San Juan Island is the seasonal home to three pods of orca whales, and whale watching is among the island's most popular activities. Peak season is from May-September, but that shouldn't stop you from visiting during the off-peak months. If you do, you'll see more eagles, stellar sea lions, porpoises and other kinds of wildlife.

Choose whale and wildlife cruises by boat size. The adventurous are best served by one of San Juan Island's small operators, while mid-sized boats offer the most flexible schedules. Large boats are best for small children and people unaccustomed to the water. Friday's Historic Inn and ELEMENTS San Juan Island hotel & spa can add wildlife tours to your room reservation.

Small Boats

• North Shore Charters offers the opportunity for you to create a custom adventure on the water, visiting outer islands, fishing, going to Victoria BC or shuttling between the San Juan Islands various ports on your own schedule.
• Maya's Westside Whale Watch Charters offers an intimate wildlife experience in the newest and fastest whale watch boat in the San Juan Islands.  The Peregrine is a 2007 Glacier Bay catamaran, the standard for boats for her size, with tremendous safety, stability and a very smooth ride in all seas. The Peregine's two 150 hp eco-friendly Yamaha engines provide a dependable, quiet, warm and dry ride. She has exceptional visibility for all passengers, while her great speed gives her a wider range than other boats, so passengers get to see more wildlife. And she has a full head (bathroom)!