Connecting Over 2000 Happy Guests to Nature!

San Juan Islands Birding Cruises

An Unforgettable Marine Experience

These thoughtfully designed cruises combine the excitement of wildlife observation with the serenity of island exploration, creating a comprehensive experience that highlights the natural wonders of the Salish Sea.

 

San Juan Birding Cruises depart from Anacortes, Washington

Small group cruises with time on the islands!

May – September

San Juan Islands Birding Cruises are professionally and safely lead by our local Naturalist-Guide and owner Stephanie, with over 30 years experience.

“Loved the diversity of cruising, birding and hiking. The small group size was nice.”

Carol, Whidbey Island

ANACORTES BIRDING CRUISE TO

VENDOVI ISLAND PRESERVE

Saturdays,  May 17, June 14, September 13

8:30 am – 3 pm

$237 p/p

Activity level: EASY

SENIOR FRIENDLY

Group size: 12 – 20 Adventurers

more details below

Cruise Highlights

 

Embark on an extraordinary 2-hour marine journey through the sheltered waters of Fidalgo, Guemes, and Cypress Islands, offering an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience.

 

Seabird Spectacular

  • Pigeon Guillemot
  • Rhinoceros Auklet
  • Marbled Murrelet – highly endangered
  • Sea ducks
  • Shorebirds
  • Raptors

Marine Mammal Watch

  • Orcas
  • Porpoises
  • Seals
  • River Otters

 

 

Vendovi Island Preserve: 3-Hour Exploration

Island Experiences:

  • Birding opportunities on your own though preserved forest, seashore and lookouts
  • Hiking on the well-maintained and easy 3-mile trail system
  • Wildflowers native to grassy meadows
  • Island history

Perfect Picnic Locations:

  • Scenic viewpoints
  • Serene beaches
  • Panoramic landscapes

 

 

The “Hidden Gem” of the San Juan Islands

Vendovi Island Preserve is located between Guemes and Lummi Islands and is owned by the San Juan Preservation Trust.

 

Panoramic Vistas

The voyage provides magnificent scenic vistas of Mount Baker, the North Cascades, the Olympic Mountains, the Salish Sea, and the San Juan Islands archipelago—creating truly spectacular panoramic views!

 

 

Media Recognition

The cruise has garnered attention from local media, with a feature in the  Seattle Times highlighting its exceptional nature and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Enjoy more of Anacortes, make it a weekend Nature Adventure! 

Add the Anacortes Wild Side Eco Tour or the Anacortes Guided Hike on Friday before your Birding Cruise!

Bundling available at checkout.

CANCELLATION PROTECTION offered during checkout is highly recommended

Gift this Unforgettable Birding Adventure

San Juan Islands Birding Cruises

DETAILS

Not included: lunch, taxes & fees, gratuity

What to bring: binoculars, camera, lunch, water, toilet paper/baggie, comfortable walking/tennis shoes and weather appropriate clothing.

Bathrooms: marina, boat, Vendovi Island (closed in September)

Donations encouraged: $5 p/p for SJPT accepted at Vendovi Island donation box

FAQs: How do I get to your area? | Where can I stay? | Booking & Cancellation policy

“The birding cruise is a spectacular experience for seabird observation. I loved how well coordinated Stephanie and the boat captain worked to give us every wildlife viewing opportunity!”

Rae, Bellingham

ANACORTES PUFFIN CRUISE TO

SMITH ISLAND AQUATIC PRESERVE & JAMES ISLAND MARINE STATE PARK

Saturdays, July 12, 26 and August 16

8:30 am – 3 pm

$302 p/p

Activity level: EASY

SENIOR FRIENDLY

Group size: 12 – 20 Adventurers

more details below

Cruise Highlights

 

Embark on an extraordinary 4-hour cruise, along the exposed waters of Fidalgo, Lopez and Whidbey Islands, that presents a unique opportunity to observe and photograph some of the 30 pairs of Tufted puffins that establish their nesting colony on Smith Island from April through September.

During your journey, you’ll likely encounter other Alcids, seabirds, shorebirds and raptors that inhabit these waters.  Remain vigilant throughout the cruise, watching for Orcas, porpoises, seals and river otters that frequent this marine environment.

 

vendovi island birding cruise boat charter

 

Smith and Minor Islands Aquatic Reserve

Smith and Minor Islands Aquatic Reserve is situated off the western shoreline of Whidbey Island in the open waters of the Salish Sea. This protected area is surrounded by Washington State’s largest bull kelp bed, forming a critical marine habitat.  Designated as an Aquatic Reserve in 2010, it represents the most extensive reserve in the Department of Natural Resources system.  As public access onto the islands is prohibited, all wildlife observation takes place from the comfort and safety of the boat, providing an unobtrusive way to look for birds.

 

James Island Exploration

 

explore cypress vendovi islands guided hiking tours

 

Complementing your wildlife viewing, the cruise includes a 2-hour visit to secluded James Island Marine State Park.  This peaceful retreat offers time to enjoy a leisurely lunch on the beach or at shaded picnic tables while soaking in panoramic views.  Short walking paths invite casual exploration of this island gem.

 

Panoramic Vistas

The voyage provides magnificent scenic vistas of Mount Baker, the North Cascades, the Olympic Mountains, the Salish Sea, and the San Juan Islands archipelago—creating truly spectacular panoramic views!

 

rhinocerus auklets

Enjoy more of Anacortes, make it a weekend Nature Adventure!  

Add the Anacortes Wild Side Eco Tour or the Anacortes Guided Hike on Friday before your Birding Cruise!

Bundling available at checkout.

CANCELLATION PROTECTION offered during checkout is highly recommended  

Gift this Unforgettable Birding Adventure

San Juan Islands Birding Cruises

DETAILS

Not included: lunch, taxes & fees, gratuity

What to bring: binoculars, camera, lunch, water, toilet paper/baggie, comfortable walking/tennis shoes and weather appropriate clothing.

Bathrooms: marina, boat, island (vault)

FAQs: How do I get to your area? | Where can I stay? | Booking & Cancellation policy