Photo Blog
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
ACTIVITIES
Biking
Birding
Boating
Cruises and Tours
Fishing
Sea Kayaking
--Mainland Outfitters
Whale Watching
--Local Charters
--Mainland Charters
--Related Links
Kayaking Travel Articles
Anacortes to Orcas Island
Hope Island - Saxon Island
Indian Island
San Juan Island to Stuart Island
Surf Kayaking at
Crescent Bay
Washington State Ferry Service
Schedules
Route Map
Weather
The Main Island
Lopez Island
Orcas Island
San Juan Island
Shaw Island
Also see . . .
Guemes Island
Fidalgo Island and Anacortes
Whidbey Island
Washington Travel Regions and Maps
Map
Cascade Mountains
Map
Northeast
Map
Northwest
Map
Olympic Peninsula
Map
Puget Sound
Map
San Juan Islands
Map
South Central
Map
Southeast
Map
Southwest
San Juan Islands
Crystal
Seas KayakingKayak the west-side of San Juan Island. See orcas, seals, eagles and more. Naturalist guides. 16th season. Owner operated. 877-SEAS-877 |
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Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours Owner Operated, Guided by Local Naturalists. Small, Intimate, Quality Tours. Fast, Stable Boat. 4% profits to conservation. 800-757-6722 |
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Anacortes Sea Kayaking Kayaking Eastern San Juan Islands and Deception Pass with No Ferry hassles! 800-992-1801 |
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Scenic San Juan Islands
More than 170 islands comprise the San Juan archipelago, which lies
off mainland
Washington at the juncture of the straits of Georgia and Juan de
Fuca, and is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by the
Olympic Peninsula and
Vancouver Island. (There are reputedly an additional 300 rocky
"islands" at low tide.)
The San Juan Islands once were part of a mountain range connecting Washington State to Vancouver Island. Eighty-three islands are protected as part of the San Juan Wildlife Refuge, home to seabirds, seals and sea lions. About 90 Orca whales are year round residents of the area and are often seen from shore and from charter whale watching boats and kayaking outfitters.
San Juan Islands, Full of Life
The four islands served by the Washington State Ferry System - Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw - are the usual destinations for, weekend getaways and extended stay vacations for relaxation and such activities as whale watching, kayaking, bicycling and gentle sightseeing. To reach any of the other islands, about 40 of which are inhabited, you will need to arrange your own transportation via private water craft, private ferries or seaplanes.
On the main islands, the farming and fishing communities have been joined by "urban refugees" including many artists, perhaps drawn by the natural beauty and solitude of these islands. During summer months, the main islands are popular destinations for weekend getaways and vacations and therefore receive as many visitors as the islands can accommodate. So, be sure to book your stay in advance.
Click on a link below to learn more about the San Juan Islands and their offerings. Also, see our pages for Lopez Island, Orcas Island or San Juan Island for information specific to those islands.
San Juan Islands Directory
Visitor Information
Various information sources such as local newspapers, convention and
tourism bureaus and web guides providing additional information about
the San Juan Islands.
Transportation
How to reach the San Juan Islands and how to
get around amongst them when you are there.
Accommodations
What you can expect to find in the way of bed and breakfasts; cabins;
hotels, motels, inns, lodges and resorts; campgrounds; and RV Parks.
Activities
Ideas and resources for things to do including bicycling, birding,
cruises, hiking, kayaking, tours and whale watching.
Attractions
Special places of interests like scenic views; state parks; historical
sites; unique farms and gardens; plus where to go to enjoy art
galleries, museums and the performing arts.
Web Cams
ORCACAM
Live, fully controllable view of the west side of San Juan Island from
the Center for Whale Research.
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Orca sightings 90% of the time, Heated cabins, padded outdoor seating, Certified Naturalist Guides.
360-378-6636 or 800-80-Whale |
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Call 800-647-4621
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Go Northwest! Bookstore
Best selection of books on the Northwest.
Click here!
Moon
San Juan Islands: Including Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. by Don
Pitcher. Experience the San Juan Islands, from sea kayaking off Orcas Island to
whale-watching near Victoria along with many other activities. Also includes
information on dining, transportation and lodging.
Order now...
San
Juan Islands Impressions. by Steve Gurche. May 2006, Paperback, 80 pages.
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The
Essential San Juan Islands Guide by Marge Mueller and Ted Mueller. Twenty
maps help you locate sites, and the Lodging at a Glance table saves you time and
clarifies your overnight options. Information about how to get there and what to
do once you arrive are categorized by island, and include icons.
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Frommer's
Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands by Chris McBeath.
Insider tips from local expert authors including detailed maps, exact prices,
directions, opening hours, and reviews of hotels and restaurants, plus sights,
shopping, and nightlife, itineraries, walking tours, and trip-planning ideas.
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