San Juan Islands

As one of the most beloved holiday destination for northwestern Americans, the reputation of the San Juan Islands precedes them. The archipelago consists of 172 islands, four of which are inhabited, serviced and ferry-served: Orcas Island, San Juan Island, Lopez Island and Shaw Island.
Without a doubt the most popular and impressive activity in the area is killer whale watching: dozens of specimens appear every summer between late May and October off the coasts of the Orcas Island, San Juan Island and Lopez Island as part of their –still widely misunderstood– migration patterns, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. And that’s not to mention the presence of other fascinating animals like seals, porpoises, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, and numerous seabirds! The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor should also be a mandatory stop for water mammal aficionados.
Another top thing to do on the San Juan Islands is sea kayaking. What better way to experience Washington’s stunning coastal scenery and wildlife than from sea-level perspective? Explore the fascinating waters of San Juan Islands in search of water-dwelling creatures and secret coves – why not even opt for a gourmet kayaking adventure! San Juan Islands also offer spectacular biking, hiking, agrotourism, boating, golfing and fishing opportunities, as well as world-class shops and spas.

Practical Info

The San Juan Islands are located in Salish Sea across Bellingham in Washington State and Victoria Island in Canada. They can be reached in various ways: by ferry from Anacortes in mainland Washington State, by plane from Seattle, by transfer from SeaTac to a regional flight over Puget Sound, by the Victoria Clipper from downtown Seattle or by seaplane from Lake Union.