This was our first trip to Washington so I asked our inn-keeper on Orcas Island to recommend a whale watching guide. Without hesitation she said to call Beau with Outer Island Expeditions. We couldn't have been happier with our experience.
When booking our trip, I discussed several options with Beau and decided that the whale watching / crabbing / dinner trip would be the best for our family of four.
Our day started right on time and the boat was clean, comfortable and ready to go. Beau went over a few safety rules for the kids (ages 10 and 7) and cold drinks were offered. Then we were off on our adventure.
On our way toward the whales, Beau and the kids threw prepared crab pots overboard. My children loved it. They got to put their names on the buoys and throw those over too. Beau was incredibly patient and kind with them the entire trip.
Very soon into our trip we encountered the orca whales, which had been located earlier in the day about 6 miles from Orcas Island. Beau informed us it was a pod of transient whales, not one of the resident pods. The whales put on a nice show, gracefully appearing for several seconds at a time. Beau did a great job of getting us a clear view of the whales. We brought our own binoculars, but I noticed a few sets in the boat too. Also in the cabin were Washington wildlife guides and photo sheets of the resident orcas. Beau's immense knowledge of the San Juan Islands and the area's wildlife is a real added value.
As I looked at all the other crowded whale watching boats in the area, I was so happy to not be squished on a big tour boat with blasting speakers or on an open speed boat wearing a protective jump suit (we saw several of those). Our experience was so much more personal and unique. I also noticed that we stayed with the whales longer than the large tour operators.
Our trip continued with pulling up the crab pots. This was probably my kids' favorite part. Beau let them hook the buoys and pull the pots out of the deep water. We caught several Dungeness and red rock crabs.
On the way to Sucia Island for dinner, we stopped by a tiny island nature preserve to see harbor seals and lots of birds. When we docked at Sucia Island State Park our dinner site was completely set up under a canopy. The setting was beautiful. We had a little time to explore the island while Beau cooked an amazing dinner which included the crab we just caught. The trip was timed perfectly so we were eating while the sun was setting over a beautiful little harbor. Several friendly folks at the park asked us about our special set up and how we found Outer Island Expeditions. We were more than happy to tell them all about our day.
I knew our trip was a success when about halfway through the day my husband started saying, "When we come back next year..." I highly recommend Outer Island Expeditions. It was worth every penny for the incredible day my family and I will never forget.