Orca Whale Watching...
For The Budget Minded

If you've never experienced Orca Whale watching, it is a sight to see. Why? These whales are unlike any other whales, they live and travel in pods, or families. They hurdle themselves into the air at amazing heights and deliver a splash of water that's unequal to the typical "cannon ball" splash of the greatest pool party goers.

One of the greatest viewing platforms of the Orca or Killer Whale is in Washington State's San Juan Islands. There are a host of private companies that will take you aboard their vessel and run you to the most common areas for a fabulous time of Orca Whale watching. However, if the budget is tight, consider taking a 2-hour round trip cruise from Anacortes to Friday Harbor aboard a local ferry. The costs are relatively low compared to a private whale watching enterprise, about $15/adults and cheaper for children.

On board the Washington State ferry, you'll not only have the opportunity to view the Orca Whale but you'll have the essentials too, like a host of food items, bathrooms, large viewing platforms and fairly comfortable seating. Of course, you'll get the opportunity to view the San Juan Islands up close as the ferry cruises past a few of the over 700 islands. And you can take some time to explore Friday Harbor or jump off the ferry at another destination. Just make sure you have the ferry schedule, and understand the departure times; you do not want to be stranded over night waiting for the next ferry to pick you up, your Orca Whale watching experience may turn into an unneeded adventure.

By far the easiest is to leave your vehicle at the Anacortes Ferry parking lot. There are lower and upper parking lot's, some require a little more walking than others. Make sure you arrive with ample time to park, purchase your ticket(s) and board the vessel. We arrive at least an hour prior to the vessels departure in the summer months. If you plan on taking your vehicle, plan in advance for some of the sailing times require reservations due to the enormity of visitors coming to the San Juan Islands.

We hope you see lot's of Orca Whale families and enjoy one of sought off adventures in the Pacific Northwest.

Craig Dahl - and the Editorial Staff