Washington Wilderness - Olympic National Park & San Juan Islands

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.

Tour Operator