One-Day San Juan Island Kayaking Trips: Chance to Kayak with Orca Whales

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The shaded areas represent the best places to see killer whales.  Orange indicates the best locations for finding the marine mammal-eating Bigg’s killer whales (formerly called “transients”). Green indicates the main salmon orca (also known as “resident orca”) feeding and traveling route where about 90% of their sightings have historically occurred. Orcas can randomly be found in other areas of the San Juan Islands but these are best zones for kayak whale watching success.

There are many routes to choose from but there is no “Set Route” because we believe in being flexible to the needs and safety of our customers given a multitude of factors.

The east side route features a huge seal population making it the best route for enjoying them and finding their only predator, Bigg’s killer whales. It also offers the best chance of seeing otters and the greatest variety of sea birds. Porpoises and baleen whales both occur here as well as Stellar sea lions. The one day kayak tour uses this route by default when no reports of whales or other wildlife have been reported on or near our other routes or when whales have been reported on the east side of San Juan Island. We make this choice because on average this route has the highest chance of seeing killer whales and other wildlife even without a positive whale report! On windy days, we use the east side route because it is the most sheltered area for safe kayaking. Even expert kayakers appreciate how relaxing the paddling can be on the east side as it permits them more ease in wildlife watching. The east route is also the only day trip route which paddles to a different island! We typically spend the day on Turn Island which offers enchanting views from all sides as well as a National Wildlife Refuge and a State Park. The east side beach is just a few minutes from Friday Harbor which greatly reduces shuttle time. This route maximizes time on the water and thus your chances of encountering wildlife!

The south side route visits the scenic San Juan Island National Historical Park at the south end of San Juan Island. Killer whale watching for both types is excellent here. Especially on the Salmon Bank that extends from the picturesque Cattle Point Lighthouse. Large concentrations of baitfish and salmon occur here and attract orcas, minke whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions. In present day, suppressed salmon counts have resulted in fewer salmon orca sightings than in the past. We may decide to operate your tour on this route if we feel it gives us the best chance of whale watching success. However, on most days, the east side of San Juan Island has a higher chance of seeing whales and other wildlife. The south side route is very exposed to strong winds on certain days and would be avoided under those conditions even if whales are reported on the south side!

The west side route explores the rugged west side of San Juan Island. Migrating salmon have historically preferred this shore making it historically the best route for finding pods of salmon orca. In present day, suppressed salmon counts have resulted in fewer salmon orca sightings than in the past. The route passes by Lime Kiln Lighthouse and Marine State Park, acknowledged as the former best park in the world for orca whale-watching from land! However, on most days, the east side of San Juan Island has a higher chance of seeing whales and other wildlife. When whales aren’t present we usually see porpoises, seals, marine birds, and several active bald eagle nests. Weather and currents must be cooperative as the west side route is the least protected from inclement weather. If winds there are too strong for safe kayaking, we will use an alternate route even if whales are reported on the west side!