We happened to be taking a quick trip to Seattle and realized that we were going to be there during prime Orca season. So since we hadn't really explored the San Juan Islands we decided it was the perfect time.
I chose San Juan Safaris, due to their "high speed" boat option. Less people and we would be able to cover more distance and I love being on the ocean so the wind in my hair was a bonus.
FIrst off, their customer service is top notch. I called prior to booking because I was concerned about which time I should book based off of the ferries leaving from Anacortes. They gave me the suggested to ferries to get on to make the different tour times. After booking , they called to answer any questions we may have about how to get their, the tour, etc. They also called again the day prior to confirm and once again answer any questions.
So our ferry was about 10 mins late. So we were cutting it bit close on getting there 45 mins before the start time but they are located a 3-4 min walk from the ferry and they assumed that we were likely on the ferry. They quickly accommodated us with all of the gear we needed. We were able to leave larger items on shore. It was quite a sunny day so we didn't need as many layers especially with the bibs and coats they provided. They quickly went over all of the rules of the boat and boarded us. It was first come first serve for seating but throughout the tour we all got up and moved around the boat.
As we left the harbor they went over all of the potential wildlife we would see and told us to call it out if we saw anything. We saw quite a few harbor porpoises as well as harbor seals on our way out.
It does get a bit chilly when you are cruising at high speeds. It is bumpy so maybe not for everyone but it was our cup of tea. You are lower to the water so you are right at the level of the whales.
The captain did tell us that there were Orca sightings earlier in the day but it was quite a ways so we would likely have to travel for a while. We lucked out and another family was spotted closer and we got to follow around this amazing family of Orcas for about 2 hours of our 3 hour tour. We actually were able to see them hunt. Yes there was blood. The captain did everything he could within the regulations to get us some of great views of them and to keep on track with them. They did a great job about educating us about the islands, and wildlife. They answered our questions and were truly very hospitable.
So obviously we were very lucky with the Orca sighting but it was a fun boat trip, with guides who truly love what they do as well as respect the wildlife around them.
Response from Host
Sep 2019
Hi kerryannika,
Thank you so much for your kind and very through review of your experience on your Adventure Whale Watch and Wildlife Tour. We are so happy that you had such an amazing experience with your naturalist and captain, and that you got to see hunting behavior from that family of killer whales! That is definitely not something that we see every day!
Come back and see us again soon!
Brian Goodremont and the crew at San Juan Safaris
Owner/Operator