

The "San Juan Islands" are a group of islands, including: Orcas, Lopez Island, San Juan Island, Shaw Island, Lummi Island.

It takes at LEAST 3 hours to get there by car/ferry from Seattle so not really practical as a "day trip".

A quick Google search showed: Orca Whale Watching Season 2012: April 7 to October 13

Here's a link to a very informative web page that discusses how to get to San Juan Island / Friday Harbor. Great advice on how to deal with the ferry and all the alternative travel methods. I would also recommend this company for your tour: Sea Quest Kayak Tours - very knowledgeable guides and well-organized.

http://www.sea-quest-kayak.com/kayak...an-juan-island

Thanks, all, for the info. Is it possible to take the car on a ferry to Orcas Island and then San Juan and back to mainland?

You can take a car on the ferry to Orcas Island, and then catch the inter-island ferry to San Juan Island, and then back to the mainland (Anacortes is the ferry dock location). However, as others have pointed out, not a trip you'd want to do in a day.

I'm the Executive Director for the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, and I'm happy to help provide more detailed info. Here's a link to our basic "Getting to Orcas" page from our website: http://orcasislandchamber.com/getting-here

Let us know if we can help. Lance Evans