The year-old baby orca burst out of the water, his sleek black and white body visible for a fraction of a second as he plunged back into the Salish Sea. His big brother, identified by the ship’s naturalist, ignored him, as they and their mother relaxed in the waters near the beach.
A collective gasp went up as other guests and I on the San Juan Cruises whale-watching lunch cruise watched them play.
Based in Bellingham, Washington, San Juan Cruises sails the Salish Sea from May to September in search of whales and wildlife. The company also offers dinner cruises and other excursions.
This trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Overall Impressions
Spotting orcas, or killer whales, proved to be the highlight of our 6-hour outing with San Juan Cruises. The naturalist taught kids and adults about the wildlife, the orcas and the kelp beds as we cruised.
The 100-foot vessel Victoria Star features plenty of indoor seating, some outdoor seating, large windows, a snack bar and modern restrooms. I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing on the whale watching lunch cruise. Guests successfully spot whales on most sailings, but if you don’t, the company discounts the next cruise by 50 percent.
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Whale watching cruises are best for:
- All ages (children under age 5 are free)
- Wildlife lovers
- Birdwatchers
Whale watching cruises are not suited for:
- Wheelchair users (the ship is not barrier-free)
- Children who are easily bored
The best time to go whale watching:
- Orcas: spring through fall, with more sightings in the summer
- Humpback whales: late summer and fall
- Grey whales: spring
SheBuysTravel Tip: Bring books, games and a camera to entertain yourself between wildlife sightings.
What Whales Can You See in the San Juan Islands?
Orcas are the charismatic stars of the show, but the San Juan Islands are home to several other species of whales and porpoises as well.
- Bigg’s transient killer whales or orcas
- Southern resident killer whales or orcas
- Gray whales
- Humpback whales
- Minke whales
- Dall’s porpoises
- Harbor porpoises
- Pacific white-sided dolphins
Other Wildlife You Might See:
While searching for whales, the tour captain also looks for other wildlife on cliffs, islets and areas rich with sealife, such as kelp beds.
Area Wildlife:
- Eagles
- Elephant seals
- Harbor seals
- Steller sea lions
- California sea lions
- Sea birds
- Otters
Best Activities Onboard
The main activity on board a whale-watching boat is watching the scenery float by. If any animals are spotted, the captain announces it over the loudspeaker. In the meantime, guests entertain themselves in various ways.
- Learn about the whales and wildlife from the naturalist
- Watch the islands float by
- Connect with other guests
- Read or play games
- Follow the boat’s path on the monitors
- Photograph whales and wildlife
Food and Drink On Board
The whale watching lunch cruise with San Juan Cruises includes a full lunch. On my excursion, lunch featured meat lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, Caesar salad, a bread roll and cookies. If you have special dietary needs, bring your own lunch. The lunch provided is not vegan or gluten-free.
The snack bar sells an assortment of chips and candy, as well as soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails. Self-serve cups of water are free.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Pack your own hearty and healthy snacks, especially if you prefer gluten-free or vegan food.
What to Wear & What to Bring
It’s always cooler on the water, and the boat creates its own breeze when it’s cruising in search of whales. To make the most of your whale watching adventure, here’s what to wear and bring:
- Windbreaker or raincoat
- Rainpants (they block the wind and rain)
- Layered clothing
- Non-slip shoes
- Binoculars
- Camera with zoom capability (the more zoom, the better)
- Sun protection
- Snacks
Places to Eat
Fuel up for the day at Old Town Cafe in downtown Bellingham. A local favorite, you’ll find ample portions in a cheerful atmosphere.
After the cruise, enjoy dinner with a view at Keenan’s at the Pier. Located inside the Chrysalis Inn in the Fairhaven neighborhood, the seafood restaurant serves Northwest cuisine and features a full bar.
The Black Cat cafe dishes up a smattering of everything, from pub grub to steak poivre and Alaskan sockeye salmon.
Where to Stay
Hotel Bellwether, one of the premier luxury hotels in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its outstanding hospitality and views of Bellingham Bay. Guests enjoy several restaurants, two spas and wellness services.
Located in the heart of downtown, Hotel Leo offers modern comfort in a historic hotel. Guests enjoy the hotel’s library, billiards table, movie theater and cocktail bar.
Springhill Suites by Marriott provides spacious, modern rooms with a colorful, eclectic vibe. The all-suites hotel includes a lobby bar and a hearty breakfast buffet.
What’s Nearby
Schooner Zodiac, a 100-year-old tall ship, shares the dock with San Juan Cruises. The historic ship offers day trips and overnight cruises.
The Fairhaven neighborhood boasts dozens of small, independently owned shops, including local favorite Village Books. For art of all kinds and handmade souvenirs, visit the Whatcom Art Market.
Join the locals and stroll the Taylor Boardwalk to watch the sunset over Bellingham Bay. Part of the South Bay Trail, the quarter-mile boardwalk connects Taylor Dock to Boulevard Park.
Getting There/When to Go
San Juan Cruises operates whale watching tours from May through September. Bellingham is 90 miles north of Seattle, Washington.
- By car: Interstate Highway 5 (I-5) runs through Bellingham. The cruise & ferry terminal is west of the highway. Follow signs for Amtrak and the cruise/ferry terminal. A paid parking lot is available at the terminal.
- By train: The Fairhaven Amtrak terminal is 0.2 miles from the San Juan Cruises dock.
- By plane: The nearest airport is Bellingham International Airport, located 10 miles from the cruise terminal.
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