Washington Wilderness - Olympic National Park & San Juan Islands
United States Small Ship Cruises
Hike, kayak, & whale watch on this small ship cruise in the Pacific Northwest
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from$4895 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The Pacific Northwest sets the stage for this active adventure cruise. Snow-capped mountains rub shoulders with lush rainforests in this huge backcountry - and it’s all yours to explore! Your small boat puts you in this unique environment, providing the perfect launchpad for the small guided group activities on offer.
On your kayaking excursions, find yourself hobnobbing with the kings of the Salish Sea, the orcas and Gray whales, and as you hike, the land giants, bears and Golden Eagles.
You will start and end in Seattle, the gateway to the two standout wilderness areas you will visit: the San Juan Islands Archipelago and Olympic National Park. Dotted with dozens of islands, you will navigate the Salish Sea around Lopez, Orcas, and Sucia Islands. Olympic National Park will showcase her rugged beaches, tumbling waterfalls, and glaciated mountains on the final leg of this incredible journey.
Highlights
- Olympic National Park World Heritage Site
- San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, and Deception Pass
- Kayak and paddleboard protected bays and channels
- Skiff ride the coves, bays, and islands of San Juan
- Hike Hurricane Ridge, Mount Constitution, and rainforests
- Whale, orca, seal, and dolphin watching
- Incredible birdlife
- Small boat, small groups, small footprint
For more, check out all of our Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruises.
Itinerary
Day 1: Seattle, Washington
Day 2: South Puget Sound
Day 3: San Juan Islands
Day 4: Deception Pass / Strait of Juan De Fuca
Day 5: Sucia Island
Day 6: Captain’s choice
Day 7: Olympic National Park
Day 8: SeattleThe planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical, or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. The captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety, even with no advance notice.
Day 1: Seattle, Washington
Seattle was founded along the shores of Elliott Bay and is a unique city especially tuned to adventure. Today, you will set sail via either the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks or picturesque Shilshole Bay and cruise along the city’s shoreline before dropping anchor in a tucked away cove. (D)Day 2: South Puget Sound
Mudflats, watersheds, and a microclimate feed the riches of the South Sound. Explore the intertidal zone by kicking in the mud with your guides looking for anemone and hermit crabs. Kayaking, hiking, and skiff rides are on tap, too—in one of the region's many state parks. At about 100 miles long, Puget Sound offers ample opportunity for observing the serpentined shore as you cruise through Tacoma Narrows and past Point Defiance, Vashon Island, and Bremerton. Cap off your first full day of play watching for Dall’s porpoise, with a front-row view from the bow. (BLD)Day 3: San Juan Islands
You’ve landed in one of the most scenic areas of the Salish Sea. The rocky outcroppings on the many islands play host to harbor seals - and it’s also orca territory. When kayaking, keep your eyes peeled above and below the surface. Go on an intertidal nature walk, hike through the forest to hidden lakes, or “take the high road” on trails that lead to ridges overlooking the islands. Join your expedition team on deck searching for whales, seals, and sea lions as you cruise through the myriad San Juans - no two islands are the same. (BLD)Day 4: Deception Pass / Strait of Juan de Fuca
The wilderness of the Salish Sea will greet you this morning and there are many opportunities to investigate this salty-sea playground of islands. A guided kayak reveals the local inhabitants - sea stars, anemones, jellyfish, perhaps even inquisitive harbor seals. Tides and currents permitting, you will sail through the swirling waters of Deception Pass - where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets Puget Sound. You will drop anchor in a tucked-away cover for the evening. (BLD)Day 5: Sucia Island
With no paved roads or even ferry access, your day on picturesque Sucia Island will be a highlight. This Washington State Marine Park filled with hidden coves and bays boasts a year-round population of four! You feel a million miles away from it all, exploring the intertidal zone with your guides, hiking across the island, and kayaking in a protected bay. Weather permitting, there’s even a barbeque ashore. (BLD)Day 6: Captain’s choice
An early soak in the on-deck hot tub and/or a paddle along the shores of the Olympic Peninsula is the perfect start to your morning. Your Captain sets the course today for explorations in the rain shadow of the Salish Sea. You may find yourself hiking deep into the mossy, towering old-growth of the Olympic Peninsula or beachcombing for anemone and hermit crabs along the shores of Puget Sound. If you prefer, you can kayak and paddleboard, investigate bird rookeries or search for whales in the Sea’s rich emerald waters. (BLD)Day 7: Olympic National Park
Today features Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by rainforest, old-growth forest, and top of the world 360-degree views. Your trek at Hurricane Ridge takes you across fields of sub-alpine flowers in warmer weather and snow-covered hills in the colder months. On a clear day, you can see Canada across to the Straits of Juan de Fuca. This evening will wrap it all up with a farewell dinner and slide show highlighting your week’s adventures. (BLD)Day 8: Seattle
This morning, you will cruise into Seattle either via the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks or at Shilshole Bay. After breakfast, the Captain and crew bid you a fond farewell. Safe travels to all! (B)Be sure to check out our hiking and walking tours, or look at our small boat cruises, specials, and news.
Map
Boats
- Safari Quest
Premium Class Yacht
Pegged as a small boutique yacht, Safari Quest accesses far-flung places, off-limits to bigger boats. Carrying only 22-passengers, spaces are sophisticated, yet cozy, with modern conveniences. The generous lounge and dining area, snug library, comfy cabins, and sun lounge with hot tub give decent space for you to retreat to a nook or to socialize. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in selected cabin
- Onboard meals
- Onboard spirits, wine, beer, & non-alcoholic beverages
- Transfers & baggage handling between airport/vessel
- Entry fees to parks/preserves
- All from-the-vessel activities & equipment
- Expedition/heritage guides & guest experts
- Wellness amenities: hot tub & yoga mats
What’s Not Included
- Travel to/from the start/finish
- Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Port taxes/fees
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
April 8, 15, 22 & 29, May 6 & 13, September 16, 23, & 30, and October 7, 14 & 21, 2022
April 7, 14, 21 & 28, May 5 & 12, September 15, 22, & 29, and October 6, 13 & 20, 2023
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Navigator cabin $ 7092 £ 4043 $ 6,469 € 4734 ₪ 17295 NZ$ 7852 kr 50686 $ 4,895 Pathfinder cabin $ 8831 £ 5034 $ 8,054 € 5895 ₪ 21534 NZ$ 9777 kr 63112 $ 6,095 Admiral cabin $ 9845 £ 5612 $ 8,979 € 6572 ₪ 24007 NZ$ 10900 kr 70360 $ 6,795 Single cabin $ 8686 £ 4951 $ 7,922 € 5798 ₪ 21181 NZ$ 9616 kr 62076 $ 5,995 Charter On request Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 290 £ 165 $ 264 € 193 ₪ 707 NZ$ 321 kr 2071 $ 200 Navigator cabin $ 8113 £ 4625 $ 7,400 € 5416 ₪ 19785 NZ$ 8983 kr 57986 $ 5,600 Commander cabin $ 9852 £ 5616 $ 8,986 € 6576 ₪ 24025 NZ$ 10908 kr 70412 $ 6,800 Captain cabin $ 11011 £ 6277 $ 10,043 € 7350 ₪ 26852 NZ$ 12191 kr 78695 $ 7,600 Single cabin $ 8983 £ 5120 $ 8,193 € 5996 ₪ 21905 NZ$ 9945 kr 64199 $ 6,200 Charter On request Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 290 £ 165 $ 264 € 193 ₪ 707 NZ$ 321 kr 2071 $ 200 *EALRY-BIRD SAVING: Save USD300 per person on any 2023 departures on all boats.
Book and pay deposit by February 15, 2022.Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
The cruise has been designed to accommodate a variety of fitness levels. Whether you are looking to take it easy or are up for a challenge, there is something for everyone. Unless the boat is cruising part of the day, there are active adventure options scheduled most mornings and afternoons. Your onboard guides will advise what activities are offered daily and will work to include everyone. Kayaking excursions take the form of guided paddles that can last 1-4 hours and open paddling is at your own pace. Hiking ranges from rigorous treks over rugged terrain for the fit to easy strolls along the beach. Inflatable skiff rides require you to sit back and relax, with little to no effort needed. Paddleboarding and snorkeling (if offered) are at your own pace. Morning yoga classes cater to all levels and relaxing in the hot tub is as for well everyone.
Airport Info
Fly into/out Seattle International Airport (SEA).
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight into Seattle should arrive no later than 2:00 pm.
On disembarkation day (Day 8) your flight from Seattle should leave no earlier than 12:00 pm.Local Travel
Transfers to/from Seattle Airport is included in the tour price.
Day of Rest
Any day can be a day of rest!
Recommended
Charters
If you have a large group and would like to charter an entire boat, please contact us for available dates and boats. In addition to the scheduled dates listed (please see pricing), further dates may be available on request. All dates are subject to availability at the time of booking. Itineraries can be customized to suit your individual needs and as safety and operational constraints allow. Please send us your preferred destination, dates, boat, and the number of people (adults and children under 13) in your party, and we will work on providing you with the best available options! The relevant charter terms and conditions will apply.Remarks
A variety of activities are included in this tour.
Hiking:
A range of hikes - of varying difficulty and terrain - are available throughout your tour. Walk through the old-growth forest in state parks along Deception Pass or in South Puget Sound. Alternatively, follow a deer path across a wild island or hike across fields of flowers in warmer weather, as you look up at snow-covered hills at any time. The trek to a peak may offer panoramic views of the San Juan Archipelago far below you. A good pair of hiking boots is recommended. Hiking poles are available.
Kayaking and paddleboarding:
The small ship is stocked with paddleboards and tandem sea kayaks. Open paddle at your own pace or join a short guided paddle to a planned destination lasting one to four hours. The San Juan Islands are filled with hidden coves and beautiful bays filled with saline. Investigate a bird rockery or follow the edge of a rocky cliff, peering through the emerald waters for sea stars and anemones. It is a great way to get up close to wildlife and explore the area.
Skiff rides:
Take a small inflatable boat ride and discover the surrounding area. Your skiff captains are pros and offer insights into the history, geology, and ecology of the islands as they show you cormorants gathered on rocky outcroppings, or perhaps a whale or orca sighting. Nighttime excursions are lit by the glow of bioluminescence in the water below as well as by the stars above. Minimal effort is required.
Beachcoming:
Explore one of the many tidal pools and beaches on foot. Seaweeds and kelp are foundational parts of the food chain that attract myriad marine life to this region. Shallow tidal areas are colored with pink, purple, and orange starfish. Tiny maroon crabs scuttle under rocks at your approach. Your expedition guide may initiate you into the mysterious lives of the sea urchin and the gumboot chiton.
Wildlife watching:
On the bow, keep your eyes open and binoculars handy so you’re ready to spot Dall’s porpoises, bald eagles, or sea lions. Photographing orcas or harbor seals can be a highlight of your trip. In the woods, look for black-tailed deer, red fox, and pileated woodpeckers. On rocky heights, you might see a mountain goat or an Olympic marmot.
No scuba diving is available on this itinerary.Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
For US citizens, documents for travel within the Pacific Northwest are the same for any other U.S. state. If you are flying to Alaska within the United States, you only need a valid government photo ID. A list of accepted forms of ID can be found on the TSA website.
For Non-U.S. citizens a passport is required. Please research documentation and visas needed to enter the United States of America.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by UnCruise Adventures.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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