On vacation visiting Orcas Island we decided to go whale watching.
As the middle of October is considered the end of the whale watching season we were lucky to find that Orcas Island Eclipse Charters could take us out. It's a 3 Hour trip and was raining and cold but the boat has an inclosed cabin with heat that seats about 40 people at booth style tables. Captain Dan and his lovely wife Denise made everyone welcome from the start.
They are very knowledgeable about the San Juan Islands, the History, Sea Life, and especially finding whales. Captain Dan has many years experience whale watching and has a good instinct as to where to find interesting wildlife and is in constant communication with a network of boats that are out that day and reporting sightings of whale behavior.
He would cue us in as to when we should start going outside so as to save us from the wind and rain. We saw four whales that day, a mother with her pup, and two adult wales.
Also saw some stellar sea lions and some harbor seals, a bald eagle.
Denise is really special as she saw to take care of all of us by offering everything from seasick bracelets, gloves, binoculars, coffee, tea , hot chocolate and helping dry our wet coats and hats so we would be ready to go out and do it again.
Denise also has a unique perspective as a docent with the Pelos Island Historic Lighthouse and was able to give us an insight to the unique history of the islands.
Over all it was a very wonderful day spent with a very warm and knowledgeable Captain and Mate team. If you go, bring layers of clothing including some waterproof especially if it is raining. Also, bring lunch and you can get some at the grocery store by the ferry landing.