Our Trips, departure times and length of trips
Deer Harbor Marina departure times vary depending on the time of the year. From Mid June until early September, afternoon trips leave at 1PM . I suggest checkng our website periodically for up to date departure times.
Departure time is 11AM from Rosario Marina and the possibility of a 3PM depending on the need. We chose an 11AM departure to give our guests time in the morning to enjoy the many breakfast places on the island and/or the famous bed and breakfast meals in the morning. Also, by 11AM we usually know of whale locations via our spotting network.
The trips last approximately 3 1/2 hours, but are extremely flexible and based solely on whale locations. We average 3.5 hours throughout our whale watching season. We very rarely go over 4 hours. Our season for the best sightings are May through September. Our resident orca whales are here during the summer to feed on the salmon runs. If the salmon are here the whales will be here as well.
Our locations put us right in the middle of the orca whale’s habitat. When we start getting whale sighting reports it is simply a matter of leaving the dock and heading in the direction of the whales. It usually takes less than an hour to get to the whales. On the way you’ll be given a talk on what island you’re looking at, what other wildlife you’re seeing and what to expect when we get to the orca whales.
If you are considering leaving from a location on the mainland and not the San Juan Islands, be prepared for a longer boat ride most of the time to get to the whales. No matter what location you leave from, when you see these beautiful islands from the water, you will not go home dissapointed.
During the months of March and April our trips last about 2 hours and focus on the Steller sea lions in the area, as well as bald eagles, porpoises, harbor seals and some spectacular scenery. These trips leave the dock either 12 noon or 1PM from Deer Harbor Marina. Being on the water in the spring months is like being in the islands 30 years ago. It is quiet, peaceful and full of wildlife. Our other attraction is Spieden Island, once a hunting and fishing destination for the more affluent. fallow deer, sika deer, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, mouflon sheep, and numerous harbor seals keep this island as our personal favorite to circumnavigate.
Steller sea lion, our focus of attention during our Spring trips.