San Juan Islands is known for the best orca whale watching in the world.  At this time there are 89 Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW). These orca whales spend five to six months a year around San Juan Island.  There are several whale watching and wildlife tour companies on San Juan Island, plus several whale watching companies that depart from other islands. 

The San Juan Islands enjoy the “rain shadow” effects of the Olympics Mountains and receive only about 17 to 20 inches of rain per year. Summers in the San Juan Islands are usually dry with calm winds and clear skies. This makes being on the water around San Juan Island superb. It is rare for people to experience sea sickness. Waves over one foot are seldom seen spring to fall. The water and wave conditions around the San Juan Islands make it perfect for whale watching and wildlife viewing.