Photo of J pod whales breaching¬Ýtaken by Allan and Lynn Brown on June 5th off Point Roberts.
Operating since 1988, this year Deer Harbor Charters celebrates 20 years of whale watching and marine wildlife tours in the San Juan Islands. We were also the first eco-tour company in the San Juan Islands to use biodiesel. A much cleaner fuel for a cleaner environment! Simply the best way to see and learn about Orcas and other marine wildlife of the San Juan Islands. Daily educational narrated trips with experienced captain/naturalists aboard. We offer two boats leaving from Deer Harbor Resort and Rosario Resort, convenient locations on Orcas Island.
Deer Harbor, Washington
1-800-544-5758
360-376-5989
chartert@rockisland.com
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ABOUT DEER HARBOR CHARTERS
Enjoy an unforgettable, informative and narrated cruise through the San Juan Islands in search of Orcas (Killer Whales) and Minke Whales. The thrill of seeing one of these majestic creatures will be an experience you will never forget.
Discover the "other" abundant marine life and wildlife, besides the whales that call these waters home. You'll pass by unspoiled, pristine islands and historical landmarks.
We are the first company in the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest to use BIO DIESEL in our boats. This new fuel will help keep harmful emissions down. We challenge all of the whale watching companies in the Northwest to follow us and create a cleaner environment for us and the marine life we cherish.
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CRUISES DEPART FROM DEER HARBOR RESORT and ROSARIO RESORT on ORCAS ISLAND, Washington.
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 MORNING AND AFTERNOON CRUISES MAY THROUGH OCTOBER:
We'll cruise through protected waters in search of Orca whales and Minke whales. Along the way we will also look for bald eagles, seals and porpoises. Bird watchers will delight in the numerous types of seabirds we will encounter. Departure times will vary depending on the time of year. Offseason trips, November through May, are also available.
DEPARTURE TIMES:
From Rosario Resort (June 15 - Sept. 1) - 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM
From Deer Harbor Marina (May 1 - Sept. 30) - 2:00 PM (off-season trips begin at 1pm)
CUSTOM TRIPS:
Group reduced rates and custom trips can be arranged for any activity:
Dinner cruises, parties, weddings, full day charters, etc.
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 THE BOATS: The U.S.C.G. certified SQUITO is the first whale watch boat in the San Juan Islands. Comfortable inside seating as well as outside viewing decks make Squito a great all-weather family boat.
Our new boat, the PELAGIC, is a 36' vessel that is licensed for 20 passengers. Pelagic was built in Maine in 1999 and is a lobster boat design. This design has been used by commercial operators for over 75 years! Stable, fast and roomy, Pelagic is equipped with a modern cleaner burning diesel meeting the latest EPA standards. Pelagic will be based out of location at Rosario Resort this Summer. Small groups on board mean more personalized service and a more informative experience.
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 THE CREW: Each trip will have on board a trained professional naturalist who will maintain an educational, informative dialogue regarding the natural history, distribution and habits of the whales and other wildlife.
THE OWNER: Tom Averna established and operated Deer Harbor Charters since 1988, making it the longest running whale watching business on Orcas Island. Tom has a background in marine science and has been a professional captain for 30 years. Tom is also the first elected president of the Whalewatch Operators Association, Northwest.
PROFESSIONAL: All of our captains and crew are licensed and trained. Most are local residents of the San Juan Islands.
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QUESTIONS MOST OFTEN ASKED
 What other wildlife are we likely to see?
Bald eagles, seals and porpoises are sighted on a routine basis. Also, there are numerous species of birds.
How many people come on each cruise?
PELAGIC is certified by the Coast Guard to carry 20 guests per trip. Only during the busiest time of the year do we get close to capacity. We try not to exceed 15 guests for everyone's comfort. Smaller groups per trip mean more personal contact and a more enjoyable experience for you.
Our other vessel, SQUITO, takes as many as 30 guests, with indoor seating as well as outside viewing space.
What's the probability of seeing Orca Whales?
During our typical season our success rate is very good. If the Orcas are within our operating range, we will find them. This is due to a whale sighting network, of which we are Orcas Island members.
How close do you get to the Orcas?
Deer Harbor Charters conforms to all federal whale and wildlife watching guidelines. However, there are many occasions when the Orcas will approach our boat and swim right under us.
 We also abide by the Whalewatch Operators Association NW guidelines for the well-being of our beloved Orcas.
Should I take seasick medication before the trip?
While we never guarantee you will see whales, we do guarantee you will not feel the least bit queasy. Our normal cruising routes are very protected and safe.
What should I bring?
Binoculars, camera, warm jacket and comfortable clothing. Layering is the phrase used when on the water in the Pacific Northwest. Most days are surprisingly warm, however we do have a heated cabin for your convenience.
How about taking young children?
We've found that Mom and Dad spend more time watching the kids than the whales. Kids under five are not recommended.
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What is your Rate Schedule?
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Adults
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Children ( under 14)
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| Prime Season (May 24 - September 15) |
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Deer Harbor Marina & Rosario Resort departures
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$69/plus tax
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$44/plus tax
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| Shoulder Season (May 1 to May 23 and September 16 to October 15) |
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Deer Harbor Marina departures only.
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$61/plus tax
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$39/plus tax
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| Off Season (October 16 - April 30) |
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Deer Harbor Marina departures only.
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$49/plus tax
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$35/plus tax
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Note: Daily orca whale sightings are from mid May through September.
Fuel surcharges will be added depending on fuel costs.
Children 2 years and under are free from our Deer Harbor location.
Group discount rates for weddings, charters and school groups: 10% off for 8 guests or more in group and senior citizens.
Prices subject to change.
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Deer Harbor Charters' main office is located at Deer Harbor Marina on the southwest side of Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State We also operate out of Rosario Resort. The islands are easily accessible by ferry and air. Bed & Breakfasts and other lodging are available on the island.
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COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST LOG
Photo courtesy of Sherry Schafer
Photo courtesy of Charles Scheper
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Sherry Schafer
I wanted to send this photo taken on August 13th off Anacortes on our fantastic whale watch tour with you where we were able to see all three pods. I was able to come home and make my kids oh so jealous and of course that meant I had to watch both Free Willy movies with them again.
You were our very humorous and most knowledgeable tour guide and made the trip even more memorable.
Thank you
Brian Tracie McFarlin, Carbondale, CO:
Words cannot describe this afternoon! Truly amazing!
Joan Harry Rhane, Melborne, FL:
Thanks for caring about God's creatures.
Alan Darlene Wernke, Minneapolis, MN:
You make the trip more than wonderful. We'll be back next year . . .
Lynn Neill, Marthasville, MO:
My dream has always been to see a whale. Thank you!
Larry Jan Pastor, Rock Springs, WY:
We never expected to see as much as we did.
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Our Boat SQUITO decorated for transporting Santa to see the Deer Harbor kids.
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For more information and reservations, call
DEER HARBOR CHARTERS
chartert@rockisland.com
P.O. Box 303
Deer Harbor, WA 98243
1-800-544-5758
360-376-5989
Deer Harbor Charters conforms to all federal whale and wildlife watching guidelines. Our boats are all U.S.C.G. inspected, conforming to all U.S.C.G. safety requirements, operated by an experienced, licensed captain. Established 1988.
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Member:
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The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce
and the San Juan Web!
If you're whalewatching from San Juan Island,
check out Western Prince Cruises .
For daysailing go to Classic Day Sails or Orcas Sailing
For more info on places to stay, things to do and a calendar of events at
beautiful Deer Harbor, go to Deer Harbor.org
For further Orcas Island lodging information go to www.orcas-lodging.com
Stores to explore on Orcas Island - Wood's Cove
Karen Speck at Cherie Lindholm Real Estate, Orcas Island specialists in vacation house rentals
At One Service is a concierge service for the San Juan Islands
Join us in signing the petition to
"End Dolphin Slaughter in Japan".
Collisions with ships is the number one cause of death among North Atlantic right whales. You can help end the
right whales slide toward extinction by sending an email to the National Marine Fisheries Service
supporting speed limits for ships over 65-feet long. Take action now
SAVE THE WHALES
Minke Whales are now being actively hunted by Norway and Japan. You can help stop the killing by writing to the following organizations:
Earth Island Institute 300 Broadway, #28 San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 788-3666
Center for Whale Research Box 1577 Friday Harbor, WA 98250
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