The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is
between April and October
. July and August are the warmest months to visit and also the busiest. The summer months bring on peak prices, too. Knowing how to visit the islands efficiently can help you enjoy your time there without draining your pocketbook.
What city is closest to San Juan Islands?
The city of
Anacortes
is the gateway to the San Juan Islands. If you are driving from downtown Seattle to reach Friday Harbor for your San Juan Safaris whale watch & wildlife tour, Anacortes is the starting point for traveling via ferry to any of the San Juan Islands.
Are San Juan Islands worth it?
The San Juan Islands are located off the coast of Washington State, bordering the Vancouver and Victoria BC islands. These islands are one of the true natural wonders of the world and
definitely worth a visit, especially if you love the outdoors
.
Can you Stay on the San Juan Islands?
From hotels to vacation rentals and traditional bed and breakfast options to camping,
you can find almost any kind of accommodation on San Juan Island
.
How many days do you need in San Juan Islands?
Stay for
two days
to enjoy the full breadth of island life with morning mist rolling through the farmlands and fiery sunsets over the water. Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger weekend crowds and spend time island-hopping between activities on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Island.
Can you see the Northern Lights from the San Juan Islands?
At times you can see meteor showers, the northern lights
, satellites and the most spectacular full moons shining on the glistening Salish Sea. And the best part: it’s the quiet season.
How long is the ferry ride from Seattle to San Juan Islands?
Seattle to San Juan Island and Friday Harbor Ferry
The
3 hours and 45 minutes
ferry ride through the Salish Sea will take you past Whidbey Island and underneath historic Deception Pass bridge before arriving in Friday Harbor.
How do you get around San Juan Island?
The islands are accessible by
ferry, plane, private boat and charters
. You can either take your car on the ferry or park it at the ferry terminal and walk aboard, thus avoiding ferry lines. However, you need a vehicle to explore each island (exception, see San Juan Island topic, below).
Can you drive from Seattle to San Juan Islands?
If you are coming from out-of-state, fly into SEA (Seattle-Tacoma) or Bellingham airport in Washington, or even Vancouver or Victoria’s* airports in Canada. From there,
you can drive to Anacortes, WA and board a Washington State Ferry that will take you to the San Juan Islands
.
Can you island hop from Puerto Rico?
Fun fact: Puerto Rico is an archipelago. So, if this island-country-American-territory is a destination you are planning to visit on your next vacation, add the Vieques and Culebra keys to your travel itinerary.
How long is ferry to Orcas Island?
Interisland Ferry Schedule
It takes about
15 minutes
to sail to Orcas island directly or about 35 minutes if it stops at Shaw on the way. A direct boat from Lopez to Friday Harbor takes 30 minutes but over 2 hours when it stops at the other island along the way.
When can you see whales in San Juan Islands?
Orca whales range through the San Juan Islands the most
between March and October
and you can expect to see them on the vast majority of our tours during that time, although we do have sightings throughout the year. We also regularly encounter beautiful Humpback Whales (through November) and Minke whales in the area.
Can you see orcas on Orcas Island?
Orcas can be sighted all year long
, but the three Southern Resident pods (J-, K- and L-pods) generally forage for Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea during the summer months (May – September).
Which San Juan Island is best for whale watching?
Lime Kiln Point State Park
is officially nicknamed “Whale Watch Park.” This title is no exaggeration—Lime Kiln State Park really is one of the best places on earth to view migrating whales. And if you’re hoping to see whales with your feet planted firmly on the ground, Lime Kiln is definitely your best bet on San Juan!
How do I get from Seattle Airport to San Juan Islands?
By Train from Sea-Tac Airport or Seattle
Disembark, then catch Skagit Transit bus Route 40X to March’s Point, then transfer to Skagit Transit Route 410 to the Anacortes Washington State Ferry Terminal where you’ll board a ferry to Lopez, Orcas or San Juan Island/Friday Harbor.
What celebrities live in the San Juan Islands?
Bill Gates, Steve Miller, and Tom Skerritt
are some of the other well-known people who own estates on the San Juan Islands.
Do you need a passport to go to San Juan Islands?
United States citizens and permanent residents don’t need a passport
to travel to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
Can you walk around Orcas Island?
Hiking and beachcombing are activities you can enjoy all year
, along with taking in the scenery. There are less restaurants and tour operators in the winter, the trade off for less crowds. I particularly like to visit Orcas Island in late spring, especially May and early June.
Are there bears on the San Juan Islands?
A bear is a rare sight around the San Juan Islands
but one bear has been spotted several times over the last couple weeks on quite the island hopping journey. ORCAS, Wash.
What are the San Juan Islands known for?
The islands are famous for
their resident pods of Orcas
(Orca Whales, or Orca Orcinus) – Listen to live Orca songs here. There are three resident pods that eat salmon (there are 5 different types of Pacific salmon: King, Sockeye, Silver, Pink, and Chum) ) but also some transient orcas that come to take Harbor seals.
How much is the ferry to San Juan Islands?
The round-trip fare is
$59 for adults and $39 for children ages 6 to 12
. These passenger ferries operate between mid-May and early September. You can also get from Sea-Tac Airport or downtown Seattle to the San Juan Islands ferry terminal in Anacortes on the Airporter Shuttle (tel.
Can you swim in the San Juan Islands?
That doesn’t mean you’ll have to go without when vacationing on gorgeous San Juan Island.
There are breathtaking lakes to explore, indoor and outdoor swimming pools
and a few sheltered coves, where the salty sea does warm up enough for a refreshing dip. Find the 5 Best Places to go Swimming on San Juan Island here.
How do you get around Friday Harbor?
There’s no need for a car to see Friday Harbor. Everything is within walking distance of the ferry landing, and it is easy to get around, including
shuttle buses and a trolley
to take you around the island, as well as bike, three-wheeled Scootcoupe, and moped rentals.
How do you get from Seattle to San Juan Islands without a car?
Getting around the island without a car can be achieved
through the San Juan Island Transit shuttle or the Jolly Trolley
. I recommend the shuttle as it’s easy and inexpensive ($5 one way). You can also rent bikes and mopeds at various shops around Friday Harbor or take taxis.
Is San Juan Island walkable?
If you’re looking for more outdoor adventures, spend the day hiking or biking through the island’s many trails and scenic routes. Historic and just one square mile in size,
Friday Harbor is the very walkable hub of San Juan Island
.
How long does it take to drive around San Juan Island?
The full mileage of the trip is 41 miles and takes about
1.5hrs
. However it is best enjoyed with frequent stops at the many parks and viewpoints along the way. It would be a great afternoon or morning drive with either lunch or dinner in Friday Harbor or at Roche Harbor Resort.
