Winter may not be the best time to see orcas in the San Juan Islands, but this season is nothing short of astonishing and is perhaps an underappreciated time of year to visit this remarkable place. It’s quiet, peaceful, beautiful, and filled with wonder. We know, however, that so many people come here for things like San Juan Island whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and more. We know many of you wonder when is the best time to see orcas in the San Juan Islands, and you plan your trips around the chance to see these majestic animals swim through our waters.
That’s understandable, as whale watching in the San Juan Islands is a truly unforgettable experience. These islands are one of the best places in the country for whale watching. Here, you’ll find both resident and transient orca pods. Resident orcas primarily feed on salmon, while the transient orcas, often called Bigg’s killer whales, have a diet of seals, sea lions, and even other whales. Of course, those aren’t the only whales you’ll see on your San Juan Island whale-watching adventures – we also regularly see humpbacks, gray whales, and minke whales during peak whale season.
So, by now, you’re likely wondering when is the best time to see orcas in the San Juan Islands? Though it’s possible to see orcas here year-round, mid-May through mid-September is your best chance, particularly when the salmon runs are at their peak. If you time your trip for late summer through early fall, you’ll increase your odds of seeing not just orcas but other whales and marine wildlife. Luckily, local whale-watching tours in the San Juan Islands are excellent at tracking these animals throughout their peak season, so your odds of seeing some truly incredible wildlife while you’re here are pretty high.
Regardless of whether you come here in the summer to see whales or perhaps venture to our beautiful island paradise for a bit of winter tranquility, there’s no better place to stay than our elevated Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast and Cottages. Our Friday Harbor Lodging offers a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere, and we’re just a short walk away from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal and downtown shops, restaurants, and attractions. In addition to being located in downtown Friday Harbor, our Inn is also known for its exceptional hospitality and detail-oriented service.
Whether you’re looking for a safe and secure location for solo adventures, a spacious spot for family vacations, pet-friendly lodging, or a cozy space for romantic couple’s getaways, you won’t find anything better than our Friday Harbor lodging. Plan your adventures for the coming year, and book your room at our upscale Inn and Cottages today!
Best Time to See Orcas in the San Juan Islands
If you’re wondering the best time to see Orcas in the San Juan Islands, you’re in the right spot! The San Juan Islands are one of the most captivating spots in the world to see orcas, with both resident and transient pods frequenting the waters around the islands. The resident orcas, known as the Southern Resident killer whales, are unique to the Pacific Northwest. They are especially drawn to the San Juan Islands because of the abundance of salmon, their primary food source.
The Southern Resident Orcas often travel in groups known as pods. Locals and tour operators can easily spot these orcas because of their unique features and appearance. The Southern Residents aren’t the only orcas in the San Juan Islands, though. Transient orcas, or Bigg’s killer whales, visit the islands seasonally. They are known for their hunting skills and have a more varied diet, which includes seals and other marine mammals. These transient pods bring an extra layer of excitement, as their behavior can differ dramatically from the resident orcas.
If you’re wondering about the best time to see orcas in the San Juan Islands, the prime whale-watching season runs from April through October, with your best chances to see them being mid-May through mid-September. The San Juan Islands are considered the crux of the resident orca’s summer habitat when local salmon populations draw the resident orcas close to the islands, offering plenty of chances for visitors to catch sight of them. While resident orcas make regular appearances throughout the season, you’ll also have the opportunity to see transient orcas, especially in late spring and early summer when they pass through on their migratory routes.
There’s a relatively long window of time to see orcas in the San Juan Islands, which is excellent. There are also quite a few San Juan Island Whale Watching tours to choose from. Most local tour operators leave from Friday Harbor, just steps away from our Inns. They offer guided excursions specifically tailored to maximize sightings of whales and other wildlife and give you an in-depth understanding of orca behavior and conservation efforts.
However, you don’t have to take a whale-watching tour to see orcas in the San Juan Islands. You can also spot them from land, especially if you head to the stunning Lime Kiln Point State Park. Known as one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world, this park allows visitors to spot orcas from the shore when they’re near the island’s edge. Whether by boat or from the park, watching orcas in their natural habitat is a spectacular experience that draws thousands of visitors to the San Juan Islands each year, hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in one of the best locations for orca watching. Stop wondering when is the best time to see orcas in the San Juan Islands, and start planning!
The Best Friday Harbor Lodging for San Juan Island Whale Watching
Regardless of whether it’s the chance to see orcas in the San Juan Islands that brings you here or something else, there’s no better Friday Harbor Lodging for your getaways. The warm, sunny summer months are ideal for all types of activities, from San Juan Island whale watching to kayaking, boating, hiking, biking, and more. In contrast, the winter offers a much cozier alternative, perfect for romantic getaways, special celebrations, and quiet contemplation.
Whatever your reason for visiting, we have fabulous Friday Harbor Lodging. We offer a range of guest rooms, suites, and private cottages. Whether you’re here on a solo trip, looking for pet-friendly lodging, planning a family vacation, or looking for a romantic place to unwind with your significant other, you’ll find plenty of accommodations to choose from. No matter which style of room you choose, you’ll find them cozy and comfortable, with plenty of amenities, including jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and beautiful views in some rooms.
Kickstart your day in the best way possible with a delicious, made-from-scratch breakfast delivered right to your door. Breakfast is one of our most popular guest amenities. Everything is house-made and includes the freshest ingredients from local farmers and artisans. We also offer plenty of yummy treats throughout the day, which is just a little added touch to help you feel at home. In the evening, don’t forget the chance to dine with us at Coho Restaurant, our fine-dining restaurant in downtown Friday Harbor, where our delicious farm-to-table cooking continues.
We’re conveniently located near downtown Friday Harbor and walkable from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. From here, it’s easy to enjoy everything you want to see and do in the San Juans, including, of course, getting out on the water or seeing orcas and other marine wildlife. There’s no better place to stay in Friday Harbor. Book your stay at our top-rated Friday Harbor Lodging today!
