Itinerary
The San Juan Islands lie like a scattering of green emeralds against the sapphire waters of an inland sea. In the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the archipelago is protected from heavy Pacific weather, enjoying 250 sunny days a year. One of the earth’s most aesthetic marine environments, the islands teem with wildlife.
Orcas and Steller sea lions cavort in the saltwater reaches, myriad seabirds nest on rockbound shores, and black-tailed deer browse pastures of tall grass and wildflowers. Our immersion into island life happens at a peaceful rhythm, as we encounter nature on foot and at sea.
Day 1: Bellingham, Washington
Arrive in Bellingham and transfer to the elegant Chrysalis Inn & Spa. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2: Cypress Island / Orcas Island
This morning we board our private catamaran and set sail for the San Juan Islands. Several hundred islands and reefs compose this archipelago in the sheltered waters that divide Washington from British Columbia. We watch for whales, orcas, harbor porpoises and seals as we cruise to Cypress Island.
One of the wildest of the San Juans, Cypress is recognized as a place of exceptional ecological importance; more than 90 percent of the island has been designated as a conservation reserve. Ashore, we hike through deep stands of old-growth timber that provide critical habitat for wildlife. We continue by boat to Orcas Island, largest and highest of the San Juans, where we overnight in the bayfront village of Eastsound.
Day 3: Moran State Park / Mount Constitution
Moran State Park is the natural heart of Orcas Island, and we spend the day exploring its waterfalls, mountain lakes and dense forests where deer abound. At the core of the park is the highest point in the San Juans, Mount Constitution. On a clear day the summit offers 360-degree views of the islands, glacier-capped Mount Baker and the skyline of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Day 4: Obstruction Pass / Orca Watching / Roche Harbor
This morning, during a visit to the salmon hatchery, we learn about local efforts to protect and restore wild salmon, a keystone to this area’s economy, culture and ecology. A peaceful morning hike reveals old-growth Douglas firs and a panorama of adjacent islands at Obstruction Pass State Park.
After lunch, we board our private boat for an orca watching and wildlife cruise in hopes of spotting seals, orcas, bald eagles and great blue herons. Disembark this evening at the village of Roche Harbor, on the northwest side of neighboring San Juan Island. We’ll spend the next two nights at the classic Roche Harbor Resort and Marina, once a favorite retreat of President Theodore Roosevelt. Tonight we visit the lively port of Friday Harbor and dine together at one of the local seaside restaurants.
Day 5: San Juan Island
San Juan Island is replete with wildlife, bucolic vistas and historic sites from the colonial era in which Spain, Britain and the U.S. vied for control of the archipelago in the early 1800s. We spend the day exploring the island’s parks, trails and heritage, including a stop at Lime Kiln Point State Park, where observers frequently see orcas at close range as they cruise through Haro Strait. Often called “killer whales” for their voracious preying, orcas are actually not whales at all, but the world’s largest species of dolphin.
This afternoon, we’ll have one more chance to take a closer look, exploring the waters surrounding San Juan Island from the deck of our private boat. Three pods live here year-round, feeding on Chinook salmon runs during the summer. We may also spot minke whales, Dall's porpoise and harbour seals.
Day 6: San Juan Island / Bellingham
An optional guided sea-kayak excursion is available this morning, providing an excellent opportunity to view wildlife in virtual silence from the most intimate of vantage points (beginners welcome). After lunch overlooking the water in Friday Harbor we make our way back to the mainland. A scenic drive up the coast delivers us back to Bellingham, where we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the city’s finest restaurants.
Day 7: Bellingham / Home
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for departing flights.
Dates and Costs
Trip Duration
7 Days
2012 Dates
Jun 8 - 14
Jun 15 - 21
Jun 22 - 28
2013 Dates
Jun 14 - 20
Jun 21 - 27
Jun 28 - Jul 4
2012 Fees
$3,895
Single Supp.: $995
Deposit: $500
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are given in US Dollars. 2013 dates and fees may change slightly.
Extra Information
Location of Adventure
San Juan Islands, Washington
Group Size Limit
Approximately 11 travellers
A very important feature of our San Juans safari is the limited group size as nature expeditions are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travellers.
Included
Accommodations,
meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, bottled water,
services of NHA Expedition Leader and local guides,
most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day,
all permits and entrance fees, all taxes.
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip,
alcoholic beverages,
some gratuities, passport and visa fees,
optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes, optional travel insurance.
Physical Requirements
Easy to Moderate/Flexible
We will take short- to medium-length walks over uneven terrain with some elevation gain. We will have the option to sea kayak, and we will be in boats on the open sea.
All activities and excursions are optional.
Important Information
This unique adventure is designed to allow our guests to experience the splendors of the Pacific northwest coastal environs in an up close and personal manner. From remote trails and small boats we will immerse ourselves in this historic and visually captivating region, engaging in wildlife encounters rarely found anywhere else in the world.
This adventure involves several small boat trips, some in protected waters and some on the open sea. For groups of 3 travelers or fewer, some activities will be altered: we will depart Bellingham by public ferry on Day 2, we will not stop on Cypress Island, the whale watch and wildlife cruise on Day 4 will not be private, and we will make our way from Orcas Island to San Juan Island by public ferry.
Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive in Bellingham, Washington, on Day 1 of the program in time for a 6pm orientation followed by an informal welcome dinner. You are free to depart Bellingham anytime on the final day.
