GRAY WHALE WATCHING AND COUPEVILLE VIA VICTORIA CLIPPER III

New this year, Clipper Vacations will be offering an excursion that allows passengers to not only enjoy the magnificent Gray Whales transiting our area, but also spend some time in the historic town of Coupeville on Whidbey Island.

The Gray Whale and Sea Life Search will be aboard the Victoria Clipper III, departing from Pier 69 in Seattle at 9:30am. A naturalist on board will educate passengers about the Gray Whales and also identify other marine life and birds seen along the way. These magnificent marine mammals reach up to 50 feet in length and can weigh 35 tons. Each year they migrate north from Baja, Mexico to Alaska with calves in tow. These baleen whales are often spotted feeding close to shore in shallow water between Seattle and north Whidbey Island.

In addition to the Whale Search, the Victoria Clipper III will dock for 1.5 hours in the quaint town of Coupeville on Whidbey Island. Passengers will have time to explore this historic town, enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries and view the skeletons of a gray whale, porpoise and sea lion in the red wharf building where the boat docks.

Since the best viewing of Gray Whales is in March and April, there are only 6 scheduled departures dates: Saturdays March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 and Friday April 23. Additional dates may be added for large groups or school field trips. The boat departs from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle at 9:30am and returns to Pier at 4:00pm. Adults are $44-$49 each and children under 12 are FREE (one per paying adult). Additional children are half price.

Reservations are available at 800-888-2535.