Whale watching in the San Juan Islands has become a $10 million industry in recent years. The Whale Museum estimates that annually more than 500,000 people go whale watching on commercial whale-watch boats in the transboundary waters of Washington and British Columbia. Another 3,000-8,000 watch whales each year from private boats.
Whale watching provides people with an opportunity to learn about and appreciate marine wildlife. As more people become aware of the importance of the marine ecosystems on this planet, increasing numbers of them will work to help preserve it.
However, it is extremely important that the large numbers of humans who watch whales and other marine animals in the wild don't disrupt the animals' environment and ability to live normal, healthy lives. (For more information on environmental impacts facing the orcas, visit our Issues page.)
The Soundwatch Boater Education Program
 The Whale Museum created the the Soundwatch Boater Education Program in 1993 to educate pleasure boaters on the least intrusive ways to watch whales in the wild. On the water every day each summer, Soundwatch crews and volunteers monitor boater activity near whales.
When they see boat activity that could potentially disrupt or harm the whales, Soundwatch approaches boaters, courteously explains the rules and hands them the Soundwatch Boater Guidelines brochure. The guidelines were created in conjunction with the U.S. and Canadian federal governments and the international Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest to assist boaters in viewing marine wildlife with minimal impact to the animals.
 Get your whale-watching guidelines here
 Soundwatch also monitors regional marine protected areas and regularly sends confidential "report cards" to commercial whale-watching companies so they can see how well they are observing the rules.
Soundwatch is primarily an educational program and has no enforcement power. However, repeat or flagrant violations of the guidelines may be reported by anyone to the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service or to the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which may impose substantial fines.
A component of the Soundwatch Boater Education Program is the Kayak Education and Leadership Program (K.E.L.P.). K.E.L.P. educators teach commercial and private kayakers about marine stewardship and promote the Responsible Kayaker Code to help reduce disturbances to marine wildlife by irresponsible boating practices. See the K.E.L.P. brochure and map. Or view a slide show of the K.E.L.P. program.
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San Juan Island’s inspired hotel & spa |
How are orca whales identified? The saddle patch right behind the dorsal fin is like a fingerprint. No two orcas have the same patch. Also, height and shape of dorsal fin can be useful as well as notches, scratches and if the fin leans to one side or the other. San Juan Safaris is known for their knowledgeable naturalists that will tell you all about the orca whales, the environment that they live in and the eco system of the San Juan Islands. |
While visiting on your Orca Adventure, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island should not be missed. A charming sea-side village filled with art galleries, interesting shops, unusual eateries (you will not find chain stores or franchises here!) coastal walks and so much more. San Juan Safaris is located steps away from the ferry landing in Friday Harbor. You can take The Whale Plane with San Juan Safaris and be in Friday Harbor from downtown Seattle in just 45 minutes!
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Each year the San Juan Islands attract visitors from all over the world seeking a quiet getaway, and some cant help being captured by the islands beauty. Debra Sullivan has been a resident of Friday Harbor for over 20 years and a licensed REALTOR for Coldwell Banker since 1990. Her top notch professionalism and expertise can help you find your dream property! Feel free to contact Debra for more information about purchasing property in the San Juans. |
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If you have ever visited or want to visit the San Juan Islands and can’t resist the urge to own a piece of paradise, you may want to consider the property featured above. This fabulous water view lot in the “old part” of Friday Harbor is a rare find! It is one of the last vacant lots in this area and offers views in two directions. |
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Sea Kayak with Crystal Seas along the west side of San Juan Island. Witness orca whales, eagles, seals and much more. Free transportation from the ferry available.
We see orca whales, also called killer whales, on over 90% of our tours. Plus bald eagles, seals, porpoise, and all types of sea birds. MORE>>
Whether you are on our whale watch vessel, or kayak tour, guests can expect to see Killer Whales, Harbor Seals Porpoise, Seals and Bald Eagles. MORE>>
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