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San Juan Cruises

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Bellingham, WA
San Juan Cruises

The only whale watching tours out of Bellingham, Washington. With a variety of other summer cruises. All prepared fresh just before we start boarding passengers.
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Deluxe Whale Watching Adventure Cruise:

Welcome aboard the San Juan Islands best cruising adventure! Departing from the charming Fairhaven Historic District in Bellingham you will immediately enter the eastern edge of the 172 island San Juan Archipelago. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the incredible wildlife that abounds including; Bald Eagles, Seals and Sea lions, Porpoise, Seabirds and of cours

e – Orca Whales. After a morning of wildlife and pristine coastlines you'll enjoy a delicious Northwest salmon & chicken lunch, served with several side dishes and dessert. After your meal, we'll make a 2-hour stop in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. It's a chance to stretch your legs, stroll among the many shops and galleries or take in the Whale Museum. Soak in the afternoon sun on the cruise home, enjoying a beverage from our full bar stocked with a selection of Northwest beers & wines. Trip Overview:
• Fully narrated whale watching tour through the San Juan Islands.
• We are part of a local whale spotting network, helping us have one of the highest whale sighting success rates in the state.
• Guaranteed whales or your next tour is 50% off.
• Complimentary Northwest salmon / chicken lunch, with side dishes & dessert.
• 2 hour shore visit in Friday Harbor.
• Deluxe 100’ tour vessel with lots of indoor & outdoor seating.
• Onboard breakfast & lunch options.
• Full bar with Northwest wines, beers and cocktails.

2016 Schedule / Pricing:

Departing from Bellingham at 9:30 am returning at 5:30 pm

Low Season (May / June / September)
• $99.00 Adult ($5 off with advance booking)
• $49.50 Child (6-17)
• Under 6 Free! High Season (July / August)
• $109.00 Adult ($5 off with advance booking)
• $54.50 Child (6-17)
• Under 6 Free! May 7 - May 22 | Saturdays & Sundays Only
May 28 - September 25 | Daily

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Chuckanut Bay Cracked Crab Dinner Cruises:

A feast for the senses. Savor an old-fashioned cracked crab and baked chicken feast while enjoying a Bellingham Bay sunset after cruising along the beautiful Chuckanut Coast aboard the Victoria Star 2. Feast on the Northwest's finest Dungeness Crab served with Baked Chicken, our signature Broccoli Salad, Old-Fashioned Potato Salad, locally baked French Bread and dessert. The Victoria Star 2 offers a selection of Northwest wines, beer from local microbreweries, well drinks and unique cocktails, and a variety of juices and soft drinks, for an additional charge.

2016 Schedule/Pricing:

Fridays and Saturdays from June 10 through September 18 - 6:30pm to 9:00pm

• $59.00 Adult
• $29.50 Child (6-17)
• Under 6 Free! Reservations: (360) 738-8099 or 1-800-443-4552
Online: http://www.whales.com

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Bellingham Bay BREWS Cruise - Wednesday Beer Tasting Cruise Series

Stay cool this summer with our new series of beer tasting cruises on Wednesday evenings in July, August and early September aboard the Victoria Star. Each week Boundary Bay Brewery will serve a variety of their award-winning beers, joined by 2 other Northwest breweries serving up their best brews. Snacks that complement the beers will be available during the cruise. It's just $35/adult for this cruise, which includes tastings of 3 different beers from each brewery and snacks. These cruises will sell out quickly - you can reserve online, or by calling 1-800-443-4552 or (360) 738-8099.

6:30 - 8:00 pm

Adults - $35 (Must be 21 or older)

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unWINEd On The Bay - Thursday Wine Tasting Cruise Series

Join us this summer for one of our new "unWINEd On The Bay" wine tasting cruises aboard the Victoria Star 2. We'll be featuring wines from around the world, as well as locally produced wines from the Pacific Northwest. Tickets are available online, or by phone:l (360) 738-8099 or 1-800-443-4552

Local experts and representatives from participating wineries will join us on board to serve and discuss the featured wines. Snacks and hors d'oeuvres that complement the wines will also be served during the cruise. Make the middle of the week something to look forward to this summer with one of our wine tasting cruises.

6:30 - 8:00 pm

Adults - $35 (Must be 21 or older)

08/30/2024

The variety of transient orca pod sightings was impressive last week.
T60's, T49A's, T37's, T99's, T137's T75B's and possibly glimpses of the T36B's and T65A's.
Pictured is a screenshot from a passenger's video of a double spy hop! This was the T99's spotted on the 21st near Port Townsend.
The others are shots from Helen Nickerson on 8/18/24 of the T49A's near Speiden Island. We saw the T49A's a couple of times this week. On another day we caught the end of a T-Party, spotting the T49A's showing off with a breach and two spy hops, and glimpses of the 37A's and 75B's too.
Check out the full recap at the link:
https://whales.com/t49as-and-the-tail-end-of-t-party/

08/28/2024

We know Aug-tober got to a lot of us, but it's over! A beautiful warm weekend touching 80 degrees in Bellingham is here.
Lots of availability on whale watches and many other cruises this weekend and into September. Come join us before the seasons over! whales.com

08/22/2024

Several sessions with two Transient Orca pods last week. We met up with the T60's and T49's a few times, with a few moments where we were very lucky to be approached by them. We also saw a lone female orca on one day which is pretty rare, as well as Divot the humpback and her calf.
The shots are from 8/12 where we were lucky enough to be on the same path back home from the Anacortes area where we caught up with them.
Full weekly write up at the link. https://whales.com/lots-of-t60s-and-some-t49s/

08/15/2024

It was another impressive week of sightings, with this week being a little more diverse than usual, seeing all four of our local whale species!
These shots are from none other than Kurt Leipold on the 8/10/24 whale watch that got to see this amazing humpback activity!
See a full run down of the week's sightings at our blog here: https://whales.com/all-four-speices/

08/13/2024

It's always a treat to catch a spy hop from an orca, seeing them be their curious selves checking things out above the surface.

Yesterday we got to see this one, during a special day with the T60's along Allan and Burrows Islands. We also saw them catch a harbor porpoise, swim under the boat, and they were traveling with us back towards Bellingham giving us bonus time with them.

08/09/2024

Ha! That weekend energy.

"Who's ready for the weekend!?" 🦦🙌

📷: Mollie Cameron, Sooke Coastal Explorations

08/09/2024

Herb Niemann’s annual Whale Watching cruise! Best employee’s ever! Thank you for a great day!

08/09/2024

The whales keep coming as the nice summer days do too. Here's some shots from Leipold with Uluka the humpback on 7/28. And a link to a full synopsis of last weeks findings.

https://whales.com/minkes-and-humpa…summer-caries-on/

08/05/2024

There's still some room on our Bird Watching Cruises going each Thursday all the way through the end of August this year! We cruise for 6-7 hours at 10am from Bellingham, WA. Heading down to Smith Island, a favorite spot for Tufted Puffins to hang out, and this year two Horned Puffins have been spotted!
Enjoy a salmon Caesar wrap lunch included, a full bar of beverages available, on a professional naturalist narrated cruise, looking for all sorts of species from eagles to auklets.
Check out some excellent captures from the actual tours this year: Andre Dionne Carolyn Matt Soul Stealer,Photos by Tony Austin Photos watermarked accordingly.

08/05/2024

🥇

Inspired by the Olympic games, T65B1 "Birdsall" practices his double-flippered backstroke.🏅

📷: Brooke Casanova, Blue Kingdom Whale and Wildlife Tours

07/31/2024

We're Cracked Crab Cruising in La Conner and Bellingham this time of year!
Lunch and Dinner Cruises in La Conner, and Dinner Cruises out of Bellingham. Get your spots while ya still can, and all the details at Whales.com

07/29/2024

This gray day calls for a gray whale! 🌧 Did you know we still have a few gray whales lingering in the Salish Sea? Usually these gentle giants migrate north to the Arctic in summer to feed, but with plenty of ghost shrimp in the area, some haven't found a need to leave, like this one photographed recently by Kyla Bivens of Puget Sound Express.

07/25/2024

Another amazing week with active orcas! Thanks to Laurie Russell for this shot from 7/16/24.
Check out all the details at our blog:
https://whales.com/interesting-activity-from-several-orca-sightings/

07/23/2024

We got some great views of the Victoria Star 2 cruising over to a whale sighting yesterday from the Sucia Island cruise.
Our whale watching boat for almost 30 years, the Star is the largest passenger only vessel harbored in Bellingham.

07/19/2024

Here are the stills from the amazingly active T109A2 day we shared video from earlier this week. And a link to the weekly write up including an even more breathtaking day. On Saturday we caught up with an incredible "T-Party" of over a dozen pods with a total of 40 whales!
https://whales.com/massive-t-party-…y-active-t109a2s/

07/16/2024

We were incredibly lucky to catch a pretty stunning show of dozens of breaches, rolls, spyhops, and lots of other youthful activity on 7/10/24. These were the T109A2 pod of Biggs Killer Whales, a branch off of younger whales from the original T109A pod. We caught up with them between Spieden Island and San Juan Island in San Juan Channel.

07/11/2024

We're happy to host the Whatcom Museum's Sunset History Cruises every Tuesday evening 6-8 until Sept 10th. Learn about Bellingham and Whatcom County history as you cruise Bellingham bay, narrated by the museum's historian.
Make sure to check out details and book on *their* website linked below or at the museum, as it is a special Whatcom Museum Cruise not available at our site.
https://www.whatcommuseum.org/explore/history-sunset-cruise/

07/11/2024

Another week of good times with whales and thanks to Kurt Leipold for the photo work. Full blog post linked below.
https://whales.com/more-great-time-with-transients-and-baker-views/

07/09/2024

We still have some space for now, so we just wanted to remind folks that the classic Bellingham Bay Brewers Cruise is new and improved this year!
Brand new bars with taps and kegerators upstairs and down, providing fresh colder pours, and our appetizer spread has had a noticeable overehaul with brats and pretzels on every tour, as well as buffalo wings.
Same beautiful route and time through Chuckanut and Bellingham Bays from 6:30 - 8. Book now at the link!
https://whales.starboardsuite.com/?departure_location_id=2&tour_type_id=8

07/08/2024

Wine tasting cruises are back this week! The same favorite route and schedule, cruising the Chuckanut coastline from Bellingham, WA Thursdays 6:30 to 8pm til Sept 19th. Only $44. 21+
Enjoy a new theme for the wines available each week, and some tasty additions to our classic hors d’oeuvre spread this year like Ghiradelli chocolate.
These fill up fast so call us at 800-443-4552 or see all the details and book online at https://whales.com/cruises/cruises-from-bellingham/unwined-on-the-bay-wine-tasting-cruise/

07/06/2024

https://whales.com/a-three-whale-species-day-a-rainbow-cloud-and-much-more/

Another beautiful week with wildlife last week. Captain Cassidy's first solo whale watch found three whale types, we saw a rainbow cloud, and plenty other adventures with San Juan nature.

07/02/2024

Always welcome news

This spring we welcomed 6 newly identified youngsters into the coastal Bigg’s killer whale population, including T038B2 pictured with Mum below, and said goodbye to a couple others. Full details can be found on the recent population update at https://baycetology.org/population-updates

07/02/2024

It's an honor to be chosen as best attraction in Bellingham! By the Herald's Cascade Best which is voted on by the people, so this wouldn't have happened without you guys. We're super grateful.

Address

355 Harris Avenue Ste 104
Bellingham, WA
98225

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	8am - 5pm
Sunday	8am - 5pm

Website

http://www.whales.com/

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Videos

Come search for whales before the season ends. whales.com

Stunning Juvenile Breaching Orcas

Transient Orca Pod with new Calf

Here's some clips from a slightly choppy day, cut to the least shaky parts. The T124A transient orca pod with new (2024) calf were lots of fun to watch, in a feeding pattern near Orcas Island, Washington. 5/25/24

Whale watching weekends are back in two weeks. whales.com

La Conner tours happening daily now!

From Rainbow Bridge to Deception Pass, it’s a lovely weekend for a trip on the water.

Sometimes its worth a trip out to Canadian waters.

Cool orca dorsal capture from Wendy Loftus

It's a beautiful day for a lasagna lunch cruise in search of whales. whales.com

Book A last minute 🍻 cruise. Tonight at 6:30. And every Wednesday Night.

The only whale watching out of Bellingham, Washington. #pnw #whales

Back on the water May 6th!

Whale watching cruises are just the beginning for us! ⚓ From Bird Watching to Beer Drinking--->there is a tour to that encompasses your PNW favorites! 💘 Check them out here ➡️ www.whales.com #supportlocalbrand #washingtonstate #thatpnwlife #ocean #northwestisbest

With the first week of May over---we are weeks away from opening up our Full Season of tours! Some of your options include: Whale Watching Bellingham Bay BREWer's Cruise Bird Watching La Conner Crab Lunch Cruise Friday Harbor Day Trip and a Cracked Crab Dinner to name a few! Book here today: www.whales.com #salishsea #whalewatching #staycation #PNWlife

Tours begin on the weekends ONLY starting May 7th! Book now and celebrate the start to Spring! Got a birthday coming up? Mother's Day present? Surprise the special someone in your life with the gift of a memory in the Salish Sea. Click here to find out more: https://www.whales.com/whale-watching/ #thatpnwlife #ocean #northwestisbest #washingtonexplored #staycation #whalewatching #orcawhale #sanjuancruises

It's Spring! That means Whale Watching & Cruise Season is upon us! ⚓ First tours start MAY 7th and run only on the weekends until the end of the month. ⚓ Book your trip today: https://www.whales.com/whale-watching/ Get out on the water 🌊and let us show you why the Salish Sea is one of the most beautiful places in the world! 🐋 #bellinghambay #salishseaorcas #sanjuanislands #sanjuancruise #supportlocal #pnwlove #greatupperleft

Thank you to everyone who joined us to cruise in 2021 and making it a fun and successful season out on the water! We enjoyed the sun on our last whale watching cruise of the year this last weekend. It was an eventful Saturday in the San Juans and we spent time with a Humpback Whale named "Anvil" and then were met by a pod of Dalls Porpoises who had some fun with us and frolicked along our bow as we headed back to Bellingham!

Or in seasons past? We would LOVE it if you shared a picture below in the comments! What was your favorite part of the tour? #naturephotography #natureshots #sanjuancruise #bellingham #wildlifephotography #baldeaglesofinstagram #pnwphotography

Whether you are planning a vacation to Western Washington or want to experience adventure ⚓ in your own backyard....we have a cruise for you! 🔆 Memories are being made now! ❤️ Join us! Check out all your options at https://whales.com/ #orcaencounter #birdwatching #wildlife #pugetsound #pnwdiscovered #photooftheday #thatpnwlife #ocean #northwestisbest

Did you know almost ALL the pictures on our social media are taken by guests and our hired 📷 photographers? Yep! These are real views, from actual cruises in the beautiful Salish Sea. 🌊 Let us show you the magic of this incredible land! ⚓ Book today ----> https://whales.starboardsuite.com/ #chuckanutbay #pnw #westernwashington #salish #washingtonexplored #pnwphotography #cruiseships #staycation

Shortcuts

San Juan Cruises - Tours From Bellingham, Washington

We offer a variety of tours, departing from the Alaska Ferry Terminal in Bellingham, WA, ranging from short 1.5 hour evening tours to full-day excursions in the San Juan Islands: Deluxe Whale Watching Adventure Cruise Departing from the charming Fairhaven Historic District in Bellingham you will immediately enter the eastern edge of the 172 island San Juan Archipelago. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the incredible wildlife that abounds including; Bald Eagles, Seals and Sea lions, Porpoise, Seabirds and of course – Orca Whales. The tour includes a shore visit in Friday Harbor and a delicious wild salmon and BBQ chicken lunch served while cruising the scenic San Juan Islands. Trip Overview: • Fully narrated whale watching tour through the San Juan Islands. • We are part of a local whale spotting network, with one of the highest whale sighting success rates in the state. • Guaranteed whales or your next tour is 50% off. • Complimentary Northwest salmon / chicken lunch, with side dishes & dessert. • Shore visit in Friday Harbor. • Deluxe 100’ tour vessel with lots of indoor & outdoor seating. • Onboard breakfast & lunch options. • Full bar with Northwest wines, beers and cocktails. Other Tours Available: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour On Saturdays and Sundays join us aboard our newest vessel, the Chinook, for a narrated afternoon whale watching tour in the San Juans. While underway you'll enjoy a warm lasagna lunch (meat & veggie options available), with salad and dessert. Sunset Whale Watching Tour Come aboard our sunset whale watching tour aboard the Salish Sea. Departing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings this summer, you'll have an excellent chance of viewing a variety of whales and local wildlife, and dine on our delicious lasagna and Caesar salad dinner. Chuckanut Cracked Crab Dinner Cruise Cruise the diversely scenic Chuckanut Coast while enjoying a feast featuring the Northwest's finest Dungeness Crab. The Victoria Star 2 has indoor and outdoor seating, and a full bar featuring a variety of Northwest beers & wines. Cruises go Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the summer. Bellingham Bay BREWers Cruise Wednesday evening beer tasting cruises on Bellingham Bay, featuring 3 Northwest microbreweries and 9 craft beers on every cruise. A variety of delicious snacks and hors d'oeuvres are included. Over 30 breweries in all will be aboard throughout the 2018 summer season. unWINEd On The Bay Wine Tasting Cruise Thursday evening cruises featuring wines from around the world, as well as locally produced wines from the Pacific Northwest. Each week is a different theme, paired with delicious snacks and hors d'oeuvres Sucia Island Picnic Cruise Bring your friends & family for a beach picnic and nature walk on this stunning state park island, only accessible by private boat. There's time to explore on your own, or join our naturalist for a beach walk, viewing tide pools & unique geological features. Saturdays & Sundays in 2018. La Conner & Deception Pass Cruise This tour gives you an opportunity to visit the unique waterfront town of La Conner, and cruise through Deception Pass, well known for its stunning scenery and the oft-photographed Deception Pass Bridge. The crew will serve up a hearty lasagna and Caesar salad lunch while underway.

Brunch On The Bay Cruise Join us aboard the Salish Express for our Sunday morning 2-hour brunch cruise on Bellingham Bay. You’ll enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared feast while taking in spectacular scenery. Enjoy a mimosa or choose one of our other libations, enjoy the company of family and friends, or sit back and watch the scenery unfold as we cruise these scenic waters. Bird Watching Cruise Our naturalists will help you view an amazing variety of birds as we cruise through Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the Skagit coast. In June and July we'll go to Smith Island in search of Tufted Puffins, and other amazing sea birds on a fully narrated tour.