I have visited San Juan Island every summer for the past 5 years and each time have gone out with San Juan Safaris. Our experience each time has been so great that we have had no reason to want to try any other company.
This year I traveled in July with my neighbor who had never been to Washington before. San Juan Safaris helped us book our Kenmore flight from Seattle to Friday Harbor. We landed in the morning and we were on the 2 pm trip on Kestrel that afternoon. That was such an exciting way to start our trip! Captain Mike and Lead Naturalist Sarah were great. My neighbor was a bit nervous about the “adventure” boat at first, but loved it. It’s fast and fun but very stable and secure. We saw seals, sea lions, bald eagles, orcas, a humpback, puffins, and many other birds (that I can’t remember). The boat is fast enough that Capt. Mike was able to show us everything! It was warm that day but we were still glad to have the expositor suits that the company supplied. Sarah had so much information for us, including pictures, maps, and resources on an iPad about what we’d seen. She was very excited that she was able to show us the puffins. Sarah talked with each person, answered each person’s questions, and shared her love and excitement for the animals and environment.
We had such a great time that we decided to go back out for another trip while we were on the island. Our second trip, two days after our Kestrel trip, was on Seahawk out of Roche Harbor. That may actually be run by San Juan Outfitters, but they are sister companies. The trip on Seahawk was completely different and equally wonderful. The boat is a lovely wooden boat with space to sit inside or out on the deck in front or on the back. It’s slower, quiet, and peaceful. Sarah, who had been our naturalist on the last trip was the captain on this trip and Alexandria was our naturalist. Both were great! They were engaging and so knowledgeable! We had a small group on board that day including two darling children. Alexandria made sure everyone was safe and engaged. We did not travel as far on the Seahawk, but saw the west side of the island with birds, seals, and orcas. It was a wonderfully relaxing trip! Passengers visited with each other and with Alexandria. She shared her passion for the area, answering all of our questions, and even gave the children junior naturalist handbooks to fill out with their parents on the way back to port.
One of the reasons that I am a return passenger with San Juan Safaris is their respect for the environment and the animals. It is clear that we are visiting the animals in their home and that we will not interfere with them. The naturalists are always happy to share their knowledge and excitement. I learn more every time I go out with them. They are there as educators, not just tour guides.
Once again, I highly recommend San Juan Safaris! I hope I will be going out with them again next year!
Відповідь від хоста
Oct 2018
Hello!
Thank you so much for your kind review! We agree, we treat our boats as floating classrooms and are so happy to hear you enjoyed both of your trips out with us! Both vessels are excellent choices and we are so glad you got to experience each.
Thank you for returning year after year to visit us! We can't wait to see you next time!
Thanks again,
Brian
Owner & Captain
San Juan Safaris
San Juan Island, WA