San Juan Whale Watching Aboard The Clipper

ENJOY A SAN JUAN WHALE WATCHING "STAYCATION"

Enjoy a vacation close to home this summer with a day trip or overnight getaway to the San Juan Islands. Nothing is more Northwest than Orca Whales in the San Juan Islands and Clipper Vacations offers a variety of package options. On the Clipper trip, you will learn about the area and whales, and have fun all at the same time.

The Victoria Clipper III departs every morning from Pier 69, on the downtown Seattle waterfront. The vessel heads north on a scenic route through Deception Pass and on to Friday Harbor. On board, passengers can sit back, enjoy breakfast and view the scenery from comfortable inside seating, or from the open top deck while enjoying the sun and salt air. The transit through Deception Pass is awe inspiring and a unique experience, as many vessels are too small for the currents of that passage.

Getting you ready for the upcoming 2.5 hour Whale and Sealife Search excursions, a trained on board Naturalist will teach passengers about some of the wildlife seen along the way, and all about the Orca whales; their habits, lives and also rules for whale watching. After a brief stop in Friday Harbor, you will be out viewing the creatures in their natural habitat. Food, beverages and rental binoculars are available on board, and there are plenty of outdoor viewing areas for everyone to enjoy the whales.

Before heading back to Seattle, there will be about 2.5 hours to see the Town of Friday Harbor and possibly the whale museum. Or, consider staying overnight with a Clipper overnight package which will allow you time to see more of the Island - American Camp, the Lavender Farm, Whale Museum and perhaps take a Kayaking trip.

Day trips start at only $65 per adult when booked online, and kids under 12 are free (one per paying adult). Overnight packages from $199 pp/dbl.

For more details about various "staycations", or to book a reservation, visit www.clippervacations.com or call 800-888-2535.