Welcome to our FAQ page! Scroll down the page and find the most frequently asked question about the whales, cruises, wildlife and the islands. We hope that you find this information useful. However, if your questions are not answered here: call, email or fax us! We will do our best to accommodate you.
Q: When is the whale
watching season?
A: May - September
is best, although our three resident pods (groups of whales) are
in the area (300 mile radius) year round.
Q: How do you know
where the whales are?
A: We are presently
involved with a whale spotting network that informs us throughout
the day of the whales locations.
Q: What is the best
time of the day to see orca whales?
A: The orcas, like
most wild animals, do not have set schedules. The orca whales
usually follow the salmon. They also take brief sleeping breaks,
display social, playful, mating and feeding behaviors.
Q: What time do the
whales come by?
A: They come by
when they feel like it.
Q: Will I get seasick?
A: Friday Harbor
is approximately 60 miles from the open ocean. Therefore, our
waters are nice and calm during the summer months.
Q: What else is there to see on the trip besides whales?
A: We frequently
see harbor seals, bald eagles, Dall's porpoises & minke whales.
There is also a wonderful variety of sea birds for our avid bird
watchers.
Q: How do I get to the island?
A: Take I-5 North
from Seattle/Everett or I-5 South from Bellingham or Vancouver,
British Columbia. Take exit 230 (Anacortes).
Go West on Highway 20 for 20 miles through Anacortes. Follow the
signs to the San Juan Islands Ferry.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Reservations are strongly advised!
VISA & MC accepted for confirmation of reservation.
Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to departure date.
Cancellations of less than 48 hours are subject to a 50% charge. No-shows are charged 100% of the fare.
Any reservation may be changed to a different
time or date, based on space availability.
Q: Are the islands
completely surrounded by water?
A:An island is a
land mass completely surrounded by a body of water.
Q: Can you drive
from island to island?
A: No. Although
you can access San Juan, Lopez, Orcas and Shaw islands via the
Washington State Ferry systems.
Photo courtesy of Naturalist Corrine Barnett
Whale
photos on this page by Chris Huss, Seattle, Washington