Pacific Northwest Orca Whale Tour

Your 7-day adventure aboard the Safari Quest awaits! Today you will meet your guide and others whose adventures in travel have brought them to the Pacific Northwest to explore the San Juan Islands in search of orcas.

You will find that this small, comfortable yacht, which carries a maximum of 22 guests, is perfect for maneuvering among the islands. For some extra exploring along the way, it comes complete with kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, and hiking poles! There’s an underwater camera to see the marine life beneath the surface and even an onboard hot tub. The cabins have all the welcoming comforts, and the food is incredible and locally sourced when available.

You’ll begin your cruise along the city’s shoreline and settle in for the night in a secluded cove.

The wilderness of the Salish Sea surrounds you as you begin to keep watch for the local inhabitants, such as the orcas you seek. Take a guided kayak journey or walk along the intertidal zone. If tides permit, you’ll also be sailing through the swift and changeable current, whirlpools, and waves of Deception Pass!

You’re now entering the rocky shores of Lopez Island, home to curious harbor seals – which also means it’s orca territory. Keep watch on deck or by kayak for whales, seals, and sea lions as you cruise through these uniquely beautiful islands. You will anchor near San Juan Island to explore the waters and coves by skiff or kayak.

Enjoy today exploring from your basecamp at Orcas Island. Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Mt. Constitution, the highest peak in the San Juan Islands, and have fun getting to know Moran State Park. You can also do more exploring for marine life by skiff, kayak, or paddleboard if you wish or check out the historic village of Eastsound. Enjoy this lovely scenic area on land and sea — and watch for orcas!

Continue your orca quest as you enter the picturesque rocky shore of Sucia Island, an incredible Washington state marine park. Kayak its pristine emerald waters and hidden coves and hike its lush forests. And even though you’re looking for orcas, imagine that 80 million years ago, dinosaurs walked where you are stepping. Just a few years ago, the femur bone of a theropod dinosaur (a group of meat-eating dinosaurs that included T. rex) was discovered and excavated by paleontologists.

Today you continue your exploration of the marine world around the islands and search for orcas. Watch for eagles, seabirds, and seals. You can also choose to hike or do some beachcombing or kayak or paddleboard or whatever you wish. The choice today is between you and the Captain!

Cruise today to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Olympic National Park. You’ll be surrounded by incredible views and diverse ecosystems ranging from dramatic peaks to old-growth forests. Mountains, coastal regions, and forests combine to create a spectacular wilderness park for you to explore.

Tonight you’ll have a farewell dinner that includes a slideshow of your journey this week. Share the beauty of the orcas you encountered as you learned the challenges they face for survival and actions that you can take to help them.

This morning you cruise back into Seattle. Treasure the memories and all that you’ve learned along the way on your quest for orcas, returning home caring even more for the earth and all the creatures who share the planet with us.